Composite decking is known for being a low maintenance alternative to traditional wood decking however the cold winter weather can have negative impacts on composite decking. To make sure that your composite decking stays in top condition during the cold winter weather follow these steps below.
1. Clean Your Composite Decking Before Winter Starts
It is important to clean your composite decking before the winter weather kicks in. By doing this you not only preserve your composite deckings appearance but also prevent any stains and other issues from worsening when the freezing temperatures come.
There are many ways you can clean your composite decking, the main method to remove any leaves or sticks on your decking is to use a broom or a leaf blower on the surface or between the deck boards.
If you have any oil or grease on your composite decking off any family barbecues or events they should be cleaned before they have a chance to settle in and dry into the decking. For this you can use a soft brush with some soap and scrub gently to avoid damaging the surface of your composite decking. Make sure once you finish doing this you lightly hose your composite decking on a very low setting so it doesn’t damage your decking.
2. Look For Damage & Make Repairs Needed
You should always check for signs of damage on your composite decking after cleaning it. Even though composite decking is good at resisting issues such as splintering it can still damage over time. To do this you can check for loose fasteners such as screws and nails to make sure that they are properly secured. If this is the case this can lead to many issues such as structural problems to your decking or even cause moisture to seep into gaps. Taking time to do these small fixes and repairs will benefit you in the long term especially when it comes to winter.
3. Prevent Mould & Ice Build-Up
Snow and Rain can cause moisture in your composite decking which increases the chances of mould growth on your composite decking. Here is how to prevent this from happening:
With composite decking you need to ensure that there is proper drainage, even though one of the main benefits of composite decking is its resistance to moisture, drainage is still crucial. You need to make sure that water drains properly and there is nothing in the way of the gaps in the boards, this will prevent puddles and ice from forming.
After cleaning your composite decking it is a good idea to use a mould inhibitor to your decking to help prevent future mould and fungal growth during winter, this is important for places with frequent snowfall or places with high humidity.
4. Protect Your Decking From Snow
If you live in an area that experiences heavy snow proper snow removal is so important to prevent damage to your composite deckings surface. You should always aim to use a plastic shovel when removing snow from your composite decking as a metal shovel can scratch your decking, be gentle with the surface and push snow off rather than lifting it.
Don’t let snow build up on your composite decking up to the point where it becomes difficult to deal with. If you regularly clean your snow from your decking you will be preventing excess weight from sitting on the decking which could potentially lead to structural damage. Getting rid of ice on composite decking is usually a tougher task than snow but if you use an ice melting product then get rid of excess water instead of chipping away at the ice to make sure you don’t damage the decking.
5. Cover Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture can trap moisture against decking if you leave them out during the winter months so if possible keep your outdoor furniture stored indoor during the winter months to prevent moisture build up. The main accessories that trap moisture under them are plants and rugs so make sure to remove them from your decking in winter.
Conclusion
Overall, taking a few extra steps to better prepare your decking for the cold winter months can save you a lot of time and money in the long run. Regular cleaning, snow removal, and using proper ice-melt products will go a long way in maintaining your deck’s appearance and durability for years to come.