Winter time brings with it the threat of inclement weather and one of the best ways to protect your decks from damage is to regularly maintain them. Winterizing your deck can mean more than just wrapping a layer of plastic over it. There are many other things that you can do to keep your deck looking great for the long haul, especially in the dead of winter. Keeping your deck winter-proofed will ensure that it will last much longer and be well able to withstand whatever Mother Nature wishes to throw at it.
The first step is to pre-season your deck. This includes removing any sod, planting trees around the edge, and filling up all of the holes with good clean soil. Keep in mind that if you have perennials such as oaks and maples, you may need to wait a year before planting again because these plants grow quickly. They will also tend to take root very quickly, so in order to keep the new plants from competing with the old, you will want to plant your new grass or flowers before the plants start to die back.
Once the season has started, you should make sure that your deck has no large ice dams sitting on top of it. The biggest problem that people face is that during the winter their GTA decks may be covered in ice, and as temperatures drop they will often freeze over. If your water source is already low, you may need to add a heater to keep the water in. Another option is to put a few buckets underneath your deck. You can fill these with enough water to cover the ice completely, however, remember that this can be an additional fire hazard.
The most important thing you can do to keep your deck in top shape through the winter is to prevent leaks. If you have a leak in your deck, you should immediately dig it up and patch it. If you wait until morning to patch your leak, it could cause greater structural damage to the area. It would be in your best interest to patch a leak in your deck right away, as the weather will slowly ruin the wood if you wait.
Maintaining your decks properly should be your number one priority during the winter. You should always check to see that the snow on the sidewalks and roads is melted and carried away. You should also check that there are no frozen lines that are causing you to have accidents when walking across your walkways. It would be helpful to use natural snow instead of store bought in order to cut down on costs.
If your deck has a cover, it should be checked regularly to make sure that it is securely in place. If it becomes damaged due to the winter conditions it can be replaced. If you live in an area where there is a lot of snow and ice, then it would be wise to invest in a high quality snow removal service. These services will make sure that your deck is properly removed each fall so that you can enjoy your deck again in the spring. This will save you money on the cost of clearing and repairing your property.
Maintaining your decks can be extremely expensive. This especially true if you live in an area where there is a high winter demand for lumber. It is important to keep the surface of the wood clean to prevent unsightly stains from forming. Wood that is kept exposed to the elements is more likely to rot, become weak, and develop mildew. A thorough decks maintenance routine should include the use of stain protectors, pressure washing, and the use of non-toxic cleaners.
If you want to enjoy your property for years to come, then you should consider maintaining your decks. The cost of doing this on your own can be very costly. However, it can also be time consuming. For this reason, many property owners hire a professional landscaper or contractor to do their decks maintenance for them. Hiring a professional landscaping company to keep your garden healthy is not only a good idea, but will help keep your property’s value higher.
