Signs you need to invest in a new deck

By Austin Dease

Millions of people buy homes in the United States each year. If you have recently purchased a home, then your main goal needs to be keeping your investment in good shape. Many homes have decks attached to them. With a large deck, you can entertain guests and enjoy the fantastic weather common in the summer and spring months.

As most homeowners know, maintaining the vital parts of a home is the best way to avoid serious repair issues down the road. Without maintenance, there will come a time when your deck will be too damaged to repair. When faced with this problem, you will have to hire deck contractors to replace this important part of your residence. Here are some signs you need to invest in a new deck.

The Deck Posts Are Rotting

Approximately 850,000 of the new homes constructed in the United States feature decks. If your home has a wooden deck, get into the habit of inspecting it for wear and tear on a regular basis. As you inspect your deck, be sure to pay close attention to the condition of the posts. The posts provide support and structural integrity. Since these posts are made from wood, there is a good chance they will start to rot over time.

If you notice that one or more of your deck posts are showing signs of rot, you should take action immediately. Ignoring this common problem can result in your deck collapsing and injuries occurring. This is also a good time to hire a deck contractor to take a look at your problems. In some cases, the rotten posts can be replaced, but often the only way to fix this issue is by completely rebuilding the deck. While a new deck will be costly, it is worth the investment due to the appeal and functionality it will add to your residence.

The Floorboards Are Wobbling

Walking out on a deck and soaking up the beauty of nature is a great experience. However, if your existing deck has damaged components, you will be unable to use it as intended. If you start to notice that the floorboards of your deck are wobbling, getting them fixed should be your top concern. Generally, wobbling floorboards are caused by loose supports. Rotten wood can also lead to your floorboards wobbling and failing to support the weight put on them.

Before you completely replace the boards, take the time to look at the screws that hold them in place. In some instances, loose screws can cause problems with wobbling boards. If the screws are tight, then hiring professionals to replace the damaged floorboards is crucial.

The Railings Are Loose

Another problem that may be a sign it is time to replace your existing deck is loose railings. The railings on your deck are designed to offer the people who use it with more stability and safety. However, if these railings are wobbly and loose, it can lead to slip-and-fall accidents occurring.

Figuring out whether you need a new deck or just a new railing is only possible with the help of a reputable contractor. Once a contractor inspects your existing deck, they can provide a professional opinion regarding whether or not you need to replace it.

Don’t Let Your Deck Fall Into a State of Disrepair

Failing to provide your deck with the maintenance it needs can lead to it falling into a state of disrepair. Getting professional help with the deck repair/replacement you need can help you avoid expensive mistakes.

–