Deck repair and rebuilding in Rochester
Find out whether a tired deck needs a few fixes or a fresh start, from a contractor who looks underneath first.
Deck repair covers anything from a few soft boards to new joists, a new ledger or new footings, and rebuilding means starting over on the same spot. For Rochester-area homeowners with a deck that's sagging, rocking or rotting, we connect you with an independent contractor who inspects it and tells you which route makes sense.
What usually goes wrong with Rochester decks?
- Frost heave. Olmsted County's code minimum is 3½ feet of footing depth because the ground freezes deep. Older decks on shallow pads or blocks get pushed up in winter and settle unevenly in spring.
- Ledger rot. Without flashing, water runs behind the ledger every rain and every thaw. The rot is hidden until boards near the house go soft or the deck pulls away.
- Nailed connections. Many older decks hang on nails at the ledger or joist ends. The city handout now calls for ½-inch by 5-inch lag screws or bolts with washers at the ledger.
- Worn stairs. Stringers sitting on soil wick up water and rot from the bottom.
Warning signs
- Boards that give or crack underfoot
- The deck slopes away from the house
- A gap between the ledger and the siding
- Posts that lean, lifted after winter, or sit on blocks
- Guards that sway when pushed
- Rusted joist hangers or missing fasteners
- Mushrooms or dark stains on framing
Repair or rebuild?
A repair makes sense when the footings are deep enough, the ledger is solid and the rot is limited to some boards or a few joists. A rebuild is usually the smarter spend when footings are shallow across the board, the ledger has rotted along much of its length, or the deck was never close to current code. A good contractor will pull a few boards near the house before giving you a firm answer.
Storm damage
Rochester has had damaging tornadoes in recent memory, including June 2010 on the northwest side and June 2019 in southwest Rochester. If a tree limb or wind has hit your deck, photograph everything before cleanup and talk to your insurer before choosing a contractor.
Permits for repairs
The city treats structural deck work seriously, and a rebuild is effectively a new deck with a permit and inspections. If you're unsure whether your repair needs one, the contractor can check with Rochester Building Safety, or call Olmsted County Planning at 507-328-7100 for addresses it covers.
What affects the price?
- How much damage turns up once boards come off
- Whether the house rim board behind the ledger also needs repair
- New footings dug to full depth
- Disposal and the replacement materials you pick
Where we connect homeowners
Common questions
Why did my deck posts lift over the winter?
Footings shallower than the frost line can be pushed up when the ground freezes. Olmsted County’s code minimum footing depth is 3 1/2 feet.
Can a contractor just replace the boards on my old deck?
Only if the frame, ledger and footings check out. Putting new boards on a failing frame wastes money.
Is a rotted ledger dangerous?
It can be. The ledger carries one side of an attached deck. If it is soft or pulling away, keep weight off that area until it is inspected.
Related services
- New deck construction
- Composite and low-maintenance decking
- Railings, stairs and landings
- Pergolas and deck roofs
More background: Rochester deck guide.
Ready to plan a deck before the frost comes out?
Call and we will connect you with an independent deck contractor who works in the Rochester area.