Amid the busy hustle and bustle of daily life, there’s something relaxing about spending time in the great outdoors. The perfect way to do this is by going out on your deck in the comfort of your backyard. But, when your deck starts to look dated, it can feel like less of a relaxing space and more of a pain. To get your outdoor space back in working order, you might be wondering when to repair vs replace your deck in Ashburn, VA.
Below, we’ve put together some helpful tips so you can decide the best path forward for your deck. To learn more about our deck repair and replacement services, please call 571-707-8772 or contact us online.
When to Repair vs Replace Your Deck in Ashburn, VA? Start With an Inspection
Before you can decide whether your deck is a better candidate for repairs or a replacement, you need to give it a quick inspection. If you’d prefer, you can schedule a professional deck inspection. If you want to do the inspection yourself, here are the most important areas to check.
The Deck Posts
The vertical posts that hold up your deck are usually shielded from the sun, which helps them to last longer compared to other areas of the structure. However, it’s not unusual for water to accumulate around the base of the posts.
When inspecting your deck, check for signs of wood rot near the bases of the posts to see if they are still in good shape.
The Surface of Your Deck
Next look at the surface of your deck, which includes the boards themselves and railings. If your deck is made from wood, you might notice signs of UV damage to the boards, which makes it easier for water to penetrate them.
As the area of your deck which gets the most exposure to the elements, the surface will most likely degrade first.
The Fascia Boards
The thin board that wraps around the perimeter of your deck or just below the deck boards is called the fascia. When inspecting your deck, check to see if there is water trapped behind the fascia. If you notice the boards behind it are discolored, that usually indicates water damage.
The Beams and Joists
Finally, check the beams and joists, which are the horizontal pieces of wood underneath the deck. These support the deck boards and they tend to rot faster than other areas of your deck.
Deciding Between Repairs vs a Replacement
After you’ve inspected your deck and you have a better idea of the damage, you can decide whether to repair or replace it, based on the following factors.
The Age of Your Deck
If your wooden deck is more than 15 years old, you will likely have to replace it sometime in the next few years anyway. In that case, save yourself some money in the long run by replacing it with a high-quality composite material instead of paying for repairs now and a full replacement down the road.
Safety Concerns
If the damage to your deck is mostly cosmetic, then repairing it is probably the best option for your needs. However, more serious damage like rotting railings or posts can become a safety concern. In that case, repairs may not be enough to make you and your family feel safe when using the deck.
As such, the better option is to schedule a full replacement so you can feel confident when using your deck.
Costs
If you decide to repair your deck, the next step is to request a free estimate for the repair work. When you do, it’s not a bad idea to compare how much a full replacement will be as well. If you need a lot of repairs, you might realize that you won’t have to pay much more for a full replacement.
Why not spend a little more money to get a replacement deck that will last for years without the need for repairs?
As a bonus, keep in mind that a high-quality deck can help improve your home’s value, so opting for a replacement is a great investment in your property.
Here for All Your Deck Needs
Now that you know more about when to repair vs replace your deck in Ashburn, VA, you can decide the best path forward for your deck. No matter what you choose, DeckGuru is here to help. To request a free quote today, please call 571-707-8772 or contact us online.
