6 Ways to Protect Your Deck in the Winter

The winter months in Westchester can be brutal. During the cold and dark days, your home's exterior becomes vulnerable to damage if not adequately protected from harsh weather conditions such as snowfall or ice pellets. 

To this end, one of the cost-effective ways to ensure your deck remains safe all through the winter is by carrying out regular inspection, repair, cleaning, and recoating when necessary; to protect it from damage. Below are some helpful tips on how to keep your deck safe and from deteriorating this season.

Clean It Up

These are some great tips for clearing away winter clutter and preparing your deck to withstand the coming season. Debris buildup on decks can lead to moisture leaching, which in turn leaves behind wood discolorations or mold growth that could ruin the integrity of a new paint job! 

Plant pots left on the deck all through the winter seasons can lead to moisture leaching, which results in discolorations. Additionally, patio furniture should be stowed and stacked away for the winter. 

Brush It Down

One of the easiest ways to protect your home from inclement weather is by keeping it clean. Outdoor debris, such as leaves and snow, can quickly accumulate on exterior surfaces, leaving them vulnerable during harsh winters when temperatures drop below freezing point. This may cause extensive damage to the deck.

By making sure all areas around our house are clear for removal before wintertime arrives, we avoid spending time scraping at frozen grime with rakes.

One of our most important home improvement tips is to keep things free from debris. Debris left on any part or surface will lead to gradual breaking down and more major problems if they aren't taken care of immediately! 

The same advice goes for your deck; you must clean the surface now and then. For example, Rotting wood means termites feeding off those pieces until there's nothing left but dust.

Remove Mildew or Mold Buildup

Removal of mildew, mold and moss can be difficult because they thrive in moist environments. A key step to prevent this is to carry out annual maintenance on the deck by removing all dead leaves or evergreens during Winter.

Mold grows best between tight boards, common with older decks; cracks provide another opportunity for growth due to their lackadaisical closure. If you see any hint that these creatures may be present, it is important to take immediate action!

Mold and mildew can form under boards, between cracks in the surface material, and from dirt getting trapped beneath snow which causes moisture.

Cover with a Tarp

Proper maintenance is the best way to protect our decks: don't wait until it gets too late before cleaning away accumulated slushy residue of crystals that may have been tracked from harsh weather conditions. Make sure these surfaces are cleaned regularly, at least twice per season, using cleaners specifically formulated for wood.

To avoid costly repairs, you can cover your deck with a tarp this Winter. The added barrier will help keep it dry and crack-free! It will keep snow from building up on the surface and lead to less warping as well! You can minimize cracking by preventing ice formation between layers and ensuring there's always water-resistant material present for optimal results.

Remove Snow

It is important to remove snow from your deck to avoid it from getting damaged. If you are using salt or other ice-melting products, make sure they don't come into contact with the wood surface because it could cause discoloration and damage! Wear protective insulation while shoveling during snowy days--especially if there's heavy accumulation. Ensure your deck stays in tip-top shape with these simple steps: 

• Clear off accumulated mounds of packed snow from around or on top of its surfaces (including roads nearby)
• Make sure there are no ice dams where water would likely run under if left unchecked! 

Use Water Repellent Seal

A high-quality sealant will fill cracks and coat your deck surface like a shield against moisture. It might require the removal of prior finishes, but it's worth doing for an unmutilated springtime look!

Applying a coat on the timber deck will protect surfaces against damage from moisture, mold, and rot. We recommend Sikkens Cetol BLX-Pro water-based finish, a transparent, high-quality finish that protects surfaces from damage by moisture, mold, and rots over winter. 

It provides superior flexibility, durability and naturally enhances the color of the timber. Liberally apply the finish using a quality brush in line with the direction of the grain. Apply three coats with an interval of 2- 3 hours. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Should I cover my decking in the Winter? 

Irrespective of how you prepare the deck, it can suffer underneath layers of ice and snow during winter. However, In harsh winter months, you can have your wood looking great by using a tarp to cover the deck. This will provide an additional layer that serves as a barrier between the moisture and wood. 

Should I put a tarp over my deck in the Winter? 

One of the best ways to prevent snow from your deck’s surface is to cover the deck with a tarp. This will create an additional barrier that prevents warping with time. Furthermore, keeping moisture from cracks reduces the chance of ice formation that is likely to intensify damages. 

What do you put on a deck in Winter?

Rock salt dries out natural moisture on wood, leading to natural contraction, expansion, or corrosion. Add potassium chloride (a Mild de-icing salt) before snowfall if the deck is water-sealed. 

How do I protect my wood deck from the snow? 

One of the cost-effective ways to protect your deck during Winter is to cover it with a heavy and non-porous tarp. Tarps will prevent snow and moisture from dribbling, therefore reducing the chances of warping with time.