Whether you like to host outdoor parties or just bond with your loved ones in the backyard, your deck may be a focal point of your home’s exterior. Therefore, it’s important to know when it’s safe to use and when it could use replacing. If you’re unsure where to draw the line, use these three tips to determine when you should schedule this home improvement.

How to Determine When a Deck Should Be Replaced

1. Wood Rot

From soft spring showers to heavy thunderstorms, your deck will encounter plenty of moisture throughout the year. Over time, it will absorb this water, especially as the finish or sealant wears away. This could lead to wood rot, which results in weak, spongy planks. If parts of your deck feel soft when stepping on them, or if you notice any planks flaking away, you might be dealing with rot. In this case, your deck will likely need to be replaced.

2. Structural Issues

Wood rot isn’t the only thing that can cause your deck to deteriorate. It may also be damaged by heavy loads, such as grills and hot tubs. In other cases, a damaged foundation may cause your house to shift, pulling away from the deck. To check for the resulting structural issues, look at the connections between posts, the ground, and the ledger board. If any of these areas seem misaligned or unstable, your deck may not be safe to use. Other warning signs include rusted fasteners, such as screws and bolts.

3. Age

About once every five years, you should have your deck inspected by a home improvement professional. In addition to looking for signs of damage, they can ensure that it’s up-to-date with local building codes. After about 15 years, you should assess the frequency of deck repairs. If issues seem to be popping up every year or so, you might need to have the whole structure replaced. Signs of an aging deck include sagging planks, loose railings, and fading.

If your deck has seen better days, turn to Weiss Do It Best Lumber of Perryville, AR. They offer top quality materials for this home improvement project, including cedar and maple lumber. They can also offer the hardware and tools you need to put your deck back together. To learn more about their materials and equipment, visit the website. You can also call (501) 889-2695 to speak with a team member today.