As the cold weather rolls in, homeowners prepare their landscapes and yards for the winter chill. Likewise, prepping your home's exterior, including your deck, will help keep it in top-notch condition and protect it from damage.
Here are a few helpful tips on protecting your deck from winter weather this year.
Before Winter
· Clear the Clutter. Remove everything you can from the deck and planters that can leave wood discolorations on your patio furniture. Then, sweep the deck to clear all the debris from the surface.
· Give it a Good Scrub. Debris left on your deck surface will cause deterioration. Wash the deck surface well to remove mildew from your deck before winter. Many products are on the market to help you clear all the debris from the deck's surface.
· Take a Closer Look. Inspect your deck on the top and bottom of the boards to look for places where moisture could pool and weaken the material.
· Seal it Up. Apply a water-repellant seal to fill cracks and coat your deck's surface to protect against moisture and ice. Filling those cracks is especially important, as ice formation can worsen them. Sealing or staining your deck should be done every 2-3 years.
During Winter
· Sweep, Don't Shovel. We suggest removing snow as it accumulates. A broom is the best way to protect the wood as you remove the snow. For heavy snow that requires a shovel, move the shovel in the same direction as the board to avoid scratching the deck's finish. Always use a plastic shovel on your deck.
· Do Not Salt. Do not use salt or any other ice-melting products on your deck. The calcium chloride or rock salt used in these products can damage the finish or cause discoloration.
· Cover with a Tarp. Some homeowners like to place a tarp over the deck's surface to create an added barrier from the elements. This is only an option for some homeowners, especially if you like to grill on your deck in winter or have a hot tub. If you use a tarp, secure it well to prevent it from blowing away.
A Final Thought
If you still need to build a deck or are looking to refurbish your current deck, consider composite decking for your project. Composite decking is more resilient than wood and requires less maintenance.
At Dain's Lumber, we believe that one's deck is an extension of their home. That's why we have put so much time into curating a wide selection of decking and railing types from many impressive, top-rated brands and manufacturers. With over 40 styles and colors featured on our 2,500 sq. ft. outdoor deck display and living area, you can see each in the outdoor elements.
We also offer an extensive line of deck stains and accessories to refurbish existing decks and an experienced staff to help you choose the right products for your project. So you can be sure that no matter what decking or railing type and the specific product you choose, you'll be getting quality, innovative materials that will last for years to come – years of enjoying that extension of your home.
Call (914) 737-2000 or email us at dains@dainslumber.com for more information. You can also visit our website for a look at our numerous services. Finally, remember to tour our Facebook for sample pictures of our finished products.
______________________________________________________________________Sources:
https://www.decks.com/how-to/articles/preparing-protecting-your-deck-for-winter