{"id":13240,"date":"2023-04-10T19:39:50","date_gmt":"2023-04-10T19:39:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wolfhomeproducts.com\/?p=13240"},"modified":"2025-10-20T08:59:02","modified_gmt":"2025-10-20T12:59:02","slug":"prepare-your-deck-for-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wolfhomeproducts.com\/blog\/prepare-your-deck-for-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"PREPARE YOUR DECK FOR WINTER"},"content":{"rendered":"\t
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Depending on where you live, winters can be downright nasty. With excessive precipitation and bitterly cold temperatures, the winter months can inflict\"\"<\/a> damage on your decking without proper care and maintenance. Knowing how to winterize a deck is essential for protecting it against the harsh elements of this season. Here are some tips to make sure your deck is ready for all the winter months will bring, so you\u2019re primed and prepped to break it out again next spring.<\/p>

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TIPS TO TRANSITION YOUR DECK FOR COLDER WEATHER<\/h2>

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Preparing your deck for colder weather starts well before winter hits. Take these steps in the fall to ensure your deck is ready for use in the spring.<\/p>

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1. REMOVE FURNITURE AND OTHER ITEMS<\/h2>

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If you have the available space, move your planters, furniture, grill and any other items that could get damaged by rain or snow into storage for the winter. Aluminum furniture can stay outdoors but should get coated with an extra layer of automotive wax to prevent damage.<\/p>

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Not only will this help preserve the condition of those items, but it will also eliminate spots that might suffer from rust drops or mildew. These kinds of stains can be difficult to remove if left unattended, and that\u2019s especially true of composite and PVC decking.<\/p>

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If you don\u2019t have a garage or a shed, you can also completely cover everything and place them on blocks to keep the space between these items and the deck surface open and airy.<\/p>

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2. CLEAN THE DECK<\/h2>

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Whether you\u2019re removing your furniture and other items temporarily or seasonally, it\u2019s vital that you take the opportunity to clean the deck boards thoroughly.<\/p>

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Begin by brushing away leaves and other debris. Allowing them to decompose can result in mold growth or staining. You can then tackle dirt and other grime, which you should be able to accomplish with water and a mild soap or detergent, such as Dawn. Try to avoid harsh cleansers, as they can strip your decking and void your warranty.<\/p>

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You should also go through your deck with a fine-tooth comb to treat mold or mildew, replace rotting boards and finish your deck with a waterproof sealant.<\/p>

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If you find rust during your inspection, remove it using a household toilet bowl cleaner.<\/p>

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3.\u00a0INSPECT PLANKS AND HARDWARE<\/h2>

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A clear outdoor space also allows you to go over your deck\u2019s structural integrity. As you prepare for winter, you\u2019ll want to carefully check the boards for imperfections such as cracks or peeling and inspect the joists, screws and other hardware that hold the deck together.<\/p>

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By catching any issues related to these components early, you\u2019ll be able to make adequate repairs before they worsen over the repeated freezing and thawing periods during the winter months.<\/p>

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4. TRIM OVERHANGING TREES\"\"<\/a><\/h2>

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Your property\u2019s trees likely produce welcome shade in the summer months as well as a picturesque scene, but the winter conditions can quickly turn that foliage against you.<\/p>

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Ice storms and repeated freezing and thawing can create long icicles that pose a risk to your deck. When they break off and drop, they can cause damage, and the melted puddles can also turn into icy patches that create danger zones for you and your family. Mitigate this potential issue by trimming the branches of your trees during the fall season.<\/p>

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5. GET READY FOR SNOW & ICE<\/h2>

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Winter deck maintenance may also mean adding some extra built-to-last materials to your deck, such as composite decking material, aluminum and galvanized steel. These materials will not be as affected by shoveling or ice removal products as traditional wood.<\/p>

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Once you\u2019ve cleaned and inspected your deck, you\u2019re ready to take on winter\u2019s toughest storms.<\/p>

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MAINTAINING YOUR DECK THROUGHOUT THE WINTER<\/h2>

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Your work isn\u2019t done once the cold weather hits.\u00a0It\u2019s imperative to keep up with winter deck maintenance\u00a0to make sure you\u2019re ready to entertain during the summer. Take these steps to keep your deck in top condition:<\/p>

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