Every few years or so, a deck needs repainting or repair. This is routine maintenance; how will you be able to tell when you need a new deck entirely?
Decks are beautiful additions to yards that need that extra bit of support. Not only do decks add to the value of your home, but they also add to your enjoyment and satisfaction. You can do just about anything you want that’s related to the outdoors when you build a deck. But every few years or so, a deck needs repainting or repair. This is routine maintenance; how will you be able to tell when you need a new deck entirely? Read on to find out.
- Floorboards are wobbling
This is probably the easiest thing to inspect when analyzing your deck. Simply walking across can give you a good evaluation of how many boards are out of place. This can be an indicator that your supports are loose, or that your wood is rotting. This can be a serious safety issue. You need to replace your deck right away if you find that this is happening regularly, and if hammering down a few nails isn’t doing the job.
- Your railings are loose
It’s surprisingly easy for railings to pop off if they’re loose. You may have experienced some of your vertical supports being knocked out. If you have a dog that likes to stick its head through these spaces, it can happen more frequently. You should always be checking your railings, though; a loose board can be dangerous and compromising to your deck.
- Posts are rotting
Go check the supports of your deck that run into the ground–are the bases intact? If the wood looks moldy or like it’s decaying, this is a catastrophic sign. Your deck could collapse if the damage goes any further! Always keep a close eye on your deck posts, especially if you don’t have treated wood.
- It’s not up to code
Yes, there are deck codes. These are laws that builders have to follow. If your home is a few years old, or your deck was built a while ago, it could be out of date. Codes are there for a reason! Check your local deck codes to ensure your deck is safe.
Need a new deck? Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence can build it for you!
Mid- Atlantic Deck and Fence has been building custom fences and decks throughout Maryland since 1987. We also offer gazebos, pagodas, and screen porches. We are one of Maryland’s leading and most innovative deck and fence companies. Click Here to request an estimate for your fence today!
Mid-Atlantic Deck and Fence offers many different styles of standard fencing and decking, as well as custom built designs to choose from. We are also one of Maryland’s only manufacturers and installers of vinyl fencing. If you have any questions about decking in Baltimore, please contact Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence (MAD Fence) today by clicking here or calling 1-800-833-9310.
Tags: deck maintenance, Deck Replacement