Building a cedar deck is a serious investment. You should have at least 15 to 25 years of life on your deck. However, there are circumstances where you’ll need to consider replacing your deck altogether. So what are  some signs it’s time to replace your deck ? Check out our reasons to do so below.

Extensive Wood Rot

Wood rot occurs when pooling water and moisture cause your deck to rot and decay. Dry rot is a fungus, and as such, it spreads throughout your deck in an almost cancerous way. Furthermore, it attracts microorganisms that eat the cellulose in the wood, leaving it brittle and prone to falling apart. It can also attract termites—which we’ll get to below—that can make the problem worse if you aren’t careful. You need to protect your deck from ample moisture, which can take several forms, as much as possible.

Some people allow wood rot to go on for some time. This is unfortunate because if the problem is too extensive, it’ll make your deck unstable. You’ll need to hire expert  cedar deck builders  to replace a deck that should have lasted much longer than it would have without neglect.

Termites Have Taken Over

Termites are a side effect of wood rot, and as with wood rot, it would behoove you to catch it early. If you don’t, it compromises the structural integrity of the entire deck. Termites set up shop in multiple locations and eat your wood from the inside out. They burrow into wood, creating channels that weaken your planks and foundations. This is dangerous because if it goes on for too long, the deck could collapse, though it’ll take a while. If you catch termites early, you’ll do just fine, especially when they’re in only one spot. If you catch the problem too late, don’t wait for your planks to start falling apart. Instead, it’s  a sign that you should replace your deck now.

Nails and Screws Keep Popping Out

Nails and screws popping up out of the deck may not seem like a serious problem. In many cases, it isn’t. All you need to do is a hammer or screw it back in place. However, if you’re constantly adjusting your screws, it might be time to get a replacement deck. Nail and screw misalignment often occurs when the elements have negatively impacted the wood. The wood itself begins to warp, contract, and expand. It’s also a serious health hazard: stepping on a nail isn’t exactly fun. If you see this, it’s time to look at replacement options.

In short, safety is key, and the last thing you want is for your deck—which is already on an elevated surface—to collapse under your feet. If the structural integrity of the deck is compromised, it’s time to get a new one. Protect your investment even if it means making another one. Learn from your previous mistakes, and you’ll have a new deck for years to come.