If you’ve had your deck for a while, it’s probably showing signs of wear and tear. You’re also probably wondering whether you should get it repaired or replaced. Decking and roofing contractor Masters Roofing shares the signs that indicate you need a new outdoor deck.
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Dry Rot — One of the most common problems associated with wooden outdoor decks is dry rot. It is caused by a type of fungus that weakens untreated wood. If you happen to have a wooden outdoor deck, inspect all exposed wooden parts, particularly the support posts. Parts affected by dry rot will be soft to the touch and can be pried off without effort. Minor wood rot can be repaired using wood filler, however, extensive wood rot may require replacement. Consider composite decking if you happen to live in an area with high outdoor moisture levels.
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The Concrete Footing is Not Straight — The concrete footing should be properly set into the ground and shouldn’t be out of alignment. If it starts leaning one way because of shifts in the ground, or because of installation errors, it should be corrected by a decking and roofing installation contractor immediately. Once a support post starts leaning away from the deck, it will cause unnecessary strain on the deck.
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Railing is Wobbly — The deck railing should be reliably sturdy, as people lean on them for support. If you notice a bit of wobble on the railing, take a closer look. Welded metal railing may have deteriorated to the point where new railings need to be installed. Be careful when putting weight on the railing and put warning signs on it until it is fixed.
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Deck is Too Old — Outdoor decks have an average life span of about six years, but can last longer with proper care and maintenance. Environmental factors such as outdoor humidity and average rainfall can also affect its life span. Regardless of material, outdoor decks will reach a point where replacement will be more practical than extensive repairs.
Masters Roofing is your leading provider of outdoor deck and roof replacement services. Give us a call at (844) 400-4774 or fill out our contact form. We serve customers in Memphis, TN, and surrounding areas.