Is Your Deck Ready for the Winter?

With the summer days fading away, it is time to prepare your deck for the coming winter months. While it may seem that winter is still a far way off, it is best to be prepared in order to properly care for your deck. Here are ways to prepare your deck for winter.

The first thing that you should do is make sure that the deck is cleaned well. In fact, this is the easiest way for you to maintain the life of your deck. During the summer season, your deck probably gets a lot of wear on it. It accumulates dirt from heavy traffic, stains from food or drinks, and even rust, mold, or mildew. The best way to clean your wooden deck is simply to use your garden hose as well as a soft bristled brush and wash it with a deck cleaner. After a good wash it is easy to spot damaged areas including surfaces that may have chipped paint. If you have chipped paint, the best way to fix the problem is by sanding the problem area away and then reapplying a fresh coat of your prefered paint. If you live in an area that gets heavy rain or snow during the winter months, then re-applying sealants or waterproof coats to your deck is vital. In order to find out if your deck needs another waterproof coat, simply sprinkle a few drops of water onto your deck. If the water beads up and rolls of your deck, then it is still properly sealed. If the water is absorbed, your deck is no longer waterproof and it will need a new coat. Maintaining these coats will ensure that your deck will not succumb to water damage, mold, or rot. 

If you live in an area that snows, another thing you will want to do is remove all planters and furniture from your deck. Store these items in a dry environment such as a garage or basement. Deck furniture can be expensive, so you don’t want them getting ruined because of the weather. Finally, give your deck a last once over. Are there any vulnerabilities? Check for loose or cracked planks, re-tighten any screws, and replace any planks that seem to have excessive wear. Accomplishing small repairs now will help in the long run.