Deck maintenance for winter is only sometimes a satisfactory task. Winter is coming, and you must take care of your home, including your wood deck, to avoid damage.

Deck Maintenance Tips For Winter

A patio is an extension of your home. You’ll also winterize your home for some time each year, so your deck or patio should also be winterized.

The long winter season can wreak havoc on your patio, from mold and mildew to dirt and rot. And what you want to avoid seeing on the first warm spring days is extra work before you can enjoy your patio.

So instead of doing more work next year, take the time now to winterize your deck. It would be helpful if you could enjoy it on the terrace soon next spring.

Here are some tips to take care of your wood deck for the winter, extend its life, and avoid costly repairs next year. And even if your deck material isn’t wood, many tips will help you winterize your deck.

 Clean The Deck

Clear out your deck or patio as much as possible during the winter. Not only does this make shoveling snow from your patio easier, it also prevents variable winter weather from leaving marks on your deck.

Clean, cover, and store patio furniture and barbecues. Remember to bring your own planters and potted plants. Ceramic pots, in particular, can crack in freezing winter temperatures. Moisture under potted plants can also contribute to discoloration, rot, and mildew on your winter patio.

Inspect your patio or deck for damage

Thoroughly inspect your deck or patio for signs of damage. Inspect all areas, including battens, posts, and railings, for warps, cracks, loose nails, and rot.

When choosing a wooden deck, look for softwood. If you drive loose nails or tighten screws that sink into or split the wood, the rotten wood needs to be replaced.

Cut off overgrown branches | deck maintenance for winter

If you have heavy branches hanging on your deck or patio, determine if they are sturdy enough to withstand the weight of the ice and snow. Cut back any branches you are unsure of, especially if they appear weak or dead. Falling large branches can damage your patio and home in the winter, so it’s better to prepare for the worst.

Sweep

Clean out all dirt and debris from your patio, including leaves. Dirt left on your patio or deck during the winter can lead to stains and mold, mildew, fungus, and algae growth.

Test The Seal

To ensure your patio repels moisture all winter long, test the seals with a waterproof test. Lightly spray the deck with a hose on the medium spray. The seal is still working if the water beads up and pools on the deck. However, if water penetrates the wood in some or all areas, the deck will need to be resealed. Areas that need sealing can be spot treated, or the entire deck can be resealed for complete deck restoration.

Additionally, if you notice water pooling in the hollows of your tree, consider replacing that tree before winter sets in.

Apply Water Repellent And Sealant | deck maintenance for winter

In addition to water testing, gray or discolored spots on wooden decks signify that water has entered the deck. To protect your patio from the moisture and freeze-thaw cycles of the long winter season, you need to repair your patio with a sealer.

Once the necessary repairs have been completed and the deck is clean, the surface should be lightly sanded. This will remove excess dirt and allow the sealant to penetrate the wood. After sanding, vacuum the deck with a shop vacuum.