Construction & Contractors Blog
Winter is coming. It's time to start winterizing your home. If you're having a composite deck installed in your yard this summer, you'll need to add it to your list of things to prepare for the cold weather. This is particularly important if you live in the mountains. Here are four simple maintenance tips to help your composite deck survive winter.
Give it a Deep Cleaning
As soon as the weather turns cold, and that first snow is preparing to fall, you'll need to give your deck a thorough cleaning. Begin by sweeping the leaves and other debris off the surface of your deck. Leaves can stain your deck, especially if they're allowed to remain there all winter long. The moisture from the snow etches the color of the leaves right into your decking material. Clearing the deck will remove the threat of leaf stains. Next, fill a garden sprayer with water and add a few drops of grease-cutting dish detergent. Spray the surface of your deck with the solution, and allow it to soak in for a few minutes. Sweep the area with your broom, and then rinse your deck with a hose. Allow it to air dry.
Clear the Snow
Once the snow starts falling, you'll want to keep your deck cleared, as much as possible. This is particularly true if you're going to be using your deck during the winter. While your deck can handle the snow, it can't necessarily handle those sharp-edged metal snow shovels. The edges of those shovels can dig right into your deck and leave large gashes and scratches. To protect your deck from damage, use a push broom, or plastic snow shovel to remove the snow.
Melt the Ice
During the winter, ice can build up on the surface of the deck. To avoid slip and fall accidents, you need to remove the ice as soon as possible. Harsh chemical de-icers can damage your composite deck. The best way to remove the ice is with rock salt, or other ice removers that are labeled "safe for children and vegetation." Using safer de-icers will remove the ice and protect your deck.
Remove the Buildup
If you're going to use rock salt to remove the ice, you'll need to watch for salt buildup. A thick buildup of rock salt can make it difficult for the fresh salt to do its job properly. Not only that, but it creates an unsightly mess. About once a week, use a push broom to clear the deck, and remove the rock salt buildup.
If you're going be installing a new composite deck this summer, the information provided here will help you care for it this winter. For more information, contact companies like Decks-Decks-Decks.
Share21 July 2017
My name is Debbie Greenberg. I’m a single woman who owns her home, and like most homeowners I dread home repairs. I’m not very handy with do-it-yourself projects around the house. I can do a few minor repairs when necessary, but for the most part I have to call in a professional. Last year I had a leak in my roof. When it rained, water would leak into my kitchen. What appeared to be a simple fix turned out to be anything but simple. It took over four months to finally identify the problem, and double the money I was initially quoted to fix it. The problem ended up being that the flat part of my roof didn't have shingles, but a sheeting material. I learned a bit about home roofs along the way, and that is what I want to share with you.
