It may not feel like it quite yet, but Jack Frost and nasty winter weather will be here before you know it! Soon, temperatures are going to start to drop, and snow and ice will hit our homes like a ton of bricks. Have you checked your deck to ensure it’s ready for the winter? Many people often overlook it. They just assume that, since it’s made out of sturdy building materials in Seattle, it can last through anything. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Your deck is strong, but it needs a little extra help to make it through winter. Keep reading to learn what you can do to ensure your deck makes it through these next few months intact:
- Clear up the clutter: If your deck is like most, it probably has a lot of patio furniture, planters and other furnishings on it. Planters make your deck look pretty, and the furniture ensures your deck is a comfortable place to hang out. But all of those things need to be put away at the end of fall. If moisture gets trapped under your planters or furniture, it can lead to issues with your wood and paint. Store everything in your garage or shed and you should be able to avoid a lot of problems.
- Keep it clean: Your job isn’t done after you’ve removed all of the random clutter from your deck. Bust out the brooms and mops and get to work cleaning it down! Sweep off all of the leaves and random debris and give your deck a good scrub with a mop. Keeping that nasty junk off will do wonders once the snow starts to fall.
- Remove mold and mildew: Most decks are breeding grounds for mold and mildew. If that’s the case with your deck, you should definitely remove that contamination before the temperatures start to drop. Mold doesn’t just look bad—it also causes long-term problems. Those problems will just compound if snow and ice sit on top of the mold for the whole winter. Purchase or rent a power washer to get that nasty green mold and mildew off your deck for good!
- Apply water repellent seal: A water repellent seal is the best way to prevent snow and ice from wreaking havoc on your deck. The seal will block practically any moisture from damaging your paint and the underlying wood. Applying a seal to your deck can be time-consuming, but trust us—it’s well worth the effort! You’ll have the best looking deck on the block if you take the time to protect it now.
- Remove snow: Your driveway and sidewalk aren’t the only places that need to be snow-free this winter. When you’re outside shoveling, make sure you clear off your deck! To avoid ruining your paint or finish, brush the snow off in the same directions your boards run, and never lay down salt or a similar ice melter.
Be sure your home and deck are both ready to battle the winter this season by stopping in to Stewart Lumber & Hardware Co. We have all of the supplies and building materials in Seattle you need to make it through the winter with a fully intact and great-looking deck.