If you’re like most people, you likely don’t spend much time thinking about your home’s exterior during the winter months—and that’s completely understandable. When the weather turns cold and snowy, outdoor living areas are often left unused, making it easy to slip into an “out of sight, out of mind” mindset. However, neglecting your outdoor spaces during the winter can lead to small issues going unnoticed, which may turn into bigger problems over time. Taking a few simple steps to maintain and protect your home’s exterior, even when it’s not in use, can save you time, effort, and expense when warmer weather returns.
There are a few things you can do during the winter to help keep your Trex deck in great shape so that it’s ready to use during the spring, summer, and fall. If you’re not sure where to begin, we’ve got your back. Read through this guide to learn the best deck winterization tips to follow leading up to and after a snow or ice storm so your Trex deck continues looking great for years to come.
1. Clean Your Deck Before It Snows
When snow is in the forecast, plan to take a few minutes to clean off your deck before the storm hits. Fortunately, if you have a beautiful Trex deck, this is a simple chore! One of the many reasons we love Trex decking materials is that they’re easy to clean and have very simple deck winterization tips.
If your deck is particularly dirty or grimy, mix some mild soap with warm water and use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub away any stubborn spots. Rinse the area thoroughly with clean water to remove any soapy residue. Taking the time to clean your deck before a snowstorm has an added benefit: when the snow eventually melts, your deck will be much easier to maintain and will look its best without the added hassle of dealing with built-up dirt.
2. Trim Trees Around Your Deck
Take advantage of this time to inspect the trees surrounding your deck and address any branches that may pose a risk. Pay close attention to branches that are hanging directly over your deck or those that appear weakened or dead. In the event of a severe snow or ice storm, the weight of accumulated snow or ice can easily cause heavy branches to crack, break, and fall onto your deck. This can lead to significant damage, not only to the deck surface but also to any furniture, railings, or other structures.
Here’s a quick step-by-step approach for safely trimming your trees:
Preparation
- Inspect trees: Identify overhanging, dead, or damaged branches near your deck.
- Gather tools: Use pruning shears for small branches, loppers or a saw for thicker ones, and a pole saw for high branches.
Trimming Process
- Prioritize safety: Wear protective gear and ensure your ladder is stable.
- Cut carefully: Trim dead or overhanging branches, cutting above the branch collar at an angle. Avoid removing more than 25% of the tree’s branches.
Clean-Up
- Clear debris: Remove branches and leaves from your deck to prevent stains or blockages.
- Regular checks: Inspect and trim seasonally to maintain safe distances.
By trimming the branches before a winter storm, you won’t have to worry about any potential damage to your deck. Taking these proactive steps will help safeguard your deck and ensure it remains in excellent condition throughout the winter months.
3. Remove Snow and Ice the Right Ways
Once a winter storm hits, it’s often necessary to clear your deck, especially if you need a safe and accessible pathway to move outdoors. Proper snow and ice removal techniques can help protect your deck while ensuring safety. Here’s a guide to managing your deck during winter conditions:
Light Snow
- Use a broom:
- For a light dusting of snow, gently sweep the surface with a broom.
- This method is quick, effective, and reduces the risk of scratching or damaging the deck’s surface.
Heavy Snow or Ice
- Shovel carefully:
- When dealing with several inches of snow or heavy ice, use a shovel to remove the buildup.
- Avoid heavy-duty metal shovels, as they can scratch or scuff your deck.
- Opt for a plastic shovel, which is gentler on the surface.
- Always shovel in the direction of the boards to minimize the risk of accidental scratches or damage.
Melting Snow and Ice
- Calcium chloride or rock salt:
- Both can be safely used on a Trex deck to help melt snow and ice. Apply sparingly and evenly across the affected area for effective results.
- You can use calcium chloride or rock salt on your Trex deck to help melt excess snow or ice. Remember to rinse it off instead of letting it sit for too long, especially if you have an older generation Trex deck. While calcium chloride is a commonly used and effective chemical compound, there are health risks with improper handling. Follow all safety measures when using this compound.
Once the ice has melted, rinse off any remaining residue, especially if you have an older-generation Trex deck, as prolonged exposure to salt can affect its finish.
Upgrade Your Deck This Winter
If you have an older wooden deck, winter is the best time to upgrade to a durable, high-quality, and low-maintenance Trex deck. Here at Sunburst Construction, we’ll design a beautiful and functional outdoor living space using only the best materials like Trex custom decking and railing.
Winter is a great time to schedule your decking project since there are usually fewer projects on the books. This means we can get your project quicker, so you can enjoy your new deck as soon as spring weather arrives! Get started on your new outdoor living area by requesting a free estimate from our team today.
