A great outdoor deck is the pride and joy of many homeowners. Decks not only bring a sense of style and calm to our households, but also add value to our properties. We use them for BBQs, parties and any gathering celebrating the outdoors. But year after year, our decks tend to incur more than a little wear and tear. Rough weather, baking summers, termites, and fungi are just some of the culprits for our deck’s demise.
So the question is, how do you know when it’s time for a little deck repair and maintenance, or for a full-scale deck replacement? Treating your deck right will not only save you money, but it’ll give you many more years of use out of your outdoor space. With that in mind, let’s look at the signs it’s time to replace a deck.
Sagging
When you notice significant sagging in the middle of your deck, structural damage is usually the cause. This can be seen in the horizontal or vertical support beams below the deck, or even in the concrete footings which hold the entire deck in place. If you see any of these issues, it could mean costly and potentially harmful risks to your family. Sagging most definitely is cause for deck replacement.
Rot
Excess moisture and pooling water can lead to dry rot taking over your deck. When rain, leaking water or extreme condensation accumulates on your deck, you can be sure that mildew, mold and fungus are not far behind. To prevent rot, you’ve got to stop the moisture buildup as soon as you can, as well as get your deck inspected every two years. But when you find rot in more than a few isolated places, it’s time to replace.
Termites
Termite damage is one of the most common and most destructive influences on any wood structure. Termites can easily and quickly break down even the strongest of wood decks, and since they are load-bearing, if the damage is severe, especially around support beams, it’s time to replace your deck. If the damage is limited to a few areas that do not hold weight, consider light deck repair in those spots.
Warped Wood
Split or warped wood is a sign that your deck may need to be replaced. Because our decks are literally always exposed to the harsh elements of nature, if your deck wasn’t built properly, or the wood wasn’t properly sealed, it can weaken over time.
Cracking
If you’ve got a concrete outdoor deck with significant cracks from water damage, long-term erosion or soil movement, it might be time to replace your deck. Though concrete is one of the strongest materials to build a deck with, cracks can form and expand quite quickly if you’re not careful.
When it finally is time for a full deck replacement, work with the experienced, qualified professionals at WICR. With over 40 years of experience in the industry, WICR brings their unparalleled expertise to every project. Whether you need deck waterproofing, coating, maintenance, or a regular inspection, WICR will get the job done right, every time.
