Winter Deck Care – A Guide for Your Composite Deck
A well-maintained deck adds significant value to your home but upkeep can be difficult during the winter months. Here are some tips on winter deck care and what to avoid to keep your deck looking great through the winter months!
Coming into winter, sweep up leaves and hose off your deck to prevent leaf stains and debris build-up.
Composite decking can easily handle winter weather such as snow. If you need to shovel snow off your deck, gently use a plastic shovel or a broom to remove snow. Shovel parallel to the direction the boards are laid.
The best option for removing snow and ice on composite decking is a calcium chloride-based “ice melt” or rock salt. Look for the phrases “safe for concrete and flagstone” and “will not kill grass.” There are also child and pet safe options available.
Buildup of salt and calcium chloride from snow and ice removal is easily removed with enough water and a light scrub with a plastic bristle deck brush. When the weather gets warmer, use a garden hose or sprinkler and rinse off your deck.
Winter Deck Care to avoid:
- Ice melt with a colorant added: While convenient to see where you’ve spread, the dyes can stain decking.
- Metal shovels and sharp-edge tools: These can damage decking.
- Sand: While it offers traction on slippery surfaces, it can grind into the decking and damage its surface.
Wishing all of our customers, connections, and friends a fabulous holiday season and may your decks stay snow and ice free!