Get Your Deck Ready for Winter Now

Wednesday, 14 November 2018

No matter how well-sealed or well-built your wooden deck is, winter can be hard on it. The extreme temperature shifts, snow, and animals looking for a cozy place to spend the season: these all contribute to deck damage that grows if left untreated. Here are 3 easy steps to make sure your deck survives until spring:

low angle view of home deck with railings at sunset

Clean the deck before winter gets started. Washing away algae, moss, and insects that accumulated around or in your deck during warmer seasons is the first step in making sure they don't have all winter to grow. Using the right cleaner also gets rid of mold and mildew without weakening the wood. Experts also recommend using a regular hose and a car brush, instead of a power washer, as a gentler cleaning method.
Add a strong seal. Unless your deck is brand new, the waterproof and weather-resistant sealant might be wearing away. Strip away the previous coat, and add a new finish that protects the wood from moisture. Whether your region faces a lot of snow or just a lot of rain, too much moisture without opportunities to evaporate allows the moisture to leach into the wood, weakening integrity and damaging it further. Take protective measures now.
Regularly clear the deck of snow and debris. Falling autumn leaves can clog up the gaps between deck boards. If leaves slip underneath a floating deck, the organic material will start to rot and introduce more moisture. Standing snow piles are also bad for a deck, so make sure you brush or shovel off anything landing on your deck throughout the winter months.

Winter deck maintenance is mostly about establishing a clean deck, so you have less to worry about once winter hits. By then, maintenance will be simple and routine. For more tips on how to maintain your deck, gutters, and roof, contact us today.

About the author

Josiah Mote

I have lived in the Iberia, Missouri area until the last few years when I moved to Lake Ozark, Missouri. My business co-owner, Derek, and I have known each other for over 17 years and have been in business together for a little over six years. Growing up, my father was the greatest influence and taught me most of what I know in the construction industry. I graduated from Missouri State University with a Business Entrepreneurship degree knowing exactly what I wanted to do. In December 2012, I became a HAAG certified specialist. I also have received my Xactimate certification. Over the years I have seen countless homeowners that have been treated unfairly or lied to by their contractor. By seeing this I knew that a business could easily be built by something as simple as doing what you said you were going to do. This simple philosophy of sticking to your word has carried me, as well as our business, quite a long way. That being said, I am doing exactly what I have always wanted to do, meeting customers and learning about their lives as we can take care of any damage that they may have.