Having a great home is not just about the interiors — making an effort to liven up the outdoors can make your residential space more functional and appealing. Well-constructed and decorated Decks in Sydney, for instance, provide a great place to enjoy the views of nature while relaxing or spending time with family and friends. But like any other part of your home, decks are also subject to wear and tear over time.
Sometimes, it’s more cost-effective to replace this structure than to repair several parts. This article is dedicated to discussing seven tell-tale signs it’s time to retire your old deck — according to experts in decks in Sydney.
- It has significant structural damage. Once you’ve seen noticeable damages such as large holes and signs of termites, you should already replace your old deck with a new one. More than being an eyesore, decks in Sydney with significant structural damage are considered as a safety hazard.
- It has lifted or unsecured boards. As time passes by, ledger boards can also become loose. Once they are lifted or start to move around, these very boards can cause accidents to the deck’s users.
- Its railings are already loose. Though it may not be the strongest sign that you need a deck replacement, a loose railing — when coupled with other indicators — is also considered a safety risk. Until your deck builders arrive, make sure to secure your railings first or prevent people from using the deck.
- Its woods are already rotting. As decks are an outdoor structure, they are more susceptible to water damage. When not addressed, your wood can rot and cause your structure to weaken. It will be more costly to repair this issue, hence replacement is more recommended.
- It’s infested with mold and mildew. Besides rotting, too much moisture can also lead to mold growth. This is not only unpleasant to see, but it can also bring forth a negative impact on you and your loved ones’ health.
- It has rusted fixtures and fittings. When parts of your patios and decks are rusting, they can also negatively affect these structures’ integrity.
- It’s too old already. Decks can last up to 40 years. But if yours has already reached the age of 15 to 20 and signs of deterioration are already showing up, it’s high time to have it replaced. Typically, old decks also already fail to meet local regulations covering these residential structures.