Here in Northern Virginia, we’re lucky that we get beautiful weather throughout most of the year. However, we’re also no strangers to winter weather. As your local deck builder, some of our most-asked questions from customers are about winter preparation and caring for decks in the winter months. While we’re all daydreaming about the spring days that are ahead, we thought we’d put together this helpful guide that answers all of your questions about preparing your deck for winter, what you should do now vs what should wait until the spring and everything in between. So, bundle up in your favorite warm spot while you read our winter deck guide.
Is Trex Decking Material Safe in the Winter?
The short answer is yes! One of the reasons we love Trex decking is because it’s incredibly durable and made to withstand all the different elements we experience here in Virginia. If you have Trex decking, you’re already one step ahead of the game, since it requires much less winter maintenance than decks made from other materials like wood.
However, here are a few best practices to keep in mind for your Trex deck and while preparing your deck for the winter.
Protecting Your Deck Before Snow Falls
If you have any leaves or other debris still on your deck, we recommend gently scrubbing it down to remove this grime before any snow arrives. This will help make it easier to clean your deck once the snow melts.
Using a mixture of warm, soapy water should be all that you need to clean off your deck in preparation for the snow.
Removing Snow and Ice From Your Deck
Once the snow does arrive, you can let it melt on its own with no issues. However, if you need to walk outside, you may want to remove the snow and ice to make it safer. If there’s just a light dusting of snow on the deck, you can use a broom to brush it off.
For thicker layers of snow or ice, you may need a shovel to get the job done. Keep in mind that using a metal shovel may damage your decking material, so it’s better to use a plastic one. Then, shovel in the direction of the boards to help prevent accidental scratches or dents.
Should I Get My Deck Painted in the Winter?
If your deck is in need of a refresh, it might be tempting to get it painted during the winter so it looks good as new once warmer weather arrives. However, it’s better to hold off until the spring.
When putting new paint on your deck, the temperature outside is key. If it’s too cold like it often is during the winter, the paint won’t be able to spread evenly over the deck and it may not adhere properly. Additionally, if you try to paint your deck when it’s too cold, the paint will crack and peel more easily than if you waited until the spring.
However, you don’t want to wait until it gets too warm either. Hot weather makes the paint dry too quickly, which can leave brush strokes in the paint or a clumping look. That’s what makes spring the sweet spot for most deck restoration projects.
Should I Get a New Deck in the Winter?
Yes! Despite popular belief, winter is actually one of the best times to build a brand new deck. If you’ve been dreaming of updating your outdoor living area, take advantage of the “offseason” so you can have a beautiful, brand-new deck to enjoy once the weather warms up.
Since fewer people schedule deck projects in the winter, our Deck Guru team will likely be able to get to your project quicker than would be possible in other busier times of the year. Read through more of the advantages of getting a new deck in the winter by reading this article.
Here for All Your Decking Needs Throughout the Year
We hope you found this guide on preparing your deck for winter helpful! Regardless of the time of year, Deck Guru is here to provide you with deck restoration, replacement, and upgrade services so you can make the most out of your outdoor living space. Curious to find out how much a deck replacement will cost? Contact us today for a free, no-pressure estimate.
