To keep your deck in good shape, you’ll want to make sure it’s protected before winter rolls around. The freezing temperatures and moisture from snow and rain can lead to costly problems if your deck isn’t properly cared for.
To increase the life of your deck and ensure that it will look good and function right once warm weather hits again, you’ll need to winterize it each fall.
Prepare your deck for another Midwest winter with these five steps from Blain’s Farm & Fleet.
The first thing you’ll want to do when winterizing your deck is remove everything on it. Store any furniture, planters, and decorations away for the winter. Keep these in your shed, garage, or basement.
Moving these items inside will keep them from getting damaged in the winter weather. It will also prevent them from putting extra weight and leaving marks on your deck.
Once you have all furniture and planters cleared off, inspect your deck for any damage. You should look for the following:
If you find anything damaged on your deck, now is the time to repair it.
Next, you should do a deep clean of your entire deck. Use a broom or leaf blower to get rid of any dirt, leaves, and other debris. If there are trees or shrubs nearby, trim any large branches hanging over your deck.
Then, use a cleaner to remove any mold or mildew. This will also help prevent it from spreading. Your cleaner should be bleach-free and meant for wood. And don’t forget to clean any railings, too!
To protect your deck from moisture damage due to rain, snow, ice, and sleet, apply a water-resistant sealant. The best time to do this is right before winter begins, so no rain or snow will interfere.
Don’t wait until spring, as your deck needs this protection throughout the harsh winter months.
To start, use a pressure washer to power wash your deck and get it thoroughly cleaned. Give it a few days to dry completely.
Then, apply a sealant. Use a stain and/or a water-repellent sealant.
Once winter hits, you’ll want to regularly remove snow and ice from your deck. If you just let it sit, it will start to wear down your sealant and shorten your deck’s lifespan.
To remove snow, use a plastic shovel or snow blower. Don’t use any metal tools or salts, as they can scratch your deck. And always push the snow with the planks of your deck, not against them.
Winterizing your deck will ensure that it stays in top condition throughout the winter. And it can save you money on potential repairs.
For more tips and how-tos, check out our other Deck & Patio articles.
