Homeowners often choose composite decking for its durability — the material retains quality through seasons, withstanding rain, snow, ice, and hail.
Still, harsh winters can visibly damage the composite if it lacks proper safeguards. This article shares tips to shield decking from severe weather using simple decking preservation methods.
Don’t wait until it’s too late; preparation protects your composite deck.
Prepare Before Winter Weather Hits
Preparing thoroughly before winter weather arrives is crucial to avoid issues down the line.
In autumn, start by clearing dirt, leaves, debris, and mildew buildup well in advance to prevent future stains or mold.
You will also want to thoroughly sweep and scrub away grime using composite deck cleaner. Trim back nearby trees to avoid falling icicles, as fluctuating temperatures create heavy ice buildup. Lastly, properly store or cover patio furniture after cleaning to keep it elevated off the decking.
Exercise extreme care when shoveling to avoid harming composite materials.
Gently Remove Snow
When the time comes to dig your deck out from under piles of snow, preserving the integrity of your composite deck should remain a top priority.
Preserve your deck by cautiously shoveling powder under three inches. Otherwise, use designated composite snow shovels and brooms to carefully clear snow.
Seek safe deicers specifically formulated to melt ice on composites without damaging nearby vegetation. Another option is to apply calcium chloride products to dissolve snow and leave behind easily removable white residue.
Regularly Check for Damage
Once you put the shovels away after a storm, your post-blizzard responsibilities aren’t over.
After storms, inspect for cracked, warped, or peeling boards that need patch repairs. Also, examine supporting joists, screws, and hardware underneath. Tackle any issues now rather than allow them to worsen over time into costly fixes.
Focus on Year-Round Prevention
Instead of reacting to damage after the fact, concentrate on prevention year-round. In all seasons, frequently sweep and wash the deck. Prune back landscaping to prevent falling icy debris. Store furniture properly after end-of-season deep cleaning. When winter weather hits, gently remove buildup as needed.
Staying diligent with routine seasonal maintenance keeps a composite deck looking pristine for years while minimizing weather-related deterioration.
So, Is Protecting Composite Worth the Effort?
Absolutely — with normal wear, composite can endure beautifully over a decade or more. That said, lack of winterizing accelerates weathering, driving up premature maintenance costs. Invest some time up-front to clean, store, and shield your deck before the cold arrives.
Carefully removing snow prevents scratches. If you address minor issues quickly, you will thwart extensive repairs down the line. With a little seasonal diligence, your composite deck will retain its like-new charm year after year.
FAQs About Caring for Composite Decks
Should I seal or stain my composite boards?
Manufacturers advise against using sealants or stains. Over time, these can actually erode the protective outer shell, causing accelerated breakdown. Focus instead on proper cleaning and storage.
Should I cover the deck in winter?
Unless you purchase a custom winter cover, avoid tarps or boxes that can trap moisture against boards since this causes decay over time. Allow precipitation to pass through gaps so the deck can thoroughly dry when temperatures warm.
Can deicers hurt my composite deck?
Yes, rock salt or magnesium chloride can degrade protective outer shells through repeated exposure. Seek deicers specifically labeled composite-safe, like calcium chloride products that dissolve snow and leave minimal residue.
