Composite decks are durable, versatile, and designed to withstand all weather conditions, regardless of the season. Maintaining your deck in winter doesn't have to be a headache if you choose to do so (it's actually not necessary).
In this article, we'll explore 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 deck remains a welcoming haven throughout the colder months.
Here are the key takeaways:
❄️ Your composite deck can be salted, just make sure to use a salt that won't be harmful to your deck.
❄️ When shoveling, use a plastic shovel or a standard deck brush. Do not use sharp metal tools.
❄️ You can leave snow on your deck all winter long; there's no need to remove it.
Can I salt my composite deck?
We all know how slippery roads, sidewalks, and decks can get when winter months arrive. Of course, salting the streets is the best way to prevent ice buildup and, consequently, slips and falls. Can we also salt our decks?
The answer is yes. Composite and PVC decks can be salted. 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-based ice melt or rock salt to remove snow and ice. Be sure to avoid dye-based ice melts, such as blue salt. Dyes added to salt can stain composite or PVC decks.
It's also worth mentioning the frequent use of sand in combination with salt. While sand improves road traction and helps prevent ice buildup, it is naturally abrasive (i.e., 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's important to get rid of any remaining salt on your deck. After sweeping up any remaining salt pieces (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 sturdiest shovels for clearing our driveways: the tougher they are, the better. The same doesn't apply to our composite or PVC decks, quite the opposite.
When shoveling snow, never use metal shovels or other sharp-edged tools, scrapers (even if they're plastic), and also avoid using a snow blower. All these tools risk scratching your beautiful deck.
So what can you use? It's recommended to use a plastic shovel or a good old bristle broom. When brushing or shoveling, do so parallel to the deck boards rather than perpendicular. This will help prevent any potential damage. If the snow layer is very thin, you can use a leaf blower to remove the snow.
Source: https://compositedeckshop.com