Preparing your deck for winter involves more than keeping it aesthetically pleasing. Our province is notorious for its heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures. For your deck to remain safe and long-lasting for years to come, winterization is necessary.
Windeck is here to help you with deck knowledge. This guide will assist homeowners in maintaining their decks during the winter and beyond, from assessing the hazards to preserving the structure.
Why Winterize Your Deck?
The winters in Canada can be harsh. Ice storms, severe snowfall, and cold temperatures all take a toll on your deck. Ignoring the winterization step on your deck can result in several serious problems:
Structural Damage: Rot and weakened structural integrity can result from moisture seeping into the wood from snow and ice. Your deck may become unsafe for use as a result of this deterioration and require expensive repairs.
Safety Risks: If a deck isn’t winterized, it could develop dangerous elements like slick surfaces, loose railings, and weakened boards. Particularly in icy or snowy conditions, these can present significant risks of falls and injuries.
You can prolong the life of your outdoor space and prevent these issues by properly preparing your deck for winter. Our knowledge of seasonal deck maintenance at Windeck allows us to give homeowners practical, understandable advice that safeguards their investment and creates a fun, safe space on their deck in any weather.
Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Deck
Your deck needs to be winterized to remain in top shape and be ready for use come springtime. That’s what you can achieve by following our comprehensive guide for deck builders and owners.
1. Examining and fixing
Take care of small problems on your own to preserve the integrity of your deck, or hire an expert for larger repairs. When getting your deck ready for winter, don’t forget to check the underside. Examine the joists and beams that support the deck’s structure with a flashlight to look for problems that might be concealed beneath the deck boards.
2. Cleaning Your Deck
Remove all dirt and debris with a soft nylon bristle broom to avoid scratching your deck. To get rid of mildew and grease stains, use a deck-safe cleaner as needed. Always try hot soapy water and some elbow grease before you move onto chemicals. Chemical deck cleaners can dull the finish of composite decking if used frequently so only use them as a last resort.
3. Protecting the Surface
For wood decks, sealing the wood can drastically extend the life of your wooden boards and it is a good practice to apply a quality sealant annually. Before using any sealants, make sure the deck is completely dry. Moisture trapped in the wood may cause problems.
To preserve the wood’s appearance, pick products that are specially made for extremely hot or cold temperatures and that provide UV protection.
Because these areas are most vulnerable to moisture penetration, make sure to cover all nooks and crannies when applying sealant, especially the edges and ends of boards.
Consider the long-term advantages of installing composite decking, such as Wolf, Trex, or Deckorators, which are more durable and require less maintenance, making them ideal for winterizing.
4. Snow and Ice Removal
When winterizing your deck, use a broom or a plastic shovel to gently remove snow and ice from the deck’s surface.
Avoid: Avoid using harsh chemicals like rock salt or metal tools as they can erode the finish and harm the decking.
To keep snow from sticking, lightly coat the plastic shovel’s edge with cooking oil. Clearing the deck without causing damage will be simpler as a result.
5. Winter Care for Deck Accessories
To avoid damage, take out and put away outdoor furnishings and decorations in a dry location.
When winterizing your deck, place weatherproof covers over any immovable items.
To avoid mold and mildew, make sure cushions and fabric items are completely dry before storing them. In storage boxes, use silica gel packets to absorb any remaining moisture.
To ensure that your deck is ready for next winter, get in touch with Windeck to talk about deck resurfacing options that suit your needs and budget.
Winterize Your Deck with Windeck
It is essential to prepare your deck for the severe winters in Canada. Decks that are properly winterized are protected from harm, have a longer lifespan, and are safe and attractive throughout the upcoming warmer months. The time to protect your outdoor living space is now, as the temperatures start to drop.
Don’t put off winterizing your deck until after the first snowfall. From comprehensive inspections to expert repairs and protective treatments, Windeck is prepared to assist you at every stage. Our team of professionals is available to offer the best seasonal deck designs, care service and advice, whether you’re looking to maintain your existing deck or are thinking about upgrading to long-lasting, low-maintenance composite decking.