3 Tips to Help Prepare Your Deck for Winter
Once winter rolls around, we’re all used to prepping certain areas of our homes for the change in climate. Even though you might have turned your deck into an outdoor yoga studio or movie theatre, it’s time to prep it for the cold weather. While prepping a deck for the winter might seem a little intimidating at first, knowing the right steps to follow can save you time and money.
Lets break down how to prep your deck for winter and the advantages composite decking offers during cold weather.
How to Prep a Traditional Wood Deck for Winter
Tip 1: Remove Debris, Dirt and Furniture
The first step in prepping a traditional wooden deck for the winter is removing any furniture and then cleaning all the dirt and debris off the surface. Once the deck is clear of any dirt, pine needles, etc., it’s time to inspect the spaces between the deck boards. If any debris is left in those spaces, moisture during the winter can get trapped and potentially cause long-term damage to the deck.
Tip 2: Prep for Mold and Mildew Buildup
During the winter months, it’s common for moisture to stick around on your deck. This can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew on a wooden deck. To prevent this, be prepared to regularly sweep off any snow that accumulates. It’s also recommended to regularly apply a cleaning solution to help prevent mold and mildew buildup.
Tip 3: Invest in a Water-Resistant Seal
When you have a traditional wooden deck, it’s recommended to invest a little more time and money into a water-resistant seal for the winter months. The sealant will go into the spaces between the deck boards to prevent moisture build up before it causes any damage. It’s also important to note that you must be careful when applying a water-resistant seal. If done incorrectly, there’s a chance of removing any prior finish put on your deck beforehand.
Preparing a Composite Deck for Winter
Unlike its traditional counterpart, prepping a composite deck for the winter months is much easier. Thanks to our Compress Technology™, your deck will have the same great look year-round. Plus, you’ll be able to say goodbye to the hassles of regular maintenance and upkeep.
As you found out earlier in the article, a traditional wooden deck requires its fair share of time and money during the winter. You’ll still want to clear dirt or debris when as Fall comes to an end and store away any unused furniture, but with composite decking, all the maintenance you need to worry about is clearing off snow build-up with a broom.
However, the benefits of composite decking in the winter months don’t stop there. Thanks to our proprietary manufacturing process, all Envision composite deck boards are crafted using tremendous heat and pressure. That process physically bonds all the materials together creating durable, low maintenance decking that’s designed to limit water absorption and withstand harsh conditions.
Winter is the Perfect Time to Re-Envision Your Outdoor Living Space
Did you know that winter is one of the best times to look at building a composite deck? You have more time to figure out what type of design inspires you before building your dream outdoor living space in the spring.
Trade in the hassles of the regular maintenance that comes with a traditional wooden deck for an outdoor living space that keeps its beautiful look year-round. Find a dealer near you that offers Envision decking and start planning for the warmer weather today.
