With brisk fall evenings by the crackling outdoor fireplace still fresh in your memory, you may be among the homeowners who close their deck for the winter months.
While each change between seasons is a good time for a maintenance check, the transition to winter is a particularly important time to prepare your deck for the freezing temps, snow, and ice that may follow. The composite and PVC decking materials that Integrous Fences and Decks recommends can withstand these winter elements more durably than wood decks, because they’re designed to resist moisture, prevent warping, and maintain structural stability through freezing and thawing cycles.
But even with these more durable decking materials, the ways you do (or don’t) take care of your outdoor living space in the winter months can still take a toll.
Follow these winterizing tips to protect your deck and ensure it’ll be ready to enjoy when spring returns.
Leaf Clean-Up
Do: Clear your deck of any debris, including leaves, sticks, and other build up.
Don’t: Wait until spring to tidy up. Materials like leaves can trap moisture and create a slipping hazard if left on your deck all winter.
Furniture Storage
Do: Clean your outdoor furniture and appliances, dry completely, and cover or store in a climate-controlled environment.
Don’t: Leave furniture or appliances not built for winter elements on your deck. Some metal materials are prone to rust, wicker and plastic are susceptible to cracking, and wood can rot or warp.
Inspect and Repair
Do: Take advantage of your freshly cleaned and cleared deck to inspect it for any necessary repairs. Integrous’ crews and service technicians work all winter long, so don’t hesitate to reach out so we can complete the repairs before the spring rush.
Don’t: Avoid necessary repairs until another season, since the delay can lead to further damage.
Snow Removal
Do: Remove snow with a plastic shovel or broom.
Don’t: Remove snow with a metal shovel or shovel with metal edges, which can damage your deck boards.
Ice Removal
Do: Avoid traditional ice melting products, which can damage deck boards and hardware. While some products may be labeled safe for decks, follow the manufacturer guidelines carefully and clean your deck after use to remove residue.
Don’t: Use rock salt, sand, or tinted ice melts. These products can stain your deck, grind into your deck boards, and wear away at the grain patterns.
Prepping for Spring
Do: Give your deck a thorough clean at the end of the winter season to remove residual ice-melting products and prepare the surface for furniture to return.
Don’t: Clean without understanding best practices and products for deck maintenance. For more details about how to safely clean your deck, check out Integrous’ deck maintenance tips.
While winter may not be your favorite month to enjoy your outdoor living spaces, it’s an ideal time to build a new fence or deck on your property. Beat the spring rush and reach out to Integrous today for a free consultation.