It might be the last thing on your mind as you enjoy the autumn weather, but winter is right around the corner. And with the cold temperatures, snow, and ice, now is the time to evaluate your deck and get it ready for the winter weather.
Moisture from snow and ice, in addition to the low temperatures, are all factors that can damage your outdoor deck. Thankfully, there are some easy steps for homeowners to take to ensure their deck is prepared for the cold winter months.
The first step homeowners can take to winterize is to give their deck a good, thorough cleaning. Remove any debris and dirt, sweep away any leaves, and scrub off any mildew, fungus, or rust stains that have accumulated over the past few seasons. If a deck isn’t clean, mildew and fungus can grow and spread from the moisture of snow sitting on the deck for several months.
Homeowners should also give their deck an inspection, checking for loose deck railings, posts, or slats; it’s also important to look for and fix any loose nails or warped boards. Again, these are all small issues that could become much bigger issues if they’re ignored over the winter months.
After the deck has been cleaned, strip away any finish that is wearing away or discolored. Apply a fresh coat of stain, and then finish your deck with a coat of water repellant sealant to ensure the deck can withstand any moisture that it comes into contact with over the winter.
Though it takes a few steps to winterize your deck, it’s a much better option than a total deck replacement! If you come across any issues with your deck, from a smaller deck repair to a bigger deck restoration, feel free to give the deck builders at UglyDeck.com a call. UglyDeck.com can get you a deck quote to determine the best course of action.