If you have an older deck, the wear and tear it has accumulated can lead to damage not just to the deck, but to your home. Rot can affect the wood structure of the deck, and moisture that gets behind the flashing can cause water problems that lead to mold. Therefore, repairs and good deck design are essential when doing renovations. Here are some tips to help with the repairs that decks often need during their renovations:
1. Options For Replacing Railings With Safer Materials
The first thing that you will want to consider when doing renovations to your deck are the railings. Old wood railings can cause a risk of falling when someone leans against them. Therefore, you may want to consider more durable materials. Metal and glass railing systems can be a good choice. If you choose to use wood, make sure that posts extend past the deck surface and are bolted to structural members for maximum strength.
2. Restoring Or Replacing Aged Deck Surfaces During Renovations
Restoring or replacing aged decking are some of the options that you will want to consider when doing renovations. The renovations of deck surfaces will only be possible if there are no issues with rot and deteriorated wood. Renovation of deck surfaces can be done with materials like tropical lumber that are resistant to rot, and can be cleaned and refinished to make them look new again.
3. The Deck Structure And Bringing It Up To Date With Modern Building Standards
The deck structure is part of your deck that needs to be updated to meet modern building standards. All the structural members such as, joists, beams and posts need to be repaired and improved if needed. You also want to make sure that the deck is properly attached to your home with the right type of bolts to prevent collapsing hazards.
4. Flashing And Problems With Moisture Getting Into Your Home
One of the biggest problems with old decks is failing flashing. Thin sheet metal flashing deteriorates over the years, which can lead to moisture getting behind structural elements and inside your home. If your deck has these problems with flashing, you may need repairs to the deck, as well as structural repairs to your home where moisture has caused rot or mold damage to wood framing.
These are some tips to help with the repairs that your deck may need when doing major renovations. If your deck needs renovations, contact a deck builder and talk to them about inspections and getting an estimate on repairs and improvements that will be needed.