Timber decks can last for decades with proper care and maintenance, but all good things do eventually come to an end. So, when should you replace your deck? We've listed five signs to look for and what to consider when it comes time to start replacing a timber deck.
Sunlight, mould, and weather can all do damage to your timber deck. It's a good idea to regularly inspect your deck to ensure there aren't any cracks or other surprises. Look for wood warping, check for rust on the fasteners, and test each railing.
Do you have a sinking feeling whenever you walk onto your deck? If your deck is this unstable, it almost certainly needs to be replaced. This isn't the kind of issue you want to discover the hard way.
Wood rot (both wet and dry) is one of the most common problems in timber structures on the Sunshine and Gold Coasts. If this rot reaches your deck's structural timber, you run the risk of your deck collapsing. In many cases, this damage can be repaired without replacing your entire deck, but if you allow the wood rot to truly take hold, you will eventually have to replace the whole thing.
In all cases, stay vigilant for a damp or musty odour in your deck, as this occurs with both wet and dry rot. Read more about how to identify wet rot vs dry rot, and what to do about it.
If your deck has a few loose railings, a repair may be in order. Have us come to tighten or replace the screws that hold your railings on. If the vertical posts of your deck's railings are loose, however, you may need to entirely replace them instead. Loose railings constitute a significant safety issue on a deck, especially if you own a business, so it's critical to prevent them in the first place.
One of the most important things you can do to keep your timber deck well-maintained is to stay on top of any mould or mildew issues that crop up. For smaller mould issues, you may be able to take care of the growth on your own. Combine two parts of water with three parts of white vinegar, and scrub the deck thoroughly. Also, be sure to apply a mould inhibitor after it dries out. You may also want to do a patch test somewhere less visible on your deck to ensure the vinegar won't damage your wood.
If the mould or mildew is more pervasive, you may have to replace your deck instead. This is especially true if any of the other factors listed in this post exist.
To find out more about why you might need repair and maintenance services, read about finding the root cause here.
If you're replacing your deck, there are many things to think about. Consider these aspects of replacing a timber deck:
Hardwood is by far the most popular material for building decks in Australia. We're particularly fond of using Merbau wood here at First Response, as it is extremely durable and resistant to insects and wood rot.
One of the first questions you should ask when replacing your deck is about the cost. You will most likely want to get price quotes from several contractors, but your budget shouldn't be your only concern. Consider the quality of what you're buying: it's always better to get something that will last for decades rather than something that will rot after only a few years.
You will want to choose a deck that you can easily maintain. All timber decks require regular upkeep, but the nature of this maintenance will vary based on the construction style and materials used. Make sure to regularly sweep off any dust and grime that build up on your deck. Do a deep clean of your deck every year, where you use a deck-cleaning solution to scrub out any mould or mildew that builds up.
The amount of time it takes to rebuild a deck varies based on the size and complexity of the job. The more timber you have to remove, the longer the job will take. Other factors that influence the timeframe of deck replacement include weather, availability of materials and getting planning approval.
One of your most important considerations when replacing a timber deck is the contractor you use. First Response Maintenance Solutions is the top contractor for small and medium projects servicing the Sunshine Coast, the Gold Coast and Brisbane. With competitive pricing and a whole team of experts on your side, you'll have a brand-new deck that will last for years. Contact us or write in for your price quote today.