Central New York is hard on decks. Snow sits on them for months, freeze–thaw cycles work fasteners loose, and summer sun dries and cracks wood. Eventually every deck reaches a point where repairs stop making sense.
As a deck builder in Syracuse, NY, and a certified TrexPro Builder and TimberTech Silver Contractor, Syracuse Construction inspects, repairs and replaces decks across Central New York. Here's how to tell what your deck needs.
- 7 signs your deck needs attention
- Repair, resurface or replace?
- Why Central NY winters are tough on decks
- Upgrading to composite
- The deck replacement process
- Frequently asked questions
7 Signs Your Deck Needs Attention
- Soft or spongy boards: a sign of rot, especially near the house and around stairs.
- Wobbly or loose railings: railings must hold a person's weight. Movement is a safety issue.
- Problems at the ledger: the ledger is where the deck attaches to your house. Rot, missing flashing or loose fasteners here are serious, because this connection is a common point of deck failure.
- Sinking, leaning or rotting posts and footings that have shifted.
- Rusted fasteners and connectors, including joist hangers.
- Cracked, splintered or cupped boards that keep getting worse every year.
- Age: if your deck is 15 to 20 years old or more, have the structure inspected even if the surface looks fine.
Repair, Resurface or Replace?
| Option | When it makes sense |
|---|---|
| Repair | A few damaged boards, a loose stair or a section of railing, with a solid frame underneath. |
| Resurface | The frame, posts and footings are sound and meet the new decking's requirements, but the boards and railing are worn out. |
| Replace | Rot or damage in the ledger, joists, posts or footings, or you want a new size, shape or layout. |
Don't cover up a bad frame: New boards on a failing structure look great for a season and then fail with it. We inspect the framing before recommending resurfacing.
Why Central NY Winters Are Tough on Decks
- Snow load: heavy, wet snow adds weight to the structure for months at a time.
- Freeze–thaw cycles: water in wood and around footings expands and contracts, loosening fasteners and shifting posts.
- Trapped moisture: leaves and snow piles keep boards and joists wet.
- Frost: footings must extend below the local frost line, or the deck can heave.
Upgrading to Composite
Most of our deck replacements are composite. Composite decking doesn't need staining or sealing, resists rot and splintering, and holds its color for years. Pair it with aluminum, cable or composite railing, and add built-in step and post lights for safety at night. Read our full comparison of composite vs. wood decks.
The Deck Replacement Process
- Inspection and design: we evaluate the existing deck and design the new one, including size, stairs, railings and lighting.
- Permits: we prepare drawings and handle the building permit.
- Demolition and haul-away of the old deck.
- Footings and framing built to code, with a properly flashed ledger.
- Decking, railings, stairs and lighting.
- Final inspection and walkthrough.
Thinking bigger? A replacement is the perfect time to add a pergola, a covered area or a lower-level patio. Our sister company, Syracuse Lightscapes, can design the patio and landscaping around it. See more on our decks page and in our deck projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my deck needs to be replaced or just repaired?
If problems are limited to a few boards or a section of railing and the frame, posts and footings are solid, repair may be enough. If the ledger, joists, posts or footings show rot, sinking or loose connections, replacement is usually the safer choice.
Can you put new composite boards on my old deck frame?
Sometimes. The frame must be structurally sound and meet the joist spacing the composite manufacturer requires. We inspect the framing first, because putting new boards on a failing frame only hides the problem.
Do I need a permit to replace a deck in Syracuse?
Deck replacement typically requires a building permit, and requirements vary by town. We handle the permit and inspections for our deck projects.
How long does a composite deck last?
Quality composite decking is designed to last for decades with minimal maintenance, and leading brands offer long manufacturer warranties. As a TrexPro Builder and TimberTech Silver Contractor, we install to manufacturer specifications so those warranties are protected.
When should I plan a deck replacement?
Late fall and winter are ideal for design, selections and permits, so construction can start as early as possible in spring and your new deck is ready for the summer.
Related Services
Get Your Deck Inspected
Not sure whether to repair or replace? We'll inspect your deck and give you an honest recommendation.
Request a Free ConsultationOr call 315-751-0540
