Get matched with top deck maintenance specialists in Holland, OH

Building a deck is often worth the investment, not only because it provides more utility to your yard and gives you more space to entertain but also because decks tend to add value to your home. Keep in mind that second-story decks often require concrete footings, which means they will bump up your property taxes, while decks built on the first story generally don’t require a permanent foundation and won’t affect your taxes. Even with the tax increase, decks are usually a good investment in the long run.

Yes, but ensuring the deck has a solid foundation with adequate footings is critical before building, as the weight of a sunroom will put significant pressure on the structure below. Even if your deck is properly constructed, it may not be able to handle the extra weight. While some basic, lightweight, prefabricated sunrooms can sit on a deck with a strong existing foundation without additional supports, in many cases, the foundation and joists will need reinforcement. It is always best to have a structural engineer perform an inspection to evaluate the deck's quality and structural integrity. A professional can help you decide if reinforcement is sufficient or if it's better to tear down the deck and start over.

The most likely causes of a deck leaning to one side are damaged deck posts, soil erosion, and inadequate deck footings. If you’re not sure about the exact cause, the best option is to call a contractor who can build a deck to inspect the damage and recommend the best way forward.

In most cases, your deck will need some form of deck footing to hold it in place, preventing moisture from rotting your wood and decreasing your deck’s lifespan. Concrete deck blocks are the most common type of footing for floating decks. Some homeowners use ground-level deck footings. For added security, consider digging and laying your ground-level footings below ground.