Building a Deck in Savannah, GA is not like building a deck in drier states. Heritage Deck Solutions knows that the heavy humidity, the salt air creeping in from the marshes around Thunderbolt, and the famous Savannah summer downpours mean you have to build differently if you want the structure to last. Over the years running Heritage Deck Solutions, our team has answered many questions about Deck Construction in Savannah, GA. Here are the answers to the most common questions.
Do I actually need a permit to build a deck in Savannah?
Yes, you do need a permit. Whether you live inside the historic landmark district or out in a newer subdivision in Pooler, the city or county requires permits for decks attached to a house or any detached platform over a certain height. Skipping the permit might save you a couple of weeks upfront, but it will cause major problems when you try to sell your house. Home inspectors spot unpermitted work immediately, and chasing retro-permits is a difficult process that homeowners want to avoid.
How long will my deck actually last in this humidity?
The lifespan of a Deck depends entirely on what you build it out of and how well it is maintained. Standard pressure-treated pine down here usually gives you about 10 to 15 years before the rot and splitting get the upper hand, provided you are staining and sealing the wood every couple of years. If you go with high-end composite materials, you can expect 25 to 30 years or more with very little upkeep besides a seasonal wash down to get rid of the pollen and mold.
Will a wooden deck rot faster because of our swampy climate?
Rot is a major concern for Wood Decks in coastal Georgia. Our soil stays damp, and the air stays thick for months on end. Wood stays wet longer here. To fight this, Heritage Deck Solutions uses ground-contact rated lumber for posts and framing, and we flash all ledger boards properly so water does not seep into your home rim joist. If water gets trapped behind a ledger board in this climate, your subfloor can rot out before you even realize what is happening.
What kind of footings do you need in Savannah sandy soil?
Down by the coast, our soil can be sandy, loose, or sitting on top of old clay pockets. You cannot just dig a shallow hole and pour concrete. Heritage Deck Solutions sinks concrete footings deep below the grade for stability, and we flare the bottoms out in a bell shape when necessary to handle the load-bearing requirements. If your footings are not deep and solid, shifting soil will pull your Deck right away from the house.
Can I build a ground-level deck without railings?
The building codes used in Chatham County generally require guards or railings on any Deck surface that sits more than 30 inches above the surrounding grade. Even if your Deck is low to the ground, sometimes adding a low bench or a minimal barrier just makes sense for safety and defining the space. Heritage Deck Solutions always checks current local code specifics before finalizing any design.
How much disruption will there be to my yard?
Any major construction project is going to leave some footprint. We bring in lumber, mix concrete, and haul away dirt from digging holes. However, Heritage Deck Solutions does our best to protect your landscaping, keep the work zone tidy at the end of every day, and clean up thoroughly once the final board is screwed down. You might need to replant a patch of grass near the stairs, but your whole yard will not look disturbed.
Heritage Deck Solutions provides Deck Building services for homes in Savannah, GA.