Does Your Deck Need Remodeled or Replaced?
Before spring arrives, homeowners with decks should inspect the structures to see what damage has accumulated over the past year. When the winter weather in Pennsylvania subsides for a few days, take a look at your deck to determine what needs to be fixed. If you see damage on your deck, our team at Deer Ridge Construction can easily remodel it for you to ensure it is usable when spring comes. Some damage, however, requires a full deck replacement. Here, we’ve detailed the difference between needing a deck remodel and a deck replacement.
When to Remodel Your Deck
When the Frame is Still Stable
If the structure’s frame and foundation are not compromised, then a deck remodel will be adequate. When the foundation is stable, you’ll easily be able to complete simple repairs. Rotting is usually the biggest sign the frame is compromised, but minor rot can be taken care of if you’re on top of it by cleaning the deck regularly. When the frame is stable, replacing surface features of the deck will extend its life.
Minor Damages
When the deck has a few minor damages from constant use, repairing them will help your deck remain in good condition. Minor wear and tear is generally easy to maintain. Here are two of the most common damages you’ll need to address:
Deck Boards
Repair any loose or damaged boards in the deck. Small cracks, warping, and splinters in the deck, especially wooden ones, need to be repaired to ensure they’re safe for use. This may involve replacing a few deck boards completely. We generally use high-quality composite materials for our decks, but those made with wood will often splinter and need to be remodeled. If you notice that a lot of the deck boards need to be replaced, then it may be better to do a full deck replacement.
Railings
Wobbly railings are a huge safety hazard for a deck. If you notice that they are unsteady, make sure all fasteners are tightened and add more deck screws if needed to make them more stable. Any rusty hardware on the deck should also be replaced, as it can cause damage. If repairing the fasteners and hardware doesn’t help, then we recommend you replace the railing. Our team can easily replace just the railing to make the deck more secure.
Needs a Refreshed Look
Often, after years of use, your deck will need a refresh rather than a full replacement. This can happen when deck boards are dirty or faded from UV damage, or the design is outdated. You can powerwash the deck to remove dirt and restore its appearance. Wooden decks can be restained, and composite decks can be resealed to uplift their looks. Our team can easily elevate an outdated design by adding new railings, built-in seating, or new deck materials. If your current deck is wooden, but you want it to be more durable, we recommend switching to composite materials. They have a longer lifespan of around 25 years and require less maintenance, offering long-term value for your outdoor living space.
When to Replace Your Deck
Structural Issues
If the foundation of the deck or key structural components are compromised, then the deck must be removed and rebuilt. A compromised structure poses a huge safety risk. Areas like the posts and beams, joists, stairs, footings, support beams, etc., should be inspected to ensure the structural integrity of the deck. These areas can crack, sink, or become loose, which can make the deck unsafe. Sagging or warping in the structure is an indicator that the foundation is unstable. If you notice that a lot of these areas are damaged, we find it more efficient and cost-effective to replace the whole deck.
Significant Rotting
A few small areas of rot can be cleaned, but widespread rot can be very difficult and expensive to remove. It also leads to structural issues, especially if the support beams are rotting. Removing it is a hassle and has no guarantee that it won’t grow back quickly. It would be more cost-effective to just replace everything so you won’t deal with expensive mold removal constantly. We recommend switching to composite materials like TimberTech’s Vintage Collection, as they are resistant to rot.
Deck No Longer Meets Your Needs
After many years, it’s likely your current deck might not meet your needs anymore. Or you may have moved into a new home, and the deck doesn’t meet your requirements. You may need more space, want to add something like an outdoor kitchen, or the deck materials may be too old to keep up with repairs. Whatever your new needs require, our team can demolish the old deck and build a new one that accommodates your new lifestyle.
Deck Services with Deer Ridge
At Deer Ridge Construction, we can build new, remodel, or fully replace a deck for Pennsylvania homeowners. We can create a beautiful outdoor living space that will last for decades. We can also do other services for your home, like additions and re-siding. Check out some of our featured deck projects to see what our team can do for you. If you’re ready to discuss your project and start a quote with us, contact us today.
