When it comes to homes, a deck can be a great addition to the living space. While a deck as a structure doesn’t have the same importance as more integral parts such as stairs, roofs, walls, and so on, they can still enhance a home aesthetically and improve a home’s value, making them a great investment. Additionally, decks must adhere to certain standards such as roofs, walls, and so on so they can be safely used. So, many issues can arise when installing a deck incorrectly, and natural problems may pop up even after a proper installation. As such, it’s important to know what issues can occur and what actions should be taken.
One observation that can be made is a wood deck being springy or shaky. According to performance guidelines, all structural members in a deck should be sized according to relevant building codes and manufacturer’s instructions. This is to ensure fasteners are properly spaced so the deck can adequately support weight placed on it. Repairing this issue requires modification/reinforcement of any lacking parts. A deck having deflection can point to insufficient stiffness, though sometimes this can also be an aesthetic choice.
Another issue is the spaces between decking boards ending up not being uniform. Generally, all spaces between decking boards should be the same, or at the very least not differ in average width by more than 3/16 inch. If the difference is excessive, the boards can be realigned or replaced completely as a fix. It’s important to note that these spaces tend to naturally change over time due to the shrinkage and expansion of individual boards. As long as all the spaces are relatively uniform in adherence to the aforementioned standards, no repair is necessary. Decking boards can also end up split, warped, or cupped. Manufacturers usually have guidelines for their own lumber pertaining to how much splitting, cupping, etc., is tolerable and should be referred to.
Decks can also end up out of level. Performance guidelines state that no point on the deck surface should be more than 1/2 inch higher or lower than any other deck surface point within 10 feet on a line parallel to the home. When it comes to a deck’s level, a slope of around ⅛ inch is usually desirable to help shed water and prevent ice build-up.
Overall, decks can be a great addition to home to expand living space and to enhance the property value. Making sure decks are properly put in and maintained is crucial for both of these reasons. Here at Fine Remodeling, we are your Delaware contractor experienced with the performance guidelines put in place to ensure every construction project is handled professionally. We are determined to go beyond just satisfactory so your project can become a reality. Get in touch with us about your next renovation project so you can be sure it's done right the first time.
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