By Kelin
Tue, Dec 10, 2024

How to Protect Decking in Winter?

Winter maintenance is important for all deck homeowners to keep their outdoor deck looking and performing. And as winter approaches, it’s time to take steps to protect your composite decking. While composite decking boards are civilised for their excellent durability and low maintenance, cold, wet winters can still be challenging. Homeowners who live in harsh climates should know how to properlyremove snow from deck. though wood, composite, or PVC decks vary in their maintenance methods.

Removing snow from the deck is especially important for decks. Otherwise, moisture and humidity can cause serious rot and damage to the deck material. Even if you live in a warm climate, it’s important to inspect your composite deck board during the winter months. It’s a good idea to clean your deck‘s surface and ensure it’s structurally sound. In this article, we’ll explore some basic protection and maintenance tips to keep your composite deck boards safe during the winter months.

Table of Contents

Composite Decking Snow Removal

Cleaning composite decks in the winter is easier than traditional decks. However, maintenance needs vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, so check the deck manufacturer’s maintenance guide for details.

If you are purchasing an EVODEK outdoor deck, follow these winter cleaning and maintenance steps:

Remove all deck furniture, trim, and appliances that can’t withstand the cold weather.
Remove accumulated leaves and branches promptly to avoid mold growth.
Use a plastic shovel rather than a metal shovel to remove snow regularly. Metal shovels can damage the surface of your deck.
Use a professional snowmelt that contains calcium chloride to remove ice. This product is safe to use on capped composite decks.

Regular Cleaning and Inspection

Before the snow and ice fall, clean your composite decking thoroughly. remove all debris and leaves from the surface of the deck and clean it with mild soapy water or a professional cleaner. Make sure to remove any stains, mold, or mildew and allow the deck to dry completely before winter sets in. Check your deck for any signs of damage or looseness and address these issues promptly to prevent further damage.

Want to learn more about damaged decks? Check out How to Replace the Damaged Boards on Your Deck.

Snow and Ice Removal

Regularly removing snow from your composite deck is critical to its safety and longevity. Ice build-up can be very dangerous for pedestrian traffic. Use a plastic shovel or soft-bristled broom to remove snow and ice. Avoid metal shovels or sharp objects that may scratch the surface. Be gentle when removing snow to avoid damage to decking materials. Avoid using abrasive tools or materials (such as wire brushes or sandpaper) to clean composite decking. They can scratch and damage the surface of your composite decking, making it more susceptible to moisture and stains.

We recommend removing all snow from your deck in a timely manner during the winter to maintain proper use and appearance. However, even if not removed, moisture and snow and ice will not damage EVODEK composite decking.

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Ice Melt for Composite Decking

To prevent composite decks from freezing in winter, consider using a specialised ice melt. Not all ice melts are suitable for composite decking materials. avoid products containing rock salt or magnesium chloride as they can damage the material. Consider using a product that contains calcium chloride, calcium magnesium acetate or a professional composite decking ice melt. Follow the instructions provided by the deck manufacturer to avoid overuse.

Keep Your Deck Ventilated

Proper ventilation is important to prevent moisture buildup on your deck. Ensure that there is enough space underneath the deck to ventilate it to minimize the risk of mold. Avoid placing too many heavy objects and furniture on the surface of your outdoor deck; they can block air circulation.

Protecting Deck Furniture

In addition to protecting your deck, it’s important to ensure the longevity of your deck furniture. Consider moving your outdoor furniture to a covered area during the cold winter months, or purchase a cover to protect it from damage. This can reduce the risk of slipping on your deck or furniture during the winter months and make using your deck safer.

Be Careful with Heat Sources

Care needs to be taken when using heated objects (fire pits or heaters) on your deck. Make sure there is enough space between it and the surface of the deck to prevent heat damage. Using a fireproof mat underneath the heat source is a safe decision.

Winter Maintenance for Wood Decks

Moisture from snow and ice can affect wood decks, and moisture may cause the deck to expand and contract causing buckling and cracking. Mould can also survive in damp conditions and is more noticeable when the ice melts, Rot is a fungus that can survive below freezing. Wood decking is more susceptible to moisture damage and therefore requires more maintenance than composite decking. Protection and maintenance are essential to minimize the risk of damage to wooden decks.

Winter Maintenance Steps

Use a chemical cleaner to remove all mold and mildew from surfaces to prevent the risk of rotting during the winter months. Remember to keep furniture away from chemical cleaners, which may cause damage to the furniture.
Rinse the deck thoroughly with a pressure washer to remove all debris and mold from the deck.
Allow the deck surface to dry completely, which will take 24 to 48 hours. Make sure it is completely dry before repositioning the deck furniture.
Stain and seal the wood deck if necessary. Note that stains can release volatile organic compounds and other harmful chemicals, so use with caution.

How Do I Clean My Wood Deck in the Winter?

Remove any debris that has accumulated on the deck, including leaves, debris, and branches.
Clean snow off wood decks regularly to reduce pressure on the deck and reduce the effects of moisture.
Remove snow and ice, but do not use rock salt on quality hardwoods or pressure-treated wood decks. Rock salt affects the moisture content of the wood and causes erosion to occur more quickly.

Best Deck Material for Snow

Choosing the most appropriate material is the first step in keeping your deck safe in the winter. So if you’re still considering the deck material to use, it’s a good idea to consider all your options carefully.

Composite material and PVC decking are great for resisting weather changes and moisture. EVODEK composite decking also has excellent water and corrosion resistance. Our composite decking products feature a polymer protective cap that prevents water penetration. EVODEK’s composite material consists of polymers that are not susceptible to moisture damage.

Wood is susceptible to moisture damage caused by snow and ice build-up, so wood decks may not be the perfect choice for the harsh cold season. However, proper maintenance with a stain or sealer can protect wood decks from winter weather.