Should You Repair or Rebuild Your Deck?

According to the National Association of Home Builders, over half of the homes in the U.S. were built before 1980. With so many Americans living in homes that are over 40 years old, exterior home repair services are becoming more and more essential. If you own an older home with a deck, you may wonder if the deck is salvageable with deck repair services or if it should be completely rebuilt. Here’s what you need to know to evaluate your deck’s condition and determine whether to repair or rebuild it.

Even if your home is several decades old, your deck may have been installed long after it was built. If you aren’t sure when your deck was built, you may be able to find that information in your property’s construction permit history. The previous owner should have gotten a building permit before starting construction on the deck, so if you can find it, you’ll have a good idea of the age of your deck. According to Bob Vila, wood decks last around 15 years, composite decks last around 25 years, and capped polymer decks can last up to 50 years. If your deck has reached the end of its expected lifespan, it’s likely time to rebuild it.

What Condition Is Your Deck In?

It goes without saying that maintenance is required to ensure any deck reaches the end of its expected lifespan in good condition. If your deck hasn’t been properly maintained, it may need to be rebuilt sooner rather than later. Signs of trouble include rotting boards, wobbly railings, and cracked support posts. A local handyman can help you determine if minor deck repairs and ongoing maintenance can resolve issues left behind by previous homeowners. As long as your deck can be made structurally sound with a few deck repairs, it’s likely better to repair it than to rebuild it.

With so many older homes in the U.S., it’s no surprise that an estimated 40 million decks across the nation are over 20 years old, according to Visually. If your deck is getting old and showing signs of excess wear and tear, you may need deck repair or replacement services. To get a free estimate on your deck project, call Do It All Handyman Service today.