Composite decking is durable, versatile and designed to withstand all weather conditions, whatever the season. Maintaining your patio in winter doesn't have to be a headache if you decide to maintain it (it's actually not necessary).
In this article, we'll explore the essential steps and strategies for maintaining your deck during the winter season. With a few practical tips and a little preparation, you can ensure your patio remains a welcoming haven throughout the cold months.
Here are the key points to remember:
❄️ Your composite deck may be salty, just be sure to use a salt that will not be harmful to your deck.
❄️ When shoveling, use a plastic shovel or standard patio broom. Do not use sharp metal tools.
❄️ You can leave snow on your terrace throughout the winter, it is not necessary to remove it.
Can I salt my composite deck?
We all know how slippery roads, sidewalks and patios can be when the winter months arrive. Of course, salting streets is the best way to prevent ice buildup and, therefore, slips and falls. Can we also salt our terraces?
The answer is yes. Composite and PVC decking can be salty. However, there are certain guidelines regarding the type of salt used that is "safe" for your deck, and other types of salt that are not recommended and could scratch or discolor your deck. The recommended product is a calcium chloride melt or rock salt to remove snow and ice. Be sure to avoid fondants made with dyes, such as blue salt. Colors added in salt can stain composite or PVC decks.
It is also worth mentioning the frequent use of sand in combination with salt. Although sand improves road traction and helps prevent ice buildup, it is naturally abrasive (meaning it grinds and rubs) and increases the risk of damage to your deck. Do not use sand on your composite deck.
Finally, once the winter months have passed, it is important to get rid of all the salt remaining on your patio. After sweeping up any remaining pieces of salt (using a non-metallic brush or broom), simply rinse your deck to ensure all traces of salt have been removed.
How do I clear snow from my composite deck?
We choose the strongest shovels to shovel our driveways: the more durable, the better. The same is not true for our composite or PVC terraces, quite the contrary.
When shoveling snow, never use metal shovels or other tools with sharp edges, scrapers (even if they are plastic) and also avoid using a snow blower. All these tools risk scratching your beautiful terrace.
So what can we use? It is recommended to use a plastic dustpan or a good old bristle broom. When brushing or shoveling, do so parallel to the deck boards rather than perpendicular. This will prevent any potential damage. If the snow layer is very thin, it is possible to use a leaf blower to remove the snow.
Source: https://compositedeckshop.com