How do you know when it’s time to replace your deck?
Your deck is your outdoor haven—a place where you can relax, recharge, and reflect, whether that’s by kicking your feet up and reading a book or entertaining guests. But that also means your deck needs to be kept in good condition. While maintenance can go a long way in preventing unstable posts or creaky boards, there will inevitably come a time when you need to look into deck replacement.
Smaller repair jobs like filling cracks and holes are easy enough to DIY, but a big task like deck replacement is likely best left to the professionals. A deck installer is going to know how to replace boards, build new deck railing, or replace your deck outright, all while doing so safely and efficiently. Is it time to replace your deck?
Consider Your Deck’s Age
Most traditional wood decks are only going to last around 10 to 15 years before they start seriously warping or rotting. Composite and polymer decks can last quite a while longer, sometimes up to 25 years. Some capped polymer decks will even last 50 years without needing replacement! Find out what your deck is made of if you’re unsure, and find out how long it’s been around; knowing this alone might answer whether you’re in for deck replacement or not. Superficial damage like splintering or fading is easy enough to fix, however.
Inspect Your Deck Thoroughly
Before you start calling local deck professionals, it’s important that you do an inspection and get an understanding of what problems your deck may have. For example, if your ledger board (the long board that connects your deck to the side of your home) is significantly rotting or damaged, that’s a sign your deck should be replaced, otherwise, you risk it collapsing.
You should also take a look beneath your deck. Note the status of any beams or joists under your deck, as these typically act as a support system but are susceptible to damage, particularly water damage. If diagnosed early, these issues don’t usually call for a full deck replacement. As time goes on, though, it becomes more likely that deck replacement is the best solution to the problem.
The more problem areas you have, the more likely it is that you’ll need to replace the whole thing. Problems tend to compound with a deck and if one spot has significant water damage, warping, or cracking, it’s likely that other areas do too.
Upgrade Your Home and Reach Out to Freedom Fence Today
Whether you want a brand new patio in the spring or want to install a beautiful new wood fence, Freedom Fence and Home has the expertise, competitive prices, and professional service you need. Freedom Fence and Home has over 50 years of fencing experience in the Baltimore County area, Harford County, Essex, White Marsh, and Bel Air area, and we pride ourselves on giving our customers the best customer service experience possible. To see examples of our work and pick the right backyard feature for your home, explore our website. To get started on planning your project, give us a call at (443) 271-6841, or visit us online. For more information, tips, and updates about Freedom Fence and Home, follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.