Assess the damage after a storm

Winter season will soon be here, and it is important to prepare outdoor decks for the inclement weather. Composite decking material and wooden decking handle winter weather differently. However, the following are some handy maintenance guidelines to help you prepare your decking to weather the season. The first priority when cleaning up after a storm is to be safe. It is tempting to get things back to normal right away, but first, you should always survey your yard and your deck to determine whether it is safe to work. Look for hanging branches and fallen or leaning trees, especially in close proximity to your decking. If you notice downed or sagging power lines nearby, do not attempt to touch the lines or work in the area. Call your power company as soon as possible.

Safety is your first responsibility

Once you are sure that the backyard is safe, inspect your decking to make sure the structure is in good condition. Check for loose floorboards and nails. Loose railings, spindles, and decking material should be re-fastened. Nails that are sticking up should be hammered down or replaced with deck screws. Be sure to clear debris and standing water left on your deck floor.

Piles of wet leaves, branches, and pooled water are not only damaging to the deck, but they can also be extremely unsafe when working with power tools. If debris is left on the deck over the winter months, it can contribute to mold, mildew, and even rot, depending on the condition of the deck wood. Some leaves and plants can also stain your deck if allowed to remain for an extended period of time.

Pay attention to the crevices between the floor boards to keep debris from gathering in the narrow grooves and contributing to standing water on your deck surface. Although composite decking material is more resistant to mold and mildew than wooden decking material, it is not completely resistant to moisture, and you should still be just as diligent to make sure that your decking stays in top condition.

Remove snow and ice

It is advisable that you promptly remove accumulated snow from your decks. A broom should be used to sweep off snow because this causes the least damage to your deck floor. If the snowfall is heavy, try using a plastic snow shovel. Be sure to shovel along in the direction of the boards, and not across them. This will prevent marks and gouges in your deck. For composite decking, it is permissible to use rock salt to melt the ice or snow. Just be sure to rinse off the deck as soon as weather permits. Do not use salt or de-icing chemicals on cedar decking.

New decks and deck repair in Greensboro, NC

Follow these tips, and you can help prevent major damage to your decking over the winter. If you find your deck in disrepair from years of exposure to the elements or if you intend to refurbish or even rebuild your deck, Triad installations of Greensboro, NC, is your local choice. They specialize in custom decks, carpentry, sun rooms, screen rooms, porches, and many other remodeling services. Call the experts at Triad Installations, and they will be happy to drop by and give you a free estimate on your outdoor decks or home improvement projects.