If your deck is looking a little tired, you might be thinking that the only thing you need to do is to resurface it. This is an excellent choice if the only thing wrong with it is flaking paint or the wood has become a little faded or gray. Many times, flaking paint and weathered wood can mean that there is more damage than you might be aware of at first glance. There are a few things that you need to consider when deciding whether to resurface your old deck or spend a little more and start fresh.
When to Resurface
Resurfacing can be considered a part of routine maintenance that should be done every few years. If it has been more than five years since your deck has been installed or resurfaced, the problems that you see may go deeper than you suspect. Surface issues, such as mold or flaking paint, can be power washed and painted or stained in many cases. They can also be an indication that the wood is beginning to rot and needs to be replaced. A professional can look at your deck and let you know which is the case.
Structural Repairs
It is always a good idea to have a professional inspect your deck for structural repairs that need to be done. If you choose to only resurface it, it will look better, but the bigger problems will only get worse. The worst-case scenario is that the deck could fail and damage the house or cause injury. If the boards on your deck are split, warped, or show signs of rot, repairing the damage before resurfacing can be almost as much as putting in a new deck. A trustworthy professional contractor will not resurface a deck before repairing the structural issues and making sure that they are up to current building codes.
Reasons to Consider a New Deck
There are a few good reasons why you should consider a new deck instead of resurfacing the old one. Here are a few of them.
• Old deck might not meet new building codes
• New deck will last for several decades
• Old deck will eventually need replaced anyway
• New deck adds value to your home
• Many new materials and options now available
Building a new deck can be more cost-effective than resurfacing or repairing the old one in the long run. Building standards have changed over the years, and your old deck might not be compliant with current regulations. This can be an issue if you plan to sell your home soon. In this case, you would be required to bring the old deck up to current building codes, or you might have to negotiate a significant price reduction to cover the costs.
The best reason to consider a new deck instead of resurfacing the old one is peace of mind. Often, you can have a new deck installed for only a little more than it would cost to repair and resurface the old one. This extra money spent come can pay off in the long run because you know that you will only need to do minimal maintenance for the next several decades. Also, new materials, such as composite decking material make maintenance and upkeep much easier than older materials that were available when your deck was built.
Building a new deck gives you a chance to redesign your space and build a deck that suits your lifestyle now and the things you want to do. Building a new deck might seem like the more expensive option at first, but when you consider the long-term expenses, it can save you more money than simply repairing an old, worn-out deck.
Building a new deck is an excellent way to give your home a fresh start, and Wolf Spirit Deck has a team of design professionals and installers who are ready to help, so give us a call, and we can get started.
