Decks don’t get a lot of use in the winter since most people prefer to stay inside their warm houses. Even without foot traffic, though, this backyard feature needs some protection from the elements. Before the freezing weather arrives, consider a few simple tasks to keep your deck in top shape and ready to use again when spring returns.

How to Protect Your Deck in the Winter

1. Use Stain & Sealant

By staining the material and applying a water-resistant sealant, you can keep ice, melted snow, and any other type of moisture off of the wood. The sealant can also fill cracks on the surface. This way, the wood remains intact and healthy through not only the winter snow but also the spring rains.

2. Keep It Clean

Before doing anything else, remove all items not attached to the surface. That includes furniture, potted plants, barbecue grills, and coolers. Place them in your garage or another part of your home for safekeeping. After that, sweep away any dirt or debris, then hose and scrub it down, getting rid of mold with cleaners and a small brush. Failing to do this puts the wood at risk of rotting.

3. Cover It Up

After staining and sealing, add an extra layer of protection by covering as much of the surface as you can with a tarp. With any luck, the snow falls on the tarp rather than your deck. Even a single layer hanging like a canopy over the top is better than nothing.

4. Get Rid of Snow

If snow falls directly onto your deck despite the tarp—or even if it accumulates on the tarp—remove it to ensure that no moisture or added weight damages the wood. Since you likely need to use a shovel, make this task easy on yourself by doing it while the snow is still soft.

For more advice about how to protect decks in winter, or if you need a reputable building contractor to build a new one, contact Thompson’s Absolute Construction in Millfield, OH. Having been in the business of home additions and home remodeling for more than a decade, they have the expertise necessary to build a high-quality deck or ensure that your existing one remains structurally sound throughout the cold weather. Above all, they strive for nothing but 100% customer satisfaction. Schedule a visit today by calling (740) 249-5620, and explore their services online.