While every homeowner is excited to get their decking ready for the warm weather, the feeling isn’t mutual for the colder months, winter can be a tough season for wood. It can be hard to know what you should do for your deck if you want it to last through the colder months. Here is a list of four tips to help you protect your deck from the elements during the winter months:

Clean Up Your Deck Before Winter

Before winter hits, it’s important to clean your deck. You don’t want any leaves or debris on the surface of your deck when winter weather arrives. Fortunately, there are a few simple ways to do this:

• Remove all debris before you use a pressure washer to remove all dirt and grime from the surface of your deck. This will also help prevent mold and mildew growth in hard-to-reach areas like under railings and around posts.
• Check for loose boards, railings, and posts before winter hits so that you can fix any repairs before ice freezes onto them during cold weather months.

Check For Mildew and Mold

It’s easy to forget that even with the sun shining, your deck can be a haven for mildew and mold. When cleaning your deck, it’s important to make sure that you do not use harsh chemicals or cleaners. These will strip off the protective layer of oil on your deck and leave it susceptible to rotting or cracking. You should also keep an eye out for any signs of mold or mildew, as they can be dangerous to those who breathe in their spores.

Apply Water Repellent Seal

Applying a water repellent seal is one of the most effective ways to protect your deck. This treatment will help keep rain away from the surface, preventing wear and tear.

You can apply water repellent seal yourself or hire someone to do it for you if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself. You can purchase this product at any home improvement store that sells deck and wood related products. It’s an important process that should be done every year or two, depending on how often your deck gets wet from rain and snow melt. You should also check for water damage if you see any signs of mold or mildew growing in places where it shouldn’t be, like between boards or under railings.

Remove Snow

As anyone who’s ever lived in a cold climate knows, snow can be beautiful to look at but not so much when it starts piling up on your deck. And if you don’t clear the snow from your outdoor spaces, it can cause serious damage to the wood decking.

Snowfall is heavy and can weigh down decks, causing them to bow or flex under the weight. This can lead to splintering due to uneven pressure being placed on some areas of your wood deck. It’s also easy for moisture and ice buildup under snow piles which can damage underlying boards as well. This means if you don’t remove that white stuff after a big storm, you may find yourself with more work than necessary on your hands later on down the line when repairs are needed.

With these tips, you can make sure that your deck is protected from the elements this winter. It’s important to remember that proper maintenance goes a long way in protecting your investment. If you’re needing to do any maintenance or repairs, be sure to call an experienced contractor for help.