“We’ve had this deck for fifteen years, and I think it’s past time for it to go,” Andrea said. “It’s ugly and broken and I’m tired of it. But my husband says we can just repair the issues and get another ten years out of the deck. We’re turning to you for help. What are the signs it’s time for deck replacement?”
There are four criteria to take into account when considering deck replacement. These are safety, structural integrity, style and satisfaction. If a deck fails to perform in any of these areas, it’s time for Framingham deck replacement.
Safety concerns include any broken or cracked deckboards, stairs, and safety railings. Can people easily and safely get onto and off of the deck as needed? Is the surface smooth, or are there rough, jagged, or splintery boards? Structural integrity refers to the construction and solidity of the deck. Wooden decks in particular are prone to problems with rot and insect damage. That is why many of the decks we build in the Framingham area feature PVC or composite decking material. Structural integrity also addresses how the deck is secured to the structure; if there’s any rot or compromise at this point, repair or replacement may be in order.
Style considerations are harder to define. The important thing about any deck’s appearance is that the homeowner loves it; secondary to that is the impact a well built deck has on a property’s curb appeal and overall value. We’ve found that a homeowner who describes their current deck as ugly generally won’t be pleased until that deck is replaced. Satisfaction is associated with how well a deck meets the family’s needs. If there’s not enough space for everyone to gather comfortably, or insufficient resources for activities like barbecues or stargazing, deck replacmeent may be in order.