Fall is quickly approaching, and if you don’t take measures to protect your deck now, it could be in bad shape by spring. Here are some tips to help make sure your deck stays beautiful during the cold weather ahead…
Well before the first frost hits [and you can check out our article on frost depth here ], treat your deck with a water repellent . This will help keep moisture from seeping into the wood. Most experts recommend applying a new coat of product every year—especially if there are high levels of salt in the area where you live. You should also inspect your deck for peeling paint or damaged wood that needs replacing before winter arrives.
When fall arrives, clean all dirt and debris off your deck using a pressure washer . This is a great time to sand any rough spots on the wood.
Remember, salt damages decks and causes paint to peel, so make sure to rinse your deck with an anti-icing agent after it’s clean and dry from cleaning. This will help prevent salt damage during winter months. If you live in a state where salts are not used for de-icing purposes, using an anti-rust agent instead is recommended.
Doors and windows should be weatherproofed before winter hits as well—especially if they’re made of wood or fiberglass. Water can find its way inside easily through doorjambs or cracks around window frames and cause serious damage over time. For doors, Teflon tape or fiberglass cloth sealant is a great way to stop drafts. For windows, use special weather stripping around the outside of the glass and put plastic film or storm windows over your inside windows.
Take a look at your gutters and make sure they’re clean before snow starts flying, too—because if not, you could have a major problem on your hands when it comes time for cleanup. You don’t want ice buildup in your gutters because it can cause water damage in other parts of your home.
A bad winter storm can take down power lines and trees in an instant. Be sure you know what to do if that happens to you .
Lastly, don’t forget about safety! Snow-covered decks are extremely slippery and dangerous places—especially when it’s really cold outside. If you are looking for deck builders in Orlando, McNish is the right company for you.