If you’re one of the many Hastings, NE, homeowners who take pride in maintaining a beautiful home, then winterizing has almost certainly been on your mind lately. While there are many steps you can take to winterize your home, you shouldn’t forget about external additions, such as decks, either. With that in mind, here are some helpful tips for protecting your deck this winter.

3 Ways to Shield Decks From Winter’s Chill

1. Thoroughly Clean the Deck & Store Furniture

Since you won’t be using your deck much for outdoor parties this winter, it’s a perfect opportunity to give it a thorough cleaning before you pack everything away. Debris left on your deck can cause deterioration in the cold, so it’s important to remove as much as possible before the frigid temperatures hit.

Also, items such as planters and furniture can cause moisture leaching which can severely damage decks. Instead of leaving those out, stack the furniture and store it in a different location and stow any planters under the deck instead of on top.

2. Cover the Deck With a Tarp

Decks that are fully exposed to the elements experience more warping and deterioration, so it’s best to cover up as much as possible. Stretch a tarp over as much of your deck as possible to prevent snow from building up on its surface. This will help reduce moisture that can cause or exacerbate cracks due to freezing.

3. Shovel Regularly

If your deck isn’t covered with a tarp or has areas that are exposed, you’ll want to shovel snow after each significant accumulation. You’ll want to be careful while removing the snow, however. Scraping against decks can damage finishes and leave you with a shabby-looking surface when spring comes. You’ll also want to avoid using salt or any other ice-removal substance. These can discolor and strip away finishes.

Maendele Construction has provided decking and siding services to the Hastings, NE, region for more than a decade. With a talented team of experienced employees and access to the highest quality materials for a wide range of projects, the company takes pride in offering the best assistance in the area. For more information, call (402) 984-3906 or visit the website.