Five Ways to Protect Your Deck This Winter

Diligent homeowners know the importance of preparing their home to battle harsh winter weather. They have their heating system inspected, their plumbing winterized and may even add insulation to keep heat inside. But your indoor appliances aren’t the only aspect of your home that need to be prepped to battle winter weather. Though your deck is sturdy, it needs to be properly cared for. Keep reading to learn more about getting your deck ready for this season:

• Store furniture inside: Chances are, your deck has outdoor furniture and/or planters. Furniture and nice outdoor planters enhance the look of your deck and make it a comfortable place to relax when it’s sunny and warm. Since you won’t be using your furniture this winter, a deck builder in Syracuse, IN will recommend storing it indoors. Any moisture trapped under your furniture or planters can rot the wood over the course of the winter. In addition to protecting your deck, storing your furniture indoors will help ensure it doesn’t become damaged during an ice or snowstorm.
• Wash it: You don’t want a dirty looking deck when it’s warm outside, because it just looks unattractive—but did you know that it’s equally as important to keep it clean throughout the winter? Before winter hits, take some time to sweep your deck, and maybe even wash it with some soap and water. Any debris on your deck can rot throughout the winter, so take care to ensure it’s clean now!
• Remove mold and mildew: Going along with the previous point, make sure there’s no mold or mildew stuck on your deck before winter hits. Any mold left on your deck will just get worse as winter progresses. Keep in mind that mold can be hard to remove and usually requires some serious elbow grease. If you’re unwilling to put in the time and effort it takes to remove the mold, you may want to speak to a professional about power washing your deck.
• Apply sealant: The work isn’t done once your deck is clean. Your next step in preparing your deck for winter is applying a sealant to repel damaging snow and ice. A sealant can be purchased at your local hardware store for just a couple of bucks and can make a world of difference in your deck’s structural integrity and appearance.
• Remove snow: Even if you apply a sealant, you must remove all snow and ice from your deck as soon as you can after a storm. A sealant can only do so much before the moisture seeps into the wood and wreaks havoc. Putting your winter clothes on to shovel snow off your deck can be a bummer, but it’s well worth the effort in the long run!

Follow this advice, and your deck is bound to look great in the spring and stand the test of time! If your deck is falling apart due to neglect in years past, it may be time to get in contact with a professional deck builder in Syracuse, IN. At Buhrt Builders Inc., we specialize in creating beautiful custom decks for homes of all shapes and sizes. Give us a call today to learn more!

Categorised in: Deck Builder

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