Outdoor living spaces are always subject to basic wear and tear. Regular cleaning and maintenance can make your deck last longer, but after a certain point, compounded damages to your deck can make it dangerous. Whether your deck has a pest infestation or has simply seen better days, here are some tell-tale signs that it’s time for a new deck.
If you purchased your home over a decade ago, it could definitely be time for a new deck. Classic wooden decks should be replaced every 10-15 years, whereas composite decks can have 25 or 30 year warranties. Also, sometimes building codes change over the years; whether you constructed the deck yourself or inherited the deck from previous home owners, it’s important to know what building codes and safety measures your community has in place.
If you are not sure if your deck is up to code or if you have some safety concerns, have an inspector come have a look. They’ll be able to tell you the cost for repairs or if you’re just better off tearing it down and building a new deck.
If you’re noticing any structural issues on your deck – such as sagging, leaning, or wobbling – these can indicate that your deck is deteriorating. Sometimes simple repairs can address these issues; for example, adding a support beam or replacing worn deck boards. But if your deck is mostly rotted, you’ll notice that your deck has soft, spongy boards and maybe a greenish or black tint – indicating mold and mildew.
If the issues are more substantial and your deck has lost most of its structural integrity, a replacement will be necessary to keep your deck space safe.
When it comes to deck-destroying pests, termites often come to mind. Yes, termites can definitely cause significant damage to your deck, but carpenter ants and bees are also not friends to our wooden outdoor living spaces. Termites and carpenter bees chew or burrow through wood to create their nests, where they’ll breed and create more little pests to feed on your deck. Carpenter ants act as nature’s composters, eating away dead leaves and sticks, so they can cause damage to your deck if they are attracted by excess debris.
Keeping your deck clear of organic matter, as well as continually inspecting the structural integrity of your deck, can help you nip any pest problems in the bud. But, unfortunately, if an infestation goes unnoticed or untreated for too long, then you’ll need a new deck.
A new deck does not always have to be a result of damage or pests. If you bought a house with an existing deck, maybe you want to build something more suited to your family’s needs and taste! You might opt for new composite decking, instead of the classic treated wood. Or you might want to introduce some new deck features like second floor deck access or extend the structure further out into your yard. The choice is yours!
Whether your old deck was damaged or you are simply ready for a change, there is no downside to building a new deck: it will increase your home value and give you more space to spend time with family and friends.
If you are ready for a new deck, Whitmer Decks is here to help! We specialize in designing and constructing custom outdoor living spaces. We have been proudly serving North Virginia for over 20 years, sourcing high-quality composite decking materials for our clients. Our team is known locally for our innovative building techniques and friendly customer service.
Contact our team of experts today for a free quote.
