Having a wooden deck is both a pleasure and a pain. You get to enjoy the warmth of it in the summer but when winter hits, improper maintenance can make it an expensive investment. Don’t let your beautiful deck fall victim to what happens when there is lack of maintenance.
Is Snow Removal Important?
In one word: YES! If your deck has not been properly sealed, it’s especially important it gets done as soon as you are able. The melting snow and ice seep into the wood and swells. Then the sun heats it and it shrinks. After so many rounds the wood will begin to split, crack, and warp—which makes it dangerous.
How NOT to Remove Snow
First things first: don’t use a metal shovel and do not use sand. Both of these can noticeably scratch the wood. Also, stay away from salt due to its corrosive properties on hardware. Any product that has a colorant added can stain your deck, too, so it’s best to avoid them.
Things to Think About
- You want to remove the snow and ice with as little damage to the wood as possible, so use a pressure washer or a rubber or plastic shovel.
- If you use a shovel, scrape the snow off sideways instead of lengthwise. You can catch the shovel on a corner easier going the length of the board instead of the width.
Leave It to the Experts
At Roof To Deck Restoration, our experts take pride in knowing exactly how to get the best life out of your deck. We know how to prevent damage and just what to do if damage has already occurred. Don’t let one of your investments fall into disrepair due to lack of maintenance. Call us at 877-687-3639 or click here for a free quote.