Before more snow comes, make sure your deck is ready for this year’s winter weather.
Already snow has fallen in Maryland. While it is December, such signs of winter can be a surprise to Marylanders sometimes. Despite the more temperate climate of the state compared to northern ones, we still need to be ready for the winter weather. Part of getting ready means getting our homes ready, and the deck is no exception. If you have a wood deck, there are a few measures that you should take.
Cleaning
The first step of preparing your deck for the winter is to clean off the furniture, planters, dirt, and debris. Some plants ought to go indoors for the winter, and furniture may suffer from rot or rust if left in the snow and rain. Sweep off the extra leaves and dust leftover from fall, and wash with a mild detergent or a wood deck cleaning product.
Sealing
Next, it is vital to reseal your deck. Cleaning and sealing should probably happen in the fall, while it is not too cold and not too hot outside, but as long as you seal the wood before snowfall, your deck will have protection against warping, mildew, and mold. You do not need to apply sealant every year, though; once every two to three years will do the job. If you like a weathered look for your wood, you can do without the sealing and let the wood age. However, a sealant does help the wood last longer.
Shoveling
When shoveling your wood deck, be sure to use a plastic shovel rather than a metal one. The sharp metal can scratch the wood, paint, or sealant. If you use your deck this winter, remove snow with a durable, plastic shovel instead.
De-Icing
While melting ice off the deck with salt can be fine for vinyl decks, it can corrode and stain a wooden one. An alternative de-icer will work well. If you find puddles of water on your wood deck, though, be sure to clear these off to avoid moisture damage to the deck.
Keeping Clear
Lastly, even if you do not use your deck in the winter, it is always a good idea to keep the path clear. In case of an emergency, you may need to use the back door as an exit. Make sure nothing is blocking your way from the deck to the yard.
Call Mid-Atlantic Deck & Fence For Your New Fence in 2019!
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: cleaning deck, winter, wood deck