Potential Deck Damage the Winter Can Cause
Winter is not your deck’s best friend. Low temperatures can potentially cause the deck to weaken and warp. So can weathering that fades the deck’s materials and structural integrity. If snow or ice occurs, the wood of a deck is even more prone to splintering and cracking. Get professional deck services in York, PA to prevent or minimize these issues with a new deck.
Effects Vary Depending on Deck Material
Not all decks are wood, although many are. Decks can be pressure-treated wood, composite, and PVC. Railings can be wood, vinyl, PVC, glass, and composite. The types of decks differ too and undergo varying effects in the winter. Decks can be elevated, ground level, multi-level, and wraparound.
Preventive measures such as pressure-treating wood and using a water-repellent finish make a big difference. For example, treatment increases the lifespan of your deck, prevents rotting, and keeps your deck looking much better for longer. By taking care of your deck upfront when you build it, you’re able to combat winter temperatures down the road.
Weakened or Warped Wood
Warped wood is a common effect in winter. When temperatures rise and drop, wood expands and contracts. Over time, this movement makes the wood weaker and warped.
Rotten Wood
Moisture in a wood deck often causes rotting, too. Rain, ice, and snow can cause moisture to build up, with the result potentially being extremely costly rot.
Cracked Wood
Lower temperatures sometimes cause wood to crack. In some cases, the wood may even fall through the deck. Staining the wood or applying pressure treatment can add protective strengthening layers.
Preparation Helps Your Deck During Winter
A bit of prep helps your deck withstand winter better than it would have otherwise. Steps to take include clearing your deck of clutter and storing items you do not need during winter.
For example, wood furniture you are not using anyway could retain moisture and spread rot throughout your deck. Planters pose moisture issues and sometimes cause discoloration.
Also, sweep away dirt, debris, pine needles, and the like. Buildup can lock in moisture and lead to rot, discoloration, and structural issues.
Test the different areas of your deck such as the railings to make sure they are intact. Loose railings or boards that are mere nuisances now can become dangerous in winter.
Inspect your deck for potential mildew since it indicates the presence of moisture. If you find any, use a commercial cleaning solution or a homemade solution. Garden sprayers make for good ways to apply the solution to your deck. Give it 30 minutes to work before rinsing it with water.
Contact Par One
Contact Par One today for a new deck. We design and build customized decks that are durable and capable of surviving harsh winters. We also offer extensive roofing and home exterior services.