Decks / Patios

Maintenance and Repair of Decks & Patios

⚠️ Important Notice: All deck repairs, structural modifications, and replacements require advance written approval from the Homeowner’s Association. Please submit an Architectural Change Request Form to the management company before beginning any work.

Under the Sarah's Glen bylaws, each homeowner is responsible for the regular, ongoing maintenance, repair, and associated costs of their deck(s) and/or patio (including the surface, substructure, footings, and supports).
 
Structural Inspections & Safety
As deck structures age, issues like wood rot, insect infestation, and ground settling can emerge. The HOA strongly recommends that homeowners periodically hire a NADRA-certified structural engineer or inspector (or a similar specialist) to assess their deck's structural integrity.

Standard Repair & Replacement Materials
To maintain community consistency and comply with local building codes, any repair or replacement must mirror the original deck design and utilize the following specific materials:

📋 Quick Reference: Material Requirements

• Deck Boards: Red Cedar lumber (5/4" x 6 nominal) or an HOA-approved composite decking product (see the Pre-Approved Composite Decking list at the bottom of this page).
• Fascia Boards: Red Cedar lumber (1 x 10 nominal).
• Upright Support Posts: Rough-sawn Red Cedar (6 x 6) attached to concrete footings via steel post bases.
• Post Trim: Red Cedar lumber (1" beveled decorative trim wrap around the base).
• Substructure (Joists & Beams): Pressure-treated lumber, sized and spaced to meet current village building codes.

Approved Structural Bracing
Homeowners may add specific bracing to increase lateral stability and reduce deck sway. Any proposed bracing must be detailed in your architectural request.

• Permitted Bracing: Substructure steel angle braces (properly attached to joists, beams, and posts), minimal-appearance underside diagonal cross-bracing, or underside sway braces (such as this structural example).
• Prohibited Bracing: Knee bracing or any visible add-on bracing that alters the original exterior design of the deck is not permitted.

Approved Stains, Sealers, & Paints
To maintain a uniform appearance across the association, all wood decks and supporting structures must only be treated with approved tones.

• Permitted Options:
  • ​Natural CEDAR tinted transparent stain/sealer
  • Natural CEDAR semi-transparent stain/sealer
  • Clear exterior wood stain/sealer
• Prohibited Options:
  • Solid stains, paints, or alternative tint colors (such as redwood, dark brown, grey, etc.) are strictly prohibited.
    • 💡 Maintenance Note: Depending on weather and wear, decks typically require re-staining every two years.
    • 🛑 Violations: Any deck treated with an unapproved color or paint must be corrected. Uncorrected violations may result in fines or a property lien to ensure compliance.

Deck & Patio Usage Rules
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​Permitted Items
Only the following items are allowed to be kept on decks, balconies, or patios:

• Lawn/patio furniture
• Barbecue grills
• Decorative plants
• Outdoor toys

Prohibited Items & Activities

• Structures: Storage sheds, animal shelters, dog houses, and cages are prohibited.
• Nuisances: Hanging clothing, towels, bedding, or laundry over balcony railings is prohibited.

For further details, please consult the complete Sarah's Glen Rules & Regulations (R&Rs).
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* Approved Composite Decking Guide
To maintain our community's aesthetic, all approved composite decking must closely resemble natural red cedar.

Pre-Approved Products
If your Architectural Change Request specifies one of the following pre-approved options, your application will qualify for expedited review (provided all other standard requirements are met):

• Fiberon: "Cabin"
• ​TimberTech: "Coconut Husk"
• UltraDeck: "Inspire" (Spanish Cedar)
• UltraDeck: "Rustic" (New Cedar)
• Trex Transcend: "Havana Gold"
• ​Trex Transcend: "Tree House"
• Zuri: "Cedar" (Cellular PVC)

📝 A Note on New Products: While no other existing composite decking options are being considered at this time, the Board recognizes that manufacturers regularly introduce new materials. If a new product comes onto the market that exceptionally mirrors the appearance of natural red cedar, the Board may evaluate and update this approved list.
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To request the consideration of a newly introduced product, you must submit a physical material sample to association management or a board member along with your application. Please note that alternative products that do not closely resemble natural red cedar will not be considered.