Yes, it may
be cold outside, and you may not be spending much time in your yard, but you
may have noticed that your deck is not in the best of shape. Perhaps, at the
end of the summer, it was obvious that repairs or replacement would likely be
imminent in order to continue usage and enjoyment for the years to come? Since
spring and summer are now on the horizon, this could be considered a great time
to perform an initial inspection. Then you can sit down to determine what
measures should be undertaken to ensure that you can take full advantage of
your outdoor space when the sunshine is plentiful and pleasant.
To Replace or Not to
Replace?
The average maintained wood deck has a life
expectancy of 10-15 years. The type of wood can impact the lifespan. Exposure
to the elements causes depreciation, so no matter the age or material, decks
should be inspected thoroughly for wear and tear prior to each season that the
deck is in use.
If you are gazing at
rotted or chipping wood, it could be possible to salvage the entire deck by
considering board replacement, with staining or painting to match the existing
planks. A shaky step or loose railing may need intervention as simple as a new
nail or screw. While repairs of this nature can certainly be considered an
inconvenience, they may not always justify the need for a full deck replacement. On the other hand,
if any integral component of the structure is severely compromised, it will
likely indicate that a new deck is in your future.
Ask Yourself These Questions
Examining each vital aspect of the deck is
recommended to usher you in the right direction. First, what is the age of your
existing deck? If it is a newer deck, hopefully everything is still in
excellent condition. If it has been around for years, does the deck have
obvious flaws that can compromise safety or limit ability to access usable
spaces? Give any railings a little jiggle to see if they are loose or
unsteady. Are they safe if someone were to lean on them?
Is there noticeable
sagging or is it obvious that the deck is no longer level? This is an
indication that there may be damage underneath. If water gathered by the base of the posts has caused erosion
around or has rotted only one or two posts, it is possible to replace without
tearing down the entire framework.
However, widespread rot or
damage to posts can compromise the entire structure. Hire a professional to determine the extent of compromise.
The joists holding up the
deck are equally important to ensure the deck’s stability. They are hard to
replace without tearing apart the deck, so if they are rotting or soft, it is
likely time to rebuild. Unfortunately, these signs may be indicative of other
home or yard issues which you may need to investigate as well.
A term you may be less
familiar with is ledger board. The ledger board is the portion of deck that
attaches to the house. If the ledger board is pulling away it could cause the
deck to collapse under certain conditions, which is a tell-tale sign that you
are heading towards replacement. Finally, you should check for evidence of
termite damage that can severely compromise the deck.
What to Consider Before Moving Forward with
A New Deck
If the deck is not found to be structurally
beyond repair, but will require a large amount of work, consider the costs
associated with both the repairs and with replacement (remember to take into
consideration all costs that may be related to a new install including removal
of the existing deck). You may find that it makes more sense to replace based
on the short and long-term costs attributed to repairs. If you have not
received feedback from a professional, a site such as a Home Advisor can
provide an estimate of what you may be looking at when budgeting for repairs.
Maybe safety is not the issue, but you have
grand plans for relaxing and entertaining and your current deck size or layout
don’t jive with your visions. If you are seeking replacement solely due to
aesthetics or usage, write down how you plan to use the space, such as for
barbecuing and hosting parties or setting up lounge chairs for rest and
relaxation. This will assist with planning the layout and size of the new build.
Or, there are many new materials which will reduce the amount of maintenance
and improve longevity of your investment. This alone may sway your decision.
How much is your house worth and how long do
you plan to reside there? If you believe that a move is in the near future, a modest new installation may be wise. Size matters — the size
of the deck should be complementary to the size of your home. How will your
property taxes be affected? It is possible that your property taxes will increase after adding a new deck. What changes need to be made to your home
insurance policy? The cost of the new deck should be communicated to your
insurance provider so that additional coverage can be added to your policy.
Time plays a major factor in making the
decision. Once you commit to replacement, you’ll have to find a contractor and
then work through the details including materials, size, and any add-ons such
as lighting or coverings. There will also be wait times associated with
permits and inspection. The best
time of year for installation also comes into play. Just keep in mind
that as the warmer weather approaches, the demand for installations increases.
You’ll want to be able to schedule your build at a time that will allow you to
get maximum usage of your amazing new space.