Have you ever stepped out onto your deck to take a look at the winter wonderland your lawn has become overnight, just to have your foot slip out right from underneath you? It comes as no surprise that snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can impact the safety of outdoor decks. While we can’t stop the snow from falling, we can enhance the safety of your decks. As your local deck design and railing installation expert, we at Simpson Decks and Construction specialize in PVC decks, providing you with deck and railing solutions that withstand harsh weather conditions.
The Importance of Safe Deck Design in Winter:
Decks are among the most common places for slip-and-fall accidents, including falling onto the deck itself and right over the edge. In winter, the risk of slips and falls on outdoor decks sharply increases due to the icy and wet conditions. Even though the snow is not your fault, you are responsible for anyone who gets injured while using your deck. Plus, if your deck is not up to code and this happens, that is a significant strike against your legal case. Fortunately, you can take precautions to enhance the safety of your deck with professional railing installation.
Why Professional Railing Installation Matters:
Sturdy railings provide essential support and stability, especially in icy conditions. They provide you with a support system that should be able to bear your weight should you be about to take a tumble. However, weight-bearing railings take precision to install, which is why they should be professionally installed to ensure safety. Here are two factors to explain further:
Precision and Stability: Professional railing installation ensures secure attachments that are critical for stability, particularly during winter.
Code Compliance: When installing deck railings, meeting local safety and building codes is vital to ensure the railings can handle additional stress from snow or ice accumulation.
PVC Decks and Railings: A Perfect Winter Solution
Here in the Tri-Cities, we often see extensive freezes and snow accumulation. The average first freeze occurs in mid-October, and the last freeze ends in the middle of April, meaning we spend much of the year facing icy conditions. Should you be considering a deck and railing installation and live in a region that experiences freezing winters, selecting a material that can withstand the harsh winter weather is vital.
For example, traditional wood decking is considered a poor choice for climates with harsh winter weather since it is susceptible to moisture, eventually causing the wood to split apart. Fortunately, PVC decking doesn’t face that challenge.
PVC decking is a highly durable material that withstands moisture and freezing temperatures, so it doesn’t rot or crack like natural wood. On top that of, a PVC deck design requires little maintenance in winter, as it resists mold, mildew, and warping. All PVC decking requires is an occasional cleaning with soap and water to maintain its appearance. Therefore, in total, it is far easier to keep and maintain throughout the winters. With PVC decking’s impressive lifespan of up to 50 years, it makes an excellent investment for homeowners looking for a durable and long-lasting decking solution.
At Simpson Decks and Construction, we specialize in building PVC decking. Our PVC decking is made from specially crafted plastic called polyvinyl chloride, which offers the beauty of natural wood, including authentic grain patterns, without the limitations of natural wood. This provides a safe, long-lasting option for homeowners in colder climates to enjoy their decks and railings without fear.
De-Icing Railings and Deck Surfaces Safely:
Even the most ice-resistant deck can only do so much. As a homeowner, you may want to increase the safety of your deck surface through de-icing, but there are good and bad methods.
We want to note that you should absolutely NOT use salt, sodium chloride, or sand for de-icing. Salt and sodium chloride can damage certain materials, including wood, metal, and some surfaces, and they can also corrode or negatively affect railing hardware. Sand, on the other hand, is coarse, which can damage the boards.
So, instead of salt, we recommend using calcium chloride as an alternative for composite decks or PVC decking. Calcium chloride can effectively prevent slips without harming the material of your deck design.
Should you have snow piled up and you want to shovel your deck, please proceed with caution. First, make sure to use plastic shovels. Then, always scope the shovel with the grain of the decking material. Lastly, watch your step as there may be ice under the snow that you can’t see.
Why Choose Simpson Decks and Construction:
At Simpson Decks and Construction, we pride ourselves on our expertise in building PVC decks and railings, with a focus on safety, durability, and client satisfaction. As locals of the Tri-Cities, we understand how harsh the weather can be, and we want our clients and their guests to always feel safe and comfortable on their decks. That is why our licensed, bonded, and insured company is dedicated to making sure you can transform your outdoor space into an oasis designed to last through extreme weather conditions.
Railing Installation with Simpson Decks:
If you are looking for railing installation, we can provide any railing style to fit your deck. If your current railings are damaged or faded, we can replace them with brand-new ones that seamlessly match your existing setup while meeting code and safety compliance.
Deck Design and Installation with Simpson Decks:
Perhaps you are planning a new deck design or a full replacement? At Simpson Decks, we specialize in building PVC decking. From initial design to final installation, we work with our customers every step of the way to ensure their complete satisfaction with their deck design and installation.
Call Simpson Decks and Construction for a Free Consultation
Ensure your deck is safe and ready for winter with professional railing installation. Contact Simpson Decks and Construction today to get started on your PVC deck project!