Tearing Down a Wooden Deck
A wooden deck made of cedar can last up to 40 years, but if it hasn’t been well-maintained, its lifespan can be cut down to 15 years or less. Over time, the deck wood can rot and warp, so if you notice that some of your boards look splintered or bowing, it might be time for demolition.
Signs Your Deck Needs Tearing
Fasteners popping: Sunlight will cause your deck boards to dry out over time, and it will begin to crack. Your nails and screws will pop up, and bolts can become loose.
Soft spots: If you notice green or dark brown soft spots on your deck boards, this may indicate rot.
Bouncy boards: Stand in the middle of your deck and jump. If it feels bouncy, it is not good news. The bounce may be the result of cracked or rotted boards, and you’ll need to examine the frame underneath.
Before starting your deck demolition, make sure to plan for replacing your deck since removing it will leave a giant gap between your doorway and the ground below.
Getting Ready to Demolish Your Wood Deck
A few things to check out before you start to tear down your deck are:
- Clear off your deck.
- Find a place to keep your patio grill, furniture, etc.
- Dispose of any broken items in your dumpster rental if you have one for your deck debris.
- Gather any necessary permits and keep the budget at hand.
Deck Demolition Tools and Safety Equipment
Having the right tools and safety gear needed to complete removing your deck is very important. You can find almost everything at a local hardware store if you don’t have them already, such as:
- Screwdriver
- Sledgehammer
- Closed-Toe Shoes
- Hammer
- Drill
- Protective Glasses
- Reciprocating Saw
- Shovel
- Pry Bar
- Work Gloves
In our next blog, we will explain in detail the 7 steps of deck demolition. For more information, visit our website at wastesolutionsusa.com or call us at (832) 808-4755.