A typical wooden deck can last from 15 to 40 years. This will depend on the materials used and the quality of routine maintenance performed. However, if your deck is showing signs of age and is over 20 years old, you should start considering a deck replacement. When the cost of repairs starts to approach the cost of replacing the entire platform, you should consider replacing everything.
Even roofing materials that are structurally sound are still old, and you may have to replace them anyway in just a few years. The trick is to figure out where that line is. Something like a single rotten pole is difficult to replace, since the surrounding beams need to be reinforced with temporary supports while the pole is being changed to a new one, but it does not justify the cost of a new platform. Even replacing several poles hardly equates to the cost of a completely new deck.
However, the exception is if your posts are buried in the ground instead of leaning on footers. This is an older practice and, although it is still used at times, it has a serious drawback. Buried poles tend to rot below ground level, drastically shortening their lifespan. If you see this when repairing a platform, it is definitely worth thinking seriously about a complete reconstruction with concrete feet.
While you can make changes to your deck to preserve its appearance, you should replace it if there are structural safety risks. Invest in a new platform if the repair costs are the same as when upgrading everything. Here are some signs that it's time to replace a cover. Deck owners can sometimes only afford repairs, which usually means replacing deck boards and railings.
The last thing they want to hear is that they have to replace everything. Failing siding or windows may look bad or leak, but a failing cover may collapse. Someone injured in a roof collapse, 6,500 people have been since 2003, according to a Chicago Tribune story two years ago, can sue the homeowner for damages. Atlanta Law Firm Kalka& Baer Even Announces Deck Collapse Litigation as One of Its Specialties.
And if someone sues, that would quickly become the liability of the roofing contractor. If your deck is old and outdated, a new deck is usually the best option, as it fixes any damage and also ensures years of longevity. But if the platform is fairly new and remains structurally sound, fixing the platform may be a good possibility. In fact, the decision to replace a cover must take into account the return on investment.
Research has shown that a terrace makes the house more attractive to buyers. A deck should be seen as a long-term investment. However, that longevity should not mean that the cover requires constant maintenance. If only one or two boards are spoiled while everything else remains solid, it is possible to repair those points.
But if you see a lot of damage to the platform surface, it's probably smarter to choose a deck replacement. The average life expectancy of a wooden pallet is 10 to 15 years. However, if you maintain it properly, you can enjoy many more years. In addition, a properly maintained cover can prevent injuries from occurring.
Multiple repairs can be costly, making it more cost-effective to install a new platform with modern materials and durable features. Whether you're repairing your deck surface or replacing it completely, it's worth considering alternative materials such as steel and composite substructures to extend the life of your deck. Deck builders balance potential liability with budget-conscious homeowner's desire for just one repair. That same professional should also be able to judge whether the roof needs repair rather than replacing it in terms of the health of the beams.
You can replace walking surfaces and deck railings with a new, reliable material to save money and give your deck an updated look. Wood composite decking requires little maintenance, so while you may have to pay a high upfront cost for a new deck, you will save money on repairs over time. If the rest of the platform is in good condition, you can install any flashing that is missing or inferior to help safely move moisture away from the terrace and house. The pallet finishes of your wood composite panels give you everything you need to make your deck replacement go smoothly.
While decks are wonderful for expanding your outdoor living area, they are investments that need maintenance and repair over the years. Because of this, if you have a problem with the dashboard, it's probably better to replace the deck than repair it. Many tires can last for decades before you need to replace them, but you may need to do repairs much sooner. This thin and wide board wraps around the perimeter of the deck, either just below the deck boards or by hiding the ends of the deck boards.
However, there comes a time when every homeowner has to make a decision when it comes to repairing or replacing a terrace. . .
