Resurfacing a deck is a popular option for homeowners looking to refresh their outdoor space without starting from scratch. Whether it’s worn-out deck boards or fading aesthetics, resurfacing allows you to replace the deck boards while keeping the existing frame intact. However, it’s essential to understand why many choose this approach and, more importantly, when it’s safe to do so.
Why Homeowners Resurface Their Deck
Deck resurfacing is often favored because it is a cost-effective way to extend the life of a deck. The process is less invasive and expensive than building a brand-new deck, saving both time and labor. Homeowners opt for resurfacing for several reasons:
- Worn or Weathered Boards: After years of exposure to the elements, wood and composite deck boards can show signs of fading, cracking, or splintering.
- Aesthetic Refresh: You might simply want a new look, updating old boards with more modern, durable materials.
- Cost Savings: Replacing the boards while keeping the frame intact can save money compared to a complete rebuild.
- DIY Friendly: Resurfacing your deck with new deck boards is a DIY friendly option that most intermediate skilled homeowners feel confident they can tackle themselves.
However, resurfacing a deck is not just about slapping new boards on top of the old frame. It’s crucial to ensure the underlying structure is safe and sturdy before proceeding.
The Importance of Inspecting Your Deck Frame
If your deck boards are showing signs of wear and tear, it’s a red flag that your deck’s frame might also need attention. Before resurfacing, thoroughly inspect the frame to ensure it’s sturdy enough to support the new materials. Installing new boards on a compromised frame can lead to dangerous consequences, including a potential deck collapse.
Common signs that your deck frame may need repair or replacement include:
- Rotting Joists or Beams: Deck frames, especially those made from pressure-treated lumber, are susceptible to rot if exposed to moisture over time.
- Loose or Rusty Fasteners: Screws, bolts, and nails that have rusted or loosened can weaken the frame.
- Sagging or Wobbly Structure: Any signs of movement or sagging indicate that the frame is failing.
- Ledger Board: Many times on older decks you’ll find the ledger board has been improperly fastened to the home or not flashed properly to prevent water intrusion. The ledger board is one of the most common places the deck fails so thoroughly inspect your ledger board to make sure it is fastened properly and is not wet and spongy showing signs of early rot.
Resurfacing over a frame that isn’t built to code or shows signs of failure could result in serious injury or property damage. Each year, deck collapses lead to significant injuries, often because homeowners overlook frame damage.
The Dangers of Deck Frame Failure: Statistics on Deck Collapses
Deck collapse is a serious concern, with thousands of incidents occurring every year. According to reports from the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA), an estimated 6,000 people are injured annually due to deck collapses. Many of these injuries result from structural failure caused by weakened or improperly constructed deck frames.
In many cases, the frames of older decks were built using outdated construction methods or materials that have deteriorated over time. Pressure-treated lumber, once the go-to for deck frames, is especially vulnerable to rot and decay due to the newer formulations of chemicals used for treatment. This has led to instances of rotting in as little as ten years or less, which poses a significant risk for homeowners who attempt to resurface without checking the structural integrity.
Why Steel and Aluminum Deck Framing Are Superior Alternatives
Given the potential dangers of using pressure-treated wood for deck framing, many homeowners are turning to steel and aluminum deck framing as a superior alternative. Both materials offer significant advantages over traditional lumber:
- Durability: Unlike wood, steel and aluminum are not susceptible to rot, insect damage, or warping, ensuring a longer-lasting deck structure.
- Strength: These materials provide a stronger foundation, capable of supporting modern composite or hardwood decking, which can be heavier than traditional wood.
- Minimal Maintenance: Steel and aluminum require virtually no maintenance compared to wood, which needs regular sealing or staining to prevent moisture damage.
- Warranty: Both steel and aluminum are longer lasting deck frame materials that offer 25 year warranties.
When planning a deck resurfacing project, considering a switch to steel or aluminum framing can save you from potential problems down the road. The added strength and longevity can give you peace of mind, knowing that your deck is not only beautiful but also structurally sound for years to come.
Use Joist Tape
If you determine your old deck frame is in good shape and properly fastened and up to code then you should certainly make sure you apply joist tape to the tops of each joist and your ledger board.
Using joist and ledger tape on pressure-treated deck framing is essential for protecting the wood from moisture damage and extending the lifespan of your deck. Pressure-treated lumber is designed to resist rot and decay, but water can still penetrate cracks and joints, causing the wood to weaken over time.
Joist and ledger tape acts as a barrier, preventing water from seeping into vulnerable areas like screw holes, where moisture can lead to rot and corrosion of fasteners. By using tape, homeowners can significantly reduce the risk of structural issues and costly repairs down the road.
Conclusion
Resurfacing your deck can breathe new life into your outdoor space, but it’s vital to inspect your deck’s frame for any signs of weakness or rot before proceeding. Installing new decking on a failing frame can lead to dangerous outcomes, including deck collapse and injury. With thousands of deck collapses happening every year, ensuring your frame is up to code is a step you cannot afford to skip.
Consider upgrading to steel deck framing or aluminum deck framing if you’re looking for a long-term, low-maintenance solution that will keep your deck safe and sturdy for years. Not only do these materials provide superior strength and durability, but they also protect your investment from the elements better than traditional pressure-treated lumber. By making informed choices, you can enjoy a beautiful, safe, and resilient deck for decades.