If you’re like most of us, you probably don’t give too much thought to your home’s exterior during the winter. And, that’s understandable. Since you’re not using your outdoor living area when it’s cold or snowy outside, it’s easy to adopt an “out of sight, out of mind” thought process. The truth is, however, that 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.
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 because they’re easy to clean and low maintenance.
All you have to do is sweep away any dirt and debris out on your deck. If it’s particularly grimy, you can use a mixture of soap and warm water to gently scrub it all away. By doing this before a snowstorm, it will be much easier to keep your deck clean once the snow melts.
Trim Trees Around Your Deck
You’ll also want to use this time to inspect the trees around your deck and trim any branches that are hanging over it. During bad snow or ice storms, it’s not uncommon for heavy branches to crack and fall on your deck.
By trimming the branches before a winter storm, you won’t have to worry about any potential damage to your deck.
Remove Snow and Ice the Right Ways
Once a winter storm hits, you might want to clear off your deck, especially if you need a safe pathway to go outside. If there’s just a light dusting of snow on your deck, the best way to clear it off is by using a broom to gently sweep it away.
However, if there are several inches of heavy snow or ice sitting on the surface, you’ll need to use a shovel. Keep in mind that a heavy-duty metal shovel could scratch or scuff your deck. To help minimize the risk of damage, use a plastic shovel instead. As you’re shoveling, you’ll want to move in the direction of the board to prevent accidental scratches as well.
The good news is that you can use calcium chloride or rock salt on your Trex deck to help melt excess snow or ice. Just remember to rinse it off instead of letting it sit for too long, especially if you have an older generation Trex deck.
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.
