Tips to Make Your Deck in Downriver Michigan Last Longer and Be Safer
With the summer upon us it’s time to enjoy the outdoors and a family barbecue. For home owners who have a deck or patio it makes the event much easier, and a great place to entertain guests. If you are considering replacing your deck in Downriver Michigan or even adding a new one, there are some safety and maintenance requirements that you should be aware of. In this article we’ll look at some tips to make your deck last longer and keep it safe for everyone to enjoy.
Tips to Make Your Deck in Downriver Michigan Last Longer and Be Safer
A deck or a patio on a home can add a lot of value to the home. Typically, most decks are located in the back yard out of sight from the street giving them a bit of privacy. They are typically constructed of wood and can encompass a small area or an area that is most of the back yard. The size and shape of your deck is entirely up to you. However, before you build a deck you’ll want to consider the following points:
Get the Proper Permits and Permissions
If you’ve never had a deck on your home then you will need to get the proper permits and permissions. This can mean contacting survey companies to map out property lines, getting soil samples, and a host of other items. Most landscaping contractors will help with this process to make it easier on you. They can also help with getting inspections of the deck completed when the project is done so it will pass building codes. Attempting to do the work yourself on a deck is not safe and may not be able to pass building codes essentially meaning you either have to hire a qualified contractor or remove the deck. It’s best to get all this information before you start the deck.
Build the Deck on a Solid Foundation
There are storms that pass through the Downriver Michigan area that have high winds. Making sure your deck is anchored properly is essential to keeping it secure. High winds can push decks out of place if not properly secured and anchored to the ground. In severe storms that deck may even be lifted out of place. It is very important to have proper anchors and foundation in place. Not only from storm damage but you also don’t want the deck to start sinking because of a footer that wasn’t installed properly. Make sure your deck is built on a strong foundation.
Secure the Deck Railing
A patio is great for having an open area because it’s on the ground and there is no risk of falling. For a deck however, the flooring is usually off the ground. Even for slight elevations you’ll want to ensure you have a secure and strong railing in place. A secure railing is needed in all areas that have a drop off at the edge other than stairs. On stairs you’ll need to have rails as well for hand holds and such. There are building codes for the rails on the stairs so you’ll also need to ensure those are adhered to.
Make a Maintenance Plan for the Deck
Depending on the type of material that was used to create the deck you’ll need a maintenance plan in place. Most wooden surfaces will need to be treated with waterproofing annually. There are other materials you can use for the deck to cut down on maintenance tremendously. This includes using composite materials such as Rhino boards on the deck. They last a long time and require less maintenance than wooden decks. Contact us to learn more about building a deck from composite materials.
Get an Estimate on a New Deck in Downriver Michigan
Are you ready to enjoy the benefits of a new deck on your home? As I mentioned before building a deck should be done by qualified professionals. At Michigan Landscaping Pros we can help you build a deck for your home and make sure it is safe for you and your family to enjoy. We can also create an amzin deck using composite materials if you prefer. Contact us today to get a free quote and more details.