4 Tips on How to Best Protect Your Deck from Extreme Weather Damage
A deck extends your home’s living area and is great for enjoying the outdoors to its fullest. The installation of a new deck comes at a considerable cost, which makes it even more important to ensure that it is regularly maintained. Maintenance will work in your favor in the long run, as you would want to avoid having to invest in a brand-new deck every few years. As the winter season approaches with all its extreme elements, we have compiled some useful tips to preserve your deck and to protect it from these harsh weather conditions.
1. Plan on How to Use Your Deck Prior to the Winter Season
You need to decide on how you want to make use of your deck during the winter season, if at all. Some folks shut their deck down completely until the weather turns warm again. Others continue using it throughout the year. If the latter is your preference, make sure to invest in furniture that can withstand the snow and rain. ACA Porch Builders & Deck Builders offer a wide range of decking options that can withstand extreme weather conditions.
2. Conduct Regular Inspections of Your Deck
It’s important to conduct a regular deck inspection. Check for any damages that could have occurred due to critters, water, or wind. If you for instance notice wood pellets, you may need some deck repair work carried out due to termite damage. If any of these types of damages occur, your deck may not be able to withstand the harsh weather conditions of winter.
Contact one of the decking companies in your area to get a professional opinion on whether a deck repair job will suffice or if you need to consider hiring a deck builders near me Chicago to replace your decking with more durable materials. Keep your eye out for leaks during an inspection. Deck gutters that leak can cause serious damage to your deck when the water freezes and expands during the winter season.
3. Protect Your Deck Through Coating
Applying a protective coating will help preserve your deck for longer. Prior to the snowy and stormy winter season, apply a water-repellent coating to help protect your deck from harm. Prolonged exposure to water and moisture can lead to your deck warping, splitting, or cracking. The coating will help prevent this from happening. Some good news is that water-repellent coating available on the market today can protect your deck without affecting the color.
4. Clearing Your Deck from Leaves and Snow
For all wooden decks, it’s best to remove the leaves and clear the snow regularly. When leaves build up on your deck and remain there for some time, they begin to rot which can lead to mold growth. Your deck can be negatively affected by mold growth and over time it can cause irreparable damage. Make sure to sweep your deck and around it, to prevent damage caused by leaves.
Similarly, remove snow and ice buildup whenever possible to help preserve your deck. You can gently remove the show off your deck with a blower or shovel.
Make Use of Professional Deck Contractors and Inspection Services
Contact ACA Porch Builders & Deck Builders today if you require expert deck building and designing services. Our experience as deck and porch builders near me Chicago spans more than 25 years. Whether you require decking or porches made from modern composites or would prefer a more exotic timber deck, we can assist you with all your decking and porch needs. For a free quote get in touch with us online or call one of our helpful team members today.
