Winter Deck Maintenance

As an essential part of your outdoor living space, your deck deserves year round maintenance – even during the cold months when it might be used less often. Winter weather can take a toll on your deck without proper care; snow, ice, and cold temperatures can lead to warping, cracking, and water damage to your deck, threatening its longevity and creating unnecessary repair costs. Luckily, a few maintenance steps can keep your deck looking new and strong in every season.

Preparation

Before the winter chill hits, thoroughly clean your deck by sweeping away dirt and debris, which could trap moisture and create mold growth and degradation of your deck’s materials. You can also use (or hire a professional to use) a pressure washer to remove the stubborn dirt and grime.

The next step is to review your deck for any potential flaws or cracks before the cold sets in, and to address them before they spiral into potentially bigger problems. Even small issues like loose nails and boards or small cracks can get worse with the winter moisture and fluctuating temperatures.

Finally, you can apply a weather-resistant sealant or stain to create a barrier against moisture. Note that many of these sealants require a specific temperature in order to cure, so this step should be done before temperatures drop too low.

Maintenance

There are also steps you can take during the winter months to protect your deck. Regularly removing snow and ice that accumulate on your deck can prevent moisture getting trapped. Use a plastic shovel to remove the snow if possible, to prevent creating scrapes in your deck. And while ice may be difficult to manually remove from your deck, avoid using harsh salts to remove it, since this can damage your deck’s finish. Invest in deck-friendly ice melts to keep your deck safe while still maintaining its quality.

Finally, keep in mind your deck’s material, as different materials have different maintenance requirements. For example, wood decks require regular sealing to prevent boards from warping or cracking, while composite decks may just require frequent cleaning. Keeping these maintenance tips in mind throughout the winter will help prevent costly repairs in the spring.