How To Winterize Your Deck

Now that the snow is here to stay, sad we know, it's time to get your deck ready for the winter season. No matter what your plans are for your deck, you still need to prepare it for the cold and snow. We know you'd instead be thinking about the beautiful family gatherings, kids playing around the yard, and great BBQ's you had, but this is a vital step to keeping your deck ready for next summer. Nothing is a bigger buzzkill than getting your BBQ prepared for a nice supper with the family, and you see issues with your deck.

Step One: Inspect

This one is easy, inspect the deck. Look for damaged planks, loose handrails or screws, boards lifting, etc. If you find anything that is out of place or damage, make the correct adjustments or repairs. If you have potted plants that sit directly on the deck, you'll want to remove them. If you leave them for the winter, they will trap moisture and cause mould and mildew, and no one wants that.

Step Two: Clean It Off

Now, this can be a fun step if you're a powerwasher user. Start with sweeping debris and dirt from the deck. Then wash the deck down with the powerwasher if you have one, or use a bleach-free cleaner for a nice deep clean. If there is some grim or dirt that is hard to remove, use a brush and ensure you clean the deck off properly. You'll thank your self for this later.

Step Three: Protect it

After the deck has had time to completely dry, use a water-repellent finish to protect your deck from the snow. This is very important to ensure the longevity of your deck boards. If it isn't sealed and dried correctly, there could be some damage from the harsh winter months.

And there you have it, in 3 simple steps and an hour or two you've prepared your deck for the winter.

Pro Tip: Be careful when removing snow from your deck. You will want to make sure that you use a plastic shovel and you are going parallel to the deck boards. The last thing you want to do is scratch the boards.