Decks / Patios

Maintenance and Repair of Decks and/or Patios

Under Sarah's Glen Bylaws, each homeowner at his/her sole cost and expense, is responsible for the regular, ongoing maintenance and repair of their deck(s) and/or patio (including surface, substructure, footings/foundation and supports).  

Repair or replacement of a deck structure must use original construction materials that meet current village building codes and be consistent with the original deck design. Any replacement support joists and/or beams for substructure must be pressure treated lumber that is sized and spaced to meet current building code. Any replacement deck posts must be 6"x6" rough sawn red cedar placed on/attached to concrete support footings to properly support the load of the deck. Usage of substructure steel angle braces, attached to joists, beams and posts to further strengthen the deck structure and reduce lateral movement, are encouraged.

Any replacement decking boards and fascia must be red cedar lumber, unless the homeowner has received HOA approval to use a composite product that mimics the appearance of transparently stained red cedar. 

Regular and ongoing maintenance of a deck should include the proper cleaning, brightening, restoration, staining/sealing of the wood deck and its supporting structure. By covenant, architectural and aesthetic consistency is required throughout the Sarah's Glen town home community.

Therefore, all wood decks and their supporting structure should be stained / sealed only with

• a natural CEDAR Tinted Transparent or Semi-Transparent Stain/Sealer.

        or 

• a Clear Exterior Wood Stain/Sealer

Solid Stains, Paints or other Tint colors (such as redwood, brown, etc) are not permitted.

Depending on usage, quality of care, weather and other environmental conditions, this type of maintenance may be needed as often as every two years.  

What items are permitted on decks/patios?
Lawn/porch furniture, barbecue grills, decorative plants and toys shall be the only items kept on balconies or patios.  Structures such as storage sheds, dog/animal shelters and cages, etc are prohibited.  Hanging clothing, towels, bedding or other articles over balcony railings is prohibited. See R&R's for further information.