A damaged or unstable deck can be a danger to your family and the structure of your home. Before it finally gives out, it should be cautiously demolished and removed. Many homeowners are reluctant to take this step, but if there are signs that it may give way, it is time to take that step. Here are some signs that your deck may need to be demolished.
Missing Parts
If you have any missing parts, you’ll want to replace them as this could be a safety hazard. But, it is important to find out why the part failed as well. You may find it is a sign of a more widespread problem. While you are looking for what caused your problem, inspect the joists under your deck to make sure they are secure and in good shape.
Corrosion
If the metal parts of your deck are rusted, such as the screws, joists, or flashing, the structural integrity of your deck may be compromised. This is often caused by water damage. So, before replacing any rusted pieces, check whether or not the area around the pieces is sound.
Loose Connections
Check to see if there are any loose connections on your deck. If the railing or any boards are loose, you have some loose connections. Also, if you feel the deck moving a lot when you walk on it or hear it creaking, stop using it. This is a sign of structural failure, and it is not safe to use it anymore.
Rotting or Warped Wood
Water damage can cause splitting, cracking, and fraying of your deck’s wood. It can also cause curved boards, which are an indication that the boards are warping. Any of these signs show that your deck is starting to rot, and it may no longer be structurally sound. So, it’s time to consider whether or not it needs to be demolished and, if you want, replaced.
Off-Center Posts
The vertical posts for your deck should be located approximately in the center of their concrete footings. It’s possible over time for the posts to move or for parts of them to extend over the edge of the footing. If this has happened, your deck has had a structural shift, which might be dangerous. So, you’ll need to have it inspected. Some decks have no footings, which is always dangerous. In these cases, the deck was not built correctly and should not be used until it is inspected.
Posts Are Touching Dirt or Concrete
Your vertical deck plates should end in the base plate that is connected to the concrete footing. This is crucial because it keeps the deck from lifting up in bad weather or from absorbing water which will cause the wood to rot. So, if your vertical deck plates are in contact with dirt or concrete, you’ll need to quickly fix the situation.
Outdated Codes
Some older decks were built before codes required decks to use metal joist hangers and screws in addition to a more thorough connection to your house. You might notice nail heads keeping the boards on the deck together if your deck was built this way. If this is the case, it may be unsafe to use. It’s best to have your deck inspected before you continue to use it.
Final Thoughts
It may not be what you were hoping for, but if your deck is showing any of these signs, it may be time to say goodbye to your old deck or least have it inspected. This is important, not only for the structure of your home but also for the safety of you and your family.
Contact Us
If your deck needs demolished, contact ABH Services Inc. We have the equipment to demolish your deck and recycle the materials without causing damage to your lawn or any other property. Call us at (781) 941-2422 and connect with us on Facebook.