Winter Deck Maintenance:
How to Maintain Your Deck in the Winter Months
A deck is a wonderful investment for your home and it allows you to spend plenty of time in the great outdoors. However, what about the months when your deck isn’t in use? Now is when you should begin winter deck maintenance. There are many simple ways to maintain your deck in the winter and keep it in fantastic condition when you are ready to use it again in the spring.
Clear Off Your Deck
Always clear off as much clutter as possible at the start of the off-season. Planters left on top of a wood deck can lead to moisture leaching into the wood and discoloration. Patio furniture should be stacked or put away in a garage or basement for the winter. If you have large pieces that cannot be moved, plan on investing in quality covers that can hold up to snow and winter weather to protect the furniture.
Clean Your Deck
Another key step in winter deck maintenance is thoroughly cleaning it at the end of fall. Remove all yard debris and leaves, and give it a good wash. Anything left on the surface of your deck during the winter could rot and also lead to damage and discoloration. Is there mold or mildew on the surface of the deck? Remove it now! If you leave mold, mildew and moisture on the surface of the deck, more mold and mildew will form. This can become a very big problem between cracks and boards.
Seal Your Deck
The best protection against moisture, when preparing for winter deck maintenance, is a high-quality seal. Sealant fills in the tiny cracks and gaps in the surface of your deck and stops moisture from entering. This not only cuts down on the possibility of mold and mildew, but also protects the wood from ice, snow and water. When the spring months roll around and you start setting up your patio furniture again, your deck will look brand new thanks to the work you did to maintain your deck in the winter!
Excel Fencing and Decking Can Help with Winter Deck Maintenance?
At Excel Fencing and Decking, we are proud to meet the needs of every customer, whether they are searching for new residential wood fencing or repairs to aluminum decking. We are a full-service fencing and decking company working throughout the greater Baltimore area and carrying top brands including Trex, Azek, Shoreline Vinyl Systems and Wolf PVC Decking. To learn more about our services, give us a call at (410) 803-9499.