Do you have to clear snow off your deck? Actually, not necessarily!
If you live in central Maryland, you might have noticed that it snowed recently in early January 2025. Even if you are reading this blog well before the next snowfall, it’s a great idea to be prepared. You might have heard that water, snow, and ice are enemies to your backyard deck, but after you have shoveled your driveway, do you really need to shovel snow off your deck as well?
Do You Need to Shovel Snow Off Your Deck?
In short, no. Unless the snow reaches above your deck railings or above three and a half feet, you don’t necessarily need to shovel snow off your deck. If your deck gets even three feet of snow, you should not worry about it collapsing under the weight if it is in good condition. Decks have to adhere to codes that make them more than sturdy enough.
Reasons to Shovel Snow Off Your Deck
There may be reasons to shovel snow off your deck, even so.
Exercise
Do you want to get some physical exercise for the day? Shoveling snow off your backyard deck won’t hurt! It is a great chance to get some fresh air and get outdoors.
Using Your Grill
If you want to use your backyard grill, naturally, you will want to dig your way to it in order to use it, too. Backyard grilling is not off the table in cold weather, even when it snows!
Creating a Second Exit from Your Home
Building codes mandate that your home has at least two points of entry. If one of those entry points is your back door that leads out onto the deck, then you should shovel snow off your deck. It should be a path wide enough to get to your deck’s steps; there is no need to clear the entire deck. If there is any reason to remove snow from your deck, it’s that!
What Not to Do
Do not try to break ice on your deck by ramming it with your shovel. It’s better to use a deicing chemical.
Do not dump snow or ice from the roof onto your deck; in general, don’t put excess force on it.
Don’t worry about snow and ice damaging or weighing down your Maryland deck; it can stand it!
Call Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence For Your New Deck or Fence!
Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence has almost 30 years of experience in building beautiful custom fences, gazebos, screened-in porches, and decks throughout the state of Maryland. We have the expertise to design your dream fence or custom deck and have it installed in a headache-free process. Give us a call at 1-800-833-9310 or visit us online for a quote today! We offer many different styles of fencing and decking, in addition to custom options designed specifically to suit your preferences and tastes. To see examples of our work and get more tips on how to choose the right decking for your family, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Houzz, Pinterest, YouTube, and LinkedIn.
Tags: does snow hurt deck, shoveling snow off deck, snowy deck