Is it Time to Replace Your Deck?

For many summers your deck has held barbecues attended by you and your friends and family.  For several times during the fall you’ve watched as the multicolored leaves drifted slowly onto your deck and waited for the snows of winter.  During winter you’ve adorned it with lights and ornaments.  In springtime you and your family finally came out onto it to begin another season of outdoor gatherings.  For years, in general, it has been a place for you to gather as it has served as a source of pride and envy by others.  But now your deck is getting a little long in the tooth.  It isn’t looking as sturdy as it did before and understandably you are becoming more than a little concerned with the safety of your family and the value of your home.  Here are some signs that it may be time to replace your wood deck.

Age:  How old is your deck?  If it is more than 7 years old it probably needs an inspection at the very least and replacement at most.  Time, weather and exposure to the elements can all conspire to age your deck forcing you to make the decision on whether to have it repaired or replaced.  Our team at Decks by Ziec handles deck repair in NJ. 

Check the railing:  Often when people gather on decks they tend to lean on the railing.  This loosens the railing over time and can lead to serious injury if not repaired or replaced.  If only the railing is showing signs of weakness then it may be possible to have it replaced and not the entire deck.

Rotting posts:  Check the base of your deck’s posts.  If there is rotting present in one or two post then it may be possible to forgo replacing the entire deck.  If there is significant rotting present in all posts then it may be time to replace the entire deck.  We are custom deck builders in NJ who can replace your deck with a wood or composite deck.

Loose Joists:  Joists – which hold the deck up – should be checked for rotting.  Typically water can work its way into the joists below the deck.  This is a sign that it may be time for a new deck.

Inspect the deck’s surface:  If only a few planks are damaged then repair may be all that is needed.  If, on the other hand, multiple planks are warped, cracked or twisted then replacement may be the best option. 

Loose Ledger boards:  The ledger board attaches the deck to your home.  If it begins pulling away from your home then it may be time for a new deck. 

Finally, the best way to determine whether your deck needs to be repaired or replaced is to have an inspection done of the entire structure.  Decks by Ziec can repair, replace, restore and refinish your deck ensuring that you will have a safe, pleasant place to gather all year round.

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