Many decks built more than 20 years ago were constructed under limited oversight or older code standards. As materials age and regulations change, questions arise about structural safety, permit history, and whether the original framing can meet current requirements. Updating old decks requires more than visual checks. It demands a clear review of documentation, connections, and load paths to confirm compliance with today’s Kansas City code. This process sets the baseline for safe decisions and predictable outcomes.
Why Updating Old Decks Often Reveals Compliance Gaps
Older decks require closer review because documentation is often missing. If there is no record of a permit, there is no inspection history or certificate of occupancy to confirm that the deck was ever approved. Even when a deck appears structurally sound, compliance depends on how it was originally built and whether it met code at the time.
That uncertainty is why updating old decks cannot be based on surface condition alone. The only reliable way to confirm compliance is to inspect every critical component together, rather than evaluating isolated areas.
What We Inspect When Updating Old Decks
A proper deck evaluation looks beyond the decking boards. Code compliance depends on the structure underneath and how it connects to the home.
Ledger Attachment and House Envelope Protection
The ledger attachment is one of the most important structural connections on a deck. We also review house envelope protection at this connection point. Both must be evaluated together to confirm the deck is properly secured and protected from moisture intrusion.
Framing, Joists, Beams, and Piers
We inspect joist spacing, joist sizing, beam sizing, and pier sizing. These elements determine whether the structure can support the deck safely under the current code. Older decks often used framing methods that are no longer acceptable today.
Stair Construction and Attachment
Stairs are another area that must be reviewed when confirming code compliance. Older decks often include stair systems that were never inspected or approved. Stair construction is evaluated as part of the overall structure, not as a standalone feature.
Key Takeaway: The only way to confirm a deck is code-compliant is to inspect all structural elements together.
Need expert help with deck replacement? Contact DW Decks for a free consultation.
Why Replacement Is Often the Recommended Approach
Our mindset is to replace the deck when the structure cannot be verified or brought into compliance. Replacement removes uncertainty and provides a fully documented, code-compliant structure.
With a full replacement:
- New framing comes with a 25-year warranty
- Composite decking typically carries a minimum 25-year warranty
- Railings include a lifetime warranty
When updating old decks by saving existing framing, there is no known shelf life left. There is no warranty. In many cases, the type of framing used cannot even be confirmed. The framing is the foundation that everything else relies on.
Pro Tip: If old framing fails years later, new decking and railings must be removed and replaced. That often means paying for the project multiple times.
Permits, Records, and Verification
If a deck were permitted, the city should have inspection records and a certificate of occupancy on file. These records confirm the deck was reviewed and approved when it was built. When those records exist, they help determine whether updates or repairs are possible.
If there is no record of a permit, compliance cannot be verified. In those situations, replacement is often the clearest path forward. A new structure eliminates unknowns by starting with framing, materials, and construction methods that meet today’s code.
Avoiding Future Rebuild Costs
Saving old framing may seem like a way to reduce upfront costs, but it carries long-term risk. If the framing fails 10 years after new decking and railings are installed, everything above it must be removed to rebuild the structure.
That scenario often results in paying significantly more than if the deck had been replaced from the start. Rebuilding once avoids that risk.
Key Takeaway: Replacing the structure upfront can prevent tearing out and replacing new materials later.
Next Steps for Older Decks
If your deck is more than 20 years old, lacks permit records, or cannot be fully verified as code-compliant, replacement is often the most reliable solution. Our team at DW Decks evaluates every project based on structure, documentation, and long-term performance. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and move forward with confidence when updating old decks.
