Porch Repair vs. Replacement: What Local Porch Builders Near You Recommend

If you have a home that has an aging backyard porch in northern Virginia in need of a little TLC, you may be wondering if you should go with a porch repair or a complete replacement and redesign of the existing structure. Fortunately for homeowners, there are many signs which indicate that your porch needs repairs or reconstruction.

Realistically, how long your backyard porch lasts depends on several factors, including the climate, materials used in its construction, and maintenance. This article will cover the basics of what to look for when assessing your porch’s current condition along with the factors that influence your porch’s lifespan.

Factors That Can Impact Wear and Tear on Your Porch

Some Materials Are More Durable Than Others

The materials used for porch construction matter. A poorly built porch that isn’t up to code will be in disrepair sooner rather than later. Wooden porches typically have a lifespan between 10 and 20 years but treated wood can last for 35 years and sometimes even longer with proper care! A concrete porch is more durable, but they can require repair within 25 years. While concrete can be an excellent choice if you desire limited maintenance and rot resistance, wood lends to elevated aesthetics because it is more customizable (stainable, holds paint well, diverse types of wood provide varying aesthetics, caved accents).

Climate and Weather-related Considerations

A porch in an area where there are harsh winters and constant rainfall or humidity will have a shorter lifespan. Warping, rotting, and fading are all consequences of weather exposure. Wet weather inevitably takes its toll on wood surfaces constantly exposed to moisture and humidity are problematic because these conditions can expedite rotting and decay (especially with untreated wood). Regular water exposure can cause warping when wood swells and then shrinks and can corrode and rust metal hardware. Wintry weather promotes a freeze-thaw cycle that can cause concrete to crack, and too much sun exposure can impact paint and staining, causing them to fade, crack and degrade wood fibers, and even degrade sealants!

What to Look for When Assessing Your Current Porch’s Condition

There are obvious signs of disrepair to look for to determine if your porch needs repairs or replacement. Missing and loose parts are a telltale sign that things are in disrepair—if your railing is missing pieces this should be replaced. Concrete porches that are cracking or crumbling are obvious indications of aging. Once the surface is compromised things can spread like a crack in a windshield. If you notice any sinking, lifting, or widespread crumbling, sound the alarm. If you have structural damage, your porch may be unsafe.

Stains and discoloration are easily noticed, and you will have to evaluate whether sun exposure or water damage is the culprit. Standing water that pools can lead to foundation damage. Rot and weakness or softness in the wood can also seriously compromise the integrity of your porch. Pests can weaken wood as well, so look for debris like sawdust and holes. Remaining vigilant and addressing things early can help extend the life of your porch.

Checklist

Easy repairs.

• Loose hardware
• Rusted hardware
• Missing hardware
• Broken railing
• Loose boards
• Fading paint

Repairable depending on extent.

• Stains/discoloration (rot is a more severe issue)
• Evidence of sawdust (assess scope of damage)
• Obvious holes (assess the extent of the problem)
• Soft or weak spots (is this isolated or widespread?)
• Cracking
• Crumbling

Serious foundation issues that require major replacement.

• Sagging
• Sinking
• Lifting
• Extensive rot

Does Your Porch Need Repair or Replacement?

So now you know that you know the signs to watch out, you might be wondering whether to replace or repair your current porch. A porch builder near you could give you an honest assessment. If your porch isn’t showing signs of serious wood rot and structural damage, you may only need repair (if it is just your hardware that is rusting or a new coat of paint a repair is warranted). Local porch contractors can easily assess the situation for you. Reputable deck contractors like Battlefield Decks can walk through a design process to better help you determine whether to go with repairs or replacement.

Code compliance and structural integrity are two major determining factors. Professional porch builders can advise on the best steps forward to address repairs and recommend replacement based off what they see. They are familiar with the ins and outs of the building process and can make a safety assessment to determine whether your current porch complies with local building code requirements. You may even decide to go with a redesign after browsing a company’s build portfolio!

The Case for a Covered Porch

Covered porches have a bit more protection from the elements, and they have more longevity because they are shielded from rain, sun, and snow damage. With a properly constructed roof, a covered porch is protected well from the elements. Like most upgrades, the addition of a covered porch can boost your property’s value. A covered porch provides all the benefits with less maintenance and more longevity.

Searching for a porch builder near you in northern Virginia? Battlefield Decks has you covered. Visit our website to learn more about who we are and what we do.