As deck season draws to a close, it’s time to prep your deck for winter!
First things first, you should wash down all patio furniture and store indoors if possible.
Planters and pots should be put away to avoid leaving marks on the deck. Items sitting out over the winter are a magnet for moisture, as well as snow and ice buildup which can cause discoloration and decay, not to mention the added weight creates unnecessary stress on your deck.
First things first, you should wash down all patio furniture and store indoors if possible.
Planters and pots should be put away to avoid leaving marks on the deck. Items sitting out over the winter are a magnet for moisture, as well as snow and ice buildup which can cause discoloration and decay, not to mention the added weight creates unnecessary stress on your deck.
Leaves, dirt, and debris tend to collect in nooks and crannies. Not only does this make for an unsightly mess in the spring, but it can hinder drainage over the winter leading to cosmetic and structural issues down the road. Be sure that the gaps between boards are clear of dirt and debris so water and snow melt can drain easily. You may want to use a hose or low-power pressure washer to do this.
Thoroughly wash your deck using products recommended for your type of deck material ie. cedar, pressure treated, composite, etc… Pressure washing can restore the beauty of a well-used deck but should be done with care.
Leaves, dirt, and debris tend to collect in nooks and crannies. Not only does this make for an unsightly mess in the spring, but it can hinder drainage over the winter leading to cosmetic and structural issues down the road. Be sure that the gaps between boards are clear of dirt and debris so water and snow melt can drain easily. You may want to use a hose or low-power pressure washer to do this.
Thoroughly wash your deck using products recommended for your type of deck material ie. cedar, pressure treated, composite, etc… Pressure washing can restore the beauty of a well-used deck but should be done with care.
Take a look at your deck boards, railings and supports. If you notice damage or other issues, deal with it before the cold weather sets in.
Take a look at your deck boards, railings and supports. If you notice damage or other issues, deal with it before the cold weather sets in.
Routinely remove snow and ice from your deck. Always use a plastic shovel or snow blower to avoid scratching your deck. it’s important that you shovel along the length of the deck boards (with the grain). Never run the shovel across the width of the boards; doing so may scratch the deck and ruin stain or paint.
Skip de-icing salt, which erodes your deck’s coating and avoid ice melts with added color and sand, especially on composite decking, which can act like sandpaper. Maintenance free decking manufacturers recommend using sodium chloride-based rock salt or calcium chloride.
We do not recommend calcium chloride for wood decking as it easily penetrates the surface and will cause premature deterioration. Rock salt can be used but isn’t recommended for prolonged use.
Routinely remove snow and ice from your deck. Always use a plastic shovel or snow blower to avoid scratching your deck. it’s important that you shovel along the length of the deck boards (with the grain). Never run the shovel across the width of the boards; doing so may scratch the deck and ruin stain or paint.
Skip de-icing salt, which erodes your deck’s coating and avoid ice melts with added color and sand, especially on composite decking, which can act like sandpaper. Maintenance free decking manufacturers recommend using sodium chloride-based rock salt or calcium chloride.
We do not recommend calcium chloride for wood decking as it easily penetrates the surface and will cause premature deterioration. Rock salt can be used but isn’t recommended for prolonged use.
If you’re not completely sure what you should do to get your deck ready for the winter, or how to repair any issues you notice before or during the season, give us a call at 613-290-4445. We will make sure your deck survives the winter months and looks good as new when you’re ready to use it again next season!