Winter weather, while stunning, brings with it a torrent of potential safety concerns. The accumulation of snow and ice can create hazardous conditions, especially on decks. At Simpson Decks and Construction, we specialize in PVC decks – the ideal solution in deck design for winter weather resilience. Today, we will focus on best practices for maintaining PVC decks during winter, avoiding damage, and ensuring you can achieve the ultimate deck safety, regardless of season.
Why Winter Maintenance is Crucial for Deck Safety:
Of course, no one wants to take that America’s Funniest Home Video-worthy fall onto their icy deck! Beyond becoming a viral sensation, you could risk injury, deck damage, or legal obligations should someone get hurt on your property. That is why taking the proper precautions to ensure regular snow and ice removal will help prevent accidents and preserve deck integrity.
At the very minimum, it is vital to follow regular maintenance practices. You should schedule annual inspections and take quick action to remove snow and ice after a storm, which can help maintain the safety of the deck throughout the winter.
Tips for Safely Removing Snow from PVC Decks:
Quick removal of snow from your deck is wise to maintain deck safety, minimize excess weight, and prevent erosion of the materials. However, before you start shoveling away, it is vital to keep these steps in mind.
First, before the first flurries of snow hit your deck, we recommend getting that inspection if you haven’t yet this year. This will ensure your deck can handle the upcoming stressors of the season.
Second, clean your deck thoroughly. You will want to clear any leaves, dirt, and debris, as this can become a slippery hazard once turbulent weather hits. Additionally, we recommend storing away any furniture or décor items that may be damaged by harsh weather or become a hazard if covered in snow and ice.
Then, once the snow hits, you always need to use a plastic shovel for clearing. Metal tools like shovels or ice chippers can scratch and damage a PVC deck surface. By using a plastic shovel, you can adequately perform snow removal while preventing accidental damage to your deck design.
Lastly, always shovel along the grain of the deck design. Shoveling with the grain ensures that the surface of your deck remains smooth and free of gouges. If you aren’t sure which way your grain goes, we suggest digging a little hole by hand and taking a look at the boards before getting started.
Dealing with Ice on PVC Decks:
Ice adds another complexity to deck safety, and taking drastic measures for quick results can be tempting. However, it is vital to avoid using sand, salt, and harsh chemicals. Sand, salt, and harsh chemicals, like sodium chloride, can cause discoloration or damage to PVC surfaces in addition to other deck design elements like wood and metal deck railings.
Instead, you want to use PVC decking deicing products, such as calcium chloride, as an alternative. Calcium chloride can effectively prevent slips without harming the material of your deck design.
Additionally, as with removing snow, you want to be gentle with manually removing ice. We suggest using a brush, plastic scraper, or plastic shovel when removing ice from any deck surface.
Preventing Snow and Ice Build-Up in Your Deck Design:
If the thought of shoveling snow or applying de-icing products sounds too time-consuming, there is a way to prevent snow and ice build-up! You can do so by covering your deck. There are a variety of ways to go about doing this, all dependent on the design of your deck.
For example, if you have a ground-level deck, you may want to consider building a solid roof pergola or patio cover over the deck to act as a roof. It will catch the majority of the snow, leaving your deck design less likely to suffer from the perils of snow and ice.
Alternatively, you can utilize outdoor furniture covers, tarps, or deck covers to minimize snow and ice accumulation at specific times. Just remember to check the weather, as they need to be set up before it starts to snow! Additionally, don’t forget to have a plan in mind on how you will remove the cover (with the snow on it)!
Why PVC Decks are the Ideal Deck Design for Winter:
Compared to any other decking design material, PVC decking is the best for deck safety in winter due to its high durability, moisture resistance, and low maintenance requirements. It has an impressive lifespan of up to 50 years, which makes it an excellent investment for homeowners looking for a durable and long-lasting decking solution.
Since it consists of polymers and recycled materials that aren’t susceptible to moisture, PVC decking won’t become waterlogged or rot as natural wood decking does. Additionally, unlike traditional wood decking, which requires regular staining, sealing, and cleaning, PVC decking only requires occasional cleaning with soap and water to maintain its appearance. After the long winter season, a quick scrub is all you will need to have your deck looking brand-new!
Plus, when working with a reputable installer like us at Simpson Decks and Construction, you can rest assured that your deck design is built to last through harsh winter conditions.
Why Choose Simpson Decks and Construction:
At Simpson Decks and Construction, we understand what winters are like here in the Tri-Cities. If not properly prepared, freezing temperatures, heavy snow, freezing rain, and even hail can impair deck safety.
You can trust our expertise in building PVC decks and our commitment to providing safe, long-lasting outdoor spaces for all seasons. We specialize in deck design, including PVC decking, deck repair, deck railing installation, pergola installation, and patio cover installation services.
Whether you are looking to build a winter-safe deck, want to enhance your existing deck, or simply need an inspection, you can keep your deck safe this winter with expert tips from Simpson Decks and Construction. Contact us today to learn more about PVC deck installation and winter maintenance.