Has your deck taken a beating this summer? All that foot traffic and those backyard barbeques have certainly worn your old deck down. Now, you might be worried that it won’t get you through the winter. How can you tell if it’s time for some repairs or a complete upgrade? Here are a few signs that will tell you it’s time to tear down your old deck and put up a new one. For expert hauling and demo, give ABC Junk Removal & Hauling a call!

1. Loose Rails

The railing of your deck is a crucial part of the structure. Rails not only protect the little ones from falling off and hurting themselves, but they also serve as support for ascending and descending stairs. If your rails wobble or shake at the slightest touch, you have loose connections, and it’s time to replace them. While these wobbly rails don’t always equate to a full deck replacement, you need to inspect other areas of your deck for weakness as well.

2. Warping Wood 

The North American Deck and Railing Association estimates that nearly 40 million homes have decks 20 years old or more. This means the wood used for decks has been exposed to decades of rain, sleet, snow, and hail. Constant weather exposure results in warped wood, especially if the deck hasn’t been sealed or treated over the years. So if you notice beams or planks that bend, sway, or curve, it’s time to demo and replace them!

3. Rust

Where metal meets wood, there is likely to be rust. Exposure to the outdoor elements plays a role in how long metal fixtures, screws, and nails hold up. If you spot rust on your wood, it’s likely an indication of water damage. Unfortunately, water can lead to wood rot and make your deck unstable, even for the lightest foot in the house. To protect you and your family, it’s always best to replace your deck.

We’ll Haul it Away

When you need help with demolishing and hauling away your old deck, turn to the team at ABC Junk Removal & Hauling. We’ll tear it down quickly so you can start planning for a new one. We can even haul away that lawn debris you have piled in the corner, or we’ll tear down that old shed as well. Need help clearing out the attic? We can do that, too! If you live in Carmel, Greenwood, Fishers, or Indianapolis, text or call us today at (317) 430-7813.