Maintaining Your Deck Through the Winter Months

Proper care of your deck during the cold winter months helps it to keep its lasting function and beauty.

Clearing off the snow

Avoid using metal shovels, which can easily scratch the deck surface, and instead choose a plastic shovel.  Run the shovel in the direction of the deck boards, rather than across them.  Be careful around railing posts and mitered or butted decking joints, to ensure the post skirts and decking capstock does not get damaged.  

Dealing with ice and slippery spots

Do not ever use salt on wood decks. On low maintenance deck materials, such as capped composites and PVC decking, use salts that are less harsh and free of colorants.  Use products that state they are Pet Safe, Will Not Kill Grass, and/or Will Not Harm Concrete.  

Cleaning salt residue

Remove salt residue from the deck in early Spring by cleaning the deck with dish soap, car soap, or manufacturer-recommended PVC or Capped Composite cleaner and a soft-bristle brush. For stubborn stains like clay soils or grease, use Simple Green diluted by at least 50% (Do Not Use Full Strength). Scrub areas with a stiff natural fiber brush or towel. Always clean smaller, manageable areas and rinse often. Do not allow cleaner or soap residue to dry back to the surface prior to thoroughly rinsing.

*Note: Composite deck cleaners such as Corte Clean, Thompson’s Water Seal-Oxy Action, Olympic Deck Cleaner, or other cleaners specified as composite deck cleaners, in powder or liquid form, should NOT be used with your PVC Capped Composite or Cellular PVC deck. These are made for wood/plastic composites that have not been capped with PVC.

If you have questions about maintaining your deck, contact us and we would be happy to discuss your specific build.

See also: Sweeping Away Snow and Ice