Category: Deck Safety

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Can Deck Builders Replace My Decking Boards?

Do you have an existing deck that is ready for an upgrade? Is it possible to replace only your decking boards with new materials?

In many cases, it is possible to replace decking boards on an existing deck. Many of our clients love their decks, as far as shape, size, and orientation. However, environmental impact on their aging wood deck has taken its toll. When deck boards are splintering, twisting, or cracking, they could be candidates for replacement. Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad offers a specialized service, called redecking, which is perfect for replacing your decking boards.

Archadeck can replace your decking boards to give your deck a whole new look.

What are the caveats to only deck board replacement?

First and foremost, an existing deck must either have a healthy deck structure or the structure must be able to be made secure to be considered for decking board replacement. If your existing framing is not structurally sound, you will require a total deck replacement.

Secondly, you will likely need to replace your deck railing and steps for a redecking project. This will ensure that your deck is safe, with secure railings and stairs once the deck boards are replaced. Your deck builder will be able to guide you through the process of discerning whether your deck is a good redecking candidate, and choosing new materials.

This beautiful composite deck has new life after upgrading the decking and railing.
This beautiful composite deck has new life after upgrading the decking and railing.

Do I have to replace my wood decking boards with composite decking?

You do not have to upgrade your wood decking with composite materials for a redecking project. If you have a pressure-treated wood or hardwood deck, you can have your decking replaced using the same material as the original. In our area, wood decks are very popular still!

You can replace your wood decking with new wood deck boards.

Can I make my deck bigger in addition to replacing my decking?

Depending on your property’s set-back requirements, you can increase the size and footprint of your deck during a decking replacement project. In this case, our clients can enjoy upgraded materials, as well as a larger, more usable outdoor living space.

You can replace deck boards and expand the size of your deck.
You can replace deck boards and expand the size of your deck.

Search for Winston Salem Deck Builders and Choose Archadeck .

Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad has been a deck builder near me since 1991. Whether you are planning a redecking project or full deck replacement, we are eager to earn your business. Dial (336) 664 – 1332 or email us at piedmonttriad@archadeck.net for a complimentary porch design consultation.

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Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad ponders the question: Build a new deck or re-deck?

Would it be better to build a new deck or redo your existing deck with new decking boards?

Now is the time of year we imagine ourselves outdoors, whether on a new deck or an existing outdoor living space. Springtime is often the time of year we consider home upgrades. After all, it’s the time of year our porches, decks, and patios will be put to the test. Homeowners want an outdoor living space that is packed with functionality and style, but have you considered whether your deck is structurally sound?

Copy of Copy of archadeck pics for web 071
Beautiful new deck by Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad

Building a New Deck vs. Deck Renovation

Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad takes all your existing deck circumstances into consideration when evaluating whether it is a good candidate for re-decking. We consider the age and structural integrity of your deck before deciding whether a new deck or deck renovation is the better course of action. Other High Point deck builders will meet with a client and automatically suggest new deck construction. Our deck safety inspection offers homeowners a professional inspection during which we will determine whether a new deck is necessary.

What does a deck safety inspection include?

We will check all existing decking boards and scrutinize hardware and connectors, noting their condition. We will evaluate the structural framework of your deck, including posts and joists. Additionally, we will inspect the deck’s attachment to the home, as well as the foundation, footings, railing and deck exits.

Redeck Archadeck of the Piedmont triad
Re-decking may be a viable option for you if your decking framework is structurally sound.

During this deck safety inspection, we will discuss necessary updates, as well as your desires. If your deck is in good structural condition, perhaps you only wish to upgrade your decking boards to a composite material. Or you might consider upgrading your deck railing. Updated deck railings can really improve the look and function of your existing deck. If the configuration of your deck is the issue, we can often move stairs to a more desirable location. We can expand your deck’s footprint, and eve add more stairs. We can even convert your stair to bench steps to add extra seating. Finishing touches, such as deck lighting will also improve the safety of your deck, and provide ambiance to boot.

Long for the low maintenance of composite decking?

Azek decking with floating bench
Custom features such as this floating bench design make your deck a true outdoor living room.

If you long for low maintenance, we can replace your existing deck with a composite deck. If your deck is structurally sound, simply replacing the decking boards using the existing footprint and framework that you have may be a viable  and more affordable option. There are many low maintenance decking brands to choose from such as TimberTech AZEK and Trex. We’ve had great success with these composite brands over the years. There are also many grades of low maintenance decking to choose from including solid PVC, synthetic, composite and capstock. Each of these types include many color and finish choices and are made to suit nearly any budget and design taste. Having a low maintenance deck, whether we build it from scratch or just replace your decking boards, will deliver a deck that will look and function beautifully for many years to come.

Get more room with a deck expansion.

Composite deck with custom rail
Synthetic decks such as composite and PVC require less maintenance than a wooden deck.

When more room is needed, expanding your deck space might work. If you are adding onto your deck with a different building medium we can also re-deck the older deck to ensure both decks match.

Looking for a Greensboro, High Point, or Winston Salem deck builder? Choose Archadeck.

Whatever you envision as the deck of your dreams Archadeck of The Piedmont Triad can bring them to life. Perhaps the deck you always imagined is closer at hand and more affordable to achieve than you think. Get in touch with us for a complimentary deck design consultation at (336) 664 – 1332 or email us at piedmonttriad@archadeck.net .

Also read: When is the best time of year to build your deck?

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Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad reminds you that deck safety is no accident

Piedmont triad deck safety
Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad reminds you that deck safety is no accident.

If you are one of the 40 million homeowners in the United States that are still using a deck that is over 20 years old it is time to take a step back and assess the general safety of your deck. According to NADRA, The North American Deck and Railing Association, deck failures that result in injury are increasing at an alarming rate. Most of the reason for this is the number of decks still standing that are over 20 years old and in dire need of retirement. Outdoor living trends began to escalate during the mid-1980’s and as a result homes were almost always built with a deck. The most prevalent material used on all those decks was pressure treated lumber. Without regular maintenance, pressure treated wood will rot, cup, warp, split and become a dangerous liability for you and your family. A deck that is in bad shape is like a house or cards. You never know which time or event will push your tired deck over the edge resulting in a failure. Though a deck may look alright from the top, the skeleton of your deck is the glue that holds it all together. When one part of your deck’s substructure begins to fail, it is only a matter of time before other problems arise. Many of these problems go unnoticed because they involve the portion of the deck that most homeowners rarely see on a regular basis.

Azek deck with floating benches
Azek deck with floating benches

To ensure your deck is safe and structurally sound Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad urges you to have a licensed deck professional thoroughly inspect your deck.  As a proud participant in the Archadeck “Be Safer” deck safety program we also recommend that you follow a few tips and suggestions on the home front to make sure your deck is safe.

  • Check the decking boards – over time most wood decks will show some cracks and splits, the main concern with the decking boards is splintering and rotting. A deck that is not safe to walk on is a safety hazard.
  • Check the connections – a properly constructed deck is built with fasteners and other metal hardware connectors to make your deck stable from the bottom up. Check the fasteners to make sure they are in good working order, or are in need of replacement. You would be surprised at the calls we get from homeowners whose deck is missing pieces of vital hardware that were never properly installed when the deck was initially built.
  • Check the structure – check the posts, beams and joists if visible for inconsistencies. Check to see if there is any noticeable sagging between any of the supports.
  • Check the attachment to your home – the area where the deck attaches to your home is called the house band and this is where most deck failures can occur. Inspect this portion of the deck to make sure all screws and bolts are present, nails should never be used in the house band. Upon inspection also make sure the area is flashed properly to aid in water protection from this important connection site.
  • Check the foundation and footings – foundations and footings are important because they support the weight of the deck. A sinking footing can cause a dangerous separation of a column from a beam and must be addressed immediately.
  • Check the exits – check the stairs that are used for exits from your deck, make sure they are in good working order and structurally sound. It is very possible to have a deck that is sound only to have a rotting staircase that could endanger you and your guests upon entry and exit to your deck.
  • Check the rails– always make sure the railing is secure and that the pickets and balusters are fastened properly. Keep in mind code dictates that rails should be spaced no more than four inches apart, a deck with non-conforming railing is a danger because small children and even pets can sometimes fall through the railing and get hurt.

    Composite deck with custom rail
    Synthetic decks such as composite and PVC require less maintenance than a wooden deck.

Within a six-year period in the U.S., 33 people were killed from deck failures and 1,122 were injured. Archadeck of the Piedmont Triad offers a thorough deck safety inspection for a modest fee. We can also provide a free consultation on what would be involved with replacing your deck with an updated design that meets or exceeds all building code requirements and complements your outdoor living objectives. When it comes to keeping you and your family safe from a deck disaster, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Contact us to schedule your deck safety inspection today. Instilling the expertise of one of our deck experts will give you peace of mind in knowing you can enjoy your deck this season without worry. (336) 664 – 1332
piedmonttriad@archadeck.net