When you consider adding a deck to your home, one of the things that you want to know is how long it will last. Most decks will last 10-30 years, and the average length of time is 15 years. It can last a little longer or shorter, depending on the amount of weather that it’s subjected to and how well it’s maintained.
Here are just a few of the factors that can make a difference:
Its Location
If you are looking for a location for your deck, the best place to put it is dappled, moderate shade for most of daylight hours. Continuous, blazing sun is going to deteriorate your boards and the sealant that has been applied for protecting them. of course, you also don’t want to have it in a heavily shaded area, since this can keep its surface wet, and this will promote wood rot.
Lumber Quality
When you purchase a better lumber grade, one that has fewer checks, knots and other kinds of defects, it’s going to extend your deck’s life. Generally, the lumber at a home improvement store is going to be #2 grade. However, you can also find #1 grade. The structure will be stronger, there are going to be fewer knots, and there will be less cupping and twisting. The appearance will also be better.
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Joist Distance
How far the joists’ bottom is from the ground is also going to make a difference. When your deck is lower to your yard, it’s going to be visually appealing. However, the decks life is also going to be shorter, Moisture constantly rises from the soil, and when the deck’s built right above the earth it’s not going to have the necessary ventilation for dispersing that moist air that’s being created. So it’s better to have your deck sitting higher.
Foundation Type
You want to have a stable foundation for your deck. The best type is made of concrete. The last thing that you want is to have wooden posts that are sitting in the ground. If your foundation is made of wood, make sure that they’re rated as ‘ground contact’. This means that the wood contains more preservative. Put their uncut end in the dirt. The end that is cut no longer has the chemical treatment in order to resist the problem of rot. Therefore, the foundation isn’t going to last as long.
These are the four things that you want to remember when you are building a deck to help it last a lot longer. However, one of the best things that you can do is to have a professional do it for you. if you are interested in adding a deck to your home, give us a call. We’ll be glad to give you a no-obligation quote.
