When the winter time comes around it’s best to make sure your deck is prepared. Even living on the west coast which does not have as harsh of winters as the rest of the country, you still need to prepare your deck for the winter months. The temperature and moisture in the air can wreak havoc on your deck and can force you to spend months repairing it, instead of enjoying it. Deck repair is not easy, however you can prevent it if you simply take the right steps. Learn more about what you need to do to prepare your deck for winter.
Clear It Off
Make sure to remove everything from the deck. There should be no patio furniture, no barbeque, no tables, nothing. Once everything is removed then you will be able to take care of the other steps necessary. This is key because if you leave anything outside, it could get ruined during the rain and frost of the winter months. Then every year you would have to replace everything you have. Better to have an area in the garage where you can store your deck furniture during the winter.
Purchase Covers
If you have a barbeque or any deck furniture that is actually a part of the deck and cannot be removed, make sure to buy the proper coverings. Many will be sold at your local utility store. You need to do this to protect the parts of the deck that cannot be removed, but can still be covered. This would be buying a BBQ grill cover and possibly a table and bench cover, depending on the style of your deck. This will ensure the safety of your property and you’ll be able to take the covering off and use it perfectly in the spring and summer.
Fix Wear and Tear
Repairing the wear and tear on your deck is crucial for the winter months. The cold can really do damage to whatever kind of deck you have. That type of temperature for long periods of time can really cause a lot of problems for you. Better to fix those little scratches, and dings now then deal with a worse issue later. It is key to check for any loose screws or nails. The added moisture and wetness in the winter months can loosen them further, or worse yet, cause a water leak under your deck which could lead to an even bigger problem.
Waterproofing Your Deck
At the end of the day the best thing you can do is hire a professional to make sure your deck is in good hands. At WICR Inc., we make sure that your deck is waterproofed and prepared for the winter months, and anything that might come it’s way. While there is a ton you can do on your own. Nothing beats the touch of a professional who has been in the industry for decades.
Take the time to inspect your deck and take all necessary precautions before and even during the winter months. You’ll want your deck ready for spring and summer, so by preparing ahead you can avoid any damages that might ruin your fun. Simply clean the deck to the fullest and make sure any attachments that could be damaged are covered. When the winter months are over, you’ll be glad you took the time to protect your deck so that you can enjoy it to the fullest when the weather permits.