World Construction Symposium

World Construction Symposium

How To Prevent Snow Damage On Your Deck

by Wallace Simmons

Snow damage is a real concern when it comes to your outdoor deck. Clearing it off quickly may seem like the logical fix, but this can lead to even more damage if it's done incorrectly. Before clearing the snow, make sure you know the true risks and the best way to proceed.

Moisture Problems

The weight of the snow may be your first worry, but moisture is often a bigger concern. As the snow melts, moisture is trapped on top of the wood. This can cause paint and sealers to peel, or for the deck boards to warp or rot. Come spring, you may find the damage is even more severe beneath items that were sitting on your deck. This is because moisture became trapped beneath them.

To prevent moisture damage, follow these tips:

  • Put away planters, furniture, and other items on the deck each fall.

  • Clear the deck of dirt and autumn leaves before the first snowfall.

  • Apply a water-repellent seal to the deck. This seal may require reapplication every two or three years.

Snow Weight

A properly constructed deck, like those from Distinctive Deck & Rail Ltd, can handle quite a bit of weight, but if you're concerned about bowed or broken boards, the easiest fix is to remove the snow. Removing the snow properly can also help minimize moisture dangers.

First, skip the snow shovel. Shovels scrape paint, stain, and sealers off the deck boards. They can also scratch and gouge the wood. Instead, use a large push broom to push the snow off the deck boards. Push the snow off parallel to the deck boards, too. This prevents snow from becoming compacted between the boards.

Most importantly – skip chemical ice melt products. These can damage the wood.

Spring Inspection

Chances are your deck will survive winter just fine if you followed the above tips, but you still need to inspect it before opening it up for the summer season.

Winter temperature changes sometimes cause screws and bolts to loosen, so make sure everything is still tight. Also, check for any badly damaged or warped boards and replace them if necessary.

Finally, clean up any mold or mildew that resulted from excess winter moisture. You can scrub the deck with a 10 percent bleach solution to kill the mildew and remove the stains. Commercial mildew cleaners are also available for use on decks. If the stain or seal appears worn, add a fresh coat. Now your deck is ready for summer.


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About Me

World Construction Symposium

Hi, I'm Lenora. One of my favorite things is traveling. And when I travel, I especially love to see the various architecture around the world. Ever since I built a house (well, you know, hired a contractor to help me design it and then build it for me), I have been fascinated with the construction process. I love looking at international architecture like Saint Basil's Cathedral in Russia or Angkor Wat in Cambodia. How were they made? It is just so interesting to me, from the foundation's support to all the intricate details such as paving or roofing. I started this blog to talk about all the parts of construction. I hope you enjoy it!

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