Money, time, hassel; there are endless reasons to avoid admitting that you need a new sundeck. But waiting too long for a deck renovation is a dangerous game.
Old, unmaintained decks pose serious safety risks, with the likelihood of failure increasing over time. Beyond safety, the old decks are an eyesore!
When you have any of these 7 signs, it’s time to take action and finally get a new deck:
1. Age (yours and the deck’s)
The average deck will last 10-25 years. As most deck’s support structures are made from wood, even with chemical sealants and coatings, any organic material will degrade overtime. Like changing a timing belt in your car, consider redoing your deck before you run into any major issues.
Just like decks have an expiration date, your willingness and ability to maintain them does, too. High-maintenance decking like timber can be traded-in for low maintenance alternatives like Duradek vinyl and capped composite.
2. Selling Your Home
A dodgy deck can be seen by potential home buyers as more of a liability and an asset–especially in a competitive real estate market. You can make the best impression possible and alleviate any buyer contingencies with a simple deck facelift. Chances are, you’ll regain your small investment tenfold!
3. Spongy Spots
Areas of your deck that are soft underfoot are mean one thing: rot. When rot is apparent at the surface of the deck, the risk of you (or a loved one or guest) falling through is real. If rot persists to the support structures of the deck, a full-fledged deck collapse is possible. That’s the stuff of nightmares!
4. A Growing Family
As your family grows, so should your deck. Making memories on the porch is something every parent should have the chance to enjoy with their kids. Some materials are better than others, like slip resistant, splinter-free vinyl decks. Thankfully, they’re also an affordable decking option.
5. Leaks
Waterproof decks (vinyl, fiberglass, and coated decks) showing water spots, mold, or drywall softness below mean you’ve got a problem. Overtime, seams and seals weather and can allow water ingress. Regular cleaning and maintenance will prolong the life of your deck, but once it’s sprung a leak, the longer you wait to take action, the more costly it will be.
6. Shaking and Sagging
Even newer, well-built decks can be victim to settling and shifting that may compromise a deck’s integrity. Unsecure footings, loose joints, and degraded materials spell trouble. It doesn’t take a pro to know that signs of an unstable deck are serious. Bring in a contractor immediately to inspect any deck that shows signs of instability.
7. Fading and Stains
Decking materials fade and warp over time from temperature fluctuations, weather, and UV exposure. Deck built under trees are at risk of pine needles and leaves prematurely aging them with irreversible stains. While a stained deck will likely be safe and functional, it’s an eyesore worth curing. Once you refinish the deck, regular cleaning can ward off untimely weathering.
