Do you need to repair or replace your deck?
This a question that every homeowner has to answer eventually. Time always takes a toll on a deck. Sometimes it’s the natural deterioration of the deck. Other times, it can be the result of a guest or yourself being less than careful. Most people can probably account for the number of times when people have been less than gentle with your outdoor space.
Regardless, there will be a point where you have to fix these problems. However, the way you tackle these damages will vary depending on certain factors. Sometimes, a little repair job will do the trick. But sometimes circumstances call for more drastic action. So, when should you repair or replace your deck? Here are a few things to consider before deciding!
First of all, how old is your deck? Over time, your deck will take a beating from the weather and aging. Common issues will pop up, including:
If your deck is newer, repairing these issues as they come is typically better. Fixing problems as they occur will help the longevity of your deck. However, if your deck is older, these issues will often compound with age. Furthermore, older decks can be outdated making them less structurally sound. If your deck is almost fifteen years old, replacing is often the best option.
Another important factor is safety. Is your deck safe? Before considering what is the best option for a deck, you should fully inspect your outdoor space’s condition. To ensure your deck is structurally sound and safe, you should look at:
All of these areas play a role in the overall stability of your deck. Inspecting them will help you catch any problems early, allowing you to repair them. However, if components like the ledger board are pulling away, your deck will need more than a repair job. It. is a good idea to get your deck inspected if it’s older than 10 years old.
If you are not confident inspecting your own deck, Miles Bradley offers deck inspections!
Finally, there is the price tag. How much is going to cost to repair or replace your deck? A good rule of thumb to go by is that if the repairs cost more than a deck, then you should replace it. After all, what is the point of repairing your old deck when you can buy a new one for cheaper? The best way to know the cost of your deck’s repair or replacement is to get a quote from a construction company. If you want the best deck builders, then you should contact Miles Bradley.
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If you are looking to save time and money when cleaning and setting up your deck next spring, now is the perfect time to get a head start on preparing your deck for the winter. There are a few precautionary steps that you can take which will eliminate the surprise and/or expense come spring
Walk around your deck and search for cracked or chipped areas of your deck’s finish. You will want to fix these problems as they will worsen and possibly damage your wood come spring. Depending on the type of finish you have on your deck will determine the proper products for removing areas of finish that need to be restored.Following the above steps can significantly save you from costly repairs. If your deck is already in need of replacement contact Miles Bradley Building and Remodeling in Michigan or Chicago, IL today, and ask about our low maintenance decks, eliminating the need for winter preparation!