Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Almond, NY

Building codes vary by location, and you should always consult local codes before planning construction. Generally speaking, however, railing requirements stipulate that decks more than 30 inches off the ground need railings for safety purposes. These railings usually need to be at least 36 inches tall, although California and Washington require rails to be 42 inches or taller.

Not all porch columns are load-bearing, though they can be. Some porch columns are simply decorative. There are ways to identify a load-bearing column, like looking for visible seams and a foundation. Also, check to see if the column directly enters the ground. In some porch installations, a contractor will excavate a hole to install a column into the earth along with a buried cement base for stability.

Your porch could be crumbling due to poor installation, freeze and thaw cycles, or intense pressure washing or sandblasting. If your concrete was poured and cured improperly, moisture can seep into the concrete. When the water freezes and thaws, it causes stress to the structure, leading to cracks and crumbling. If you pressure wash concrete on too high of a setting or sandblast the surface, the concrete can also crumble. 

The problems with composite decking include a high rate of expansion and contraction from temperature swings. This characteristic can cause boards to split, delaminate, or peel. In addition, significant movement can cause shrinking, warping, twisting, and bending. For this reason, you should minimize moisture and ensure proper airflow below your deck.