Winter weather can be rather harsh on the exterior of your home, and this includes decks. Snow, moisture, ice, and freezing temperatures can all lead to damage over time if your deck isn’t properly maintained. At CR3 American Exteriors, we help homeowners protect their exterior investments year round.
One of the biggest winter threats to many decks is moisture. Snow and ice melt, leading to water seeping into decking boards and framing. When temperatures drop, moisture freezes and expands, leading to cracks, warping, and eventual rot. Repeated freeze-thaw cycles can shorten the lifespan of decks.
Ice buildup also creates safety concerns. When deck boards and stairs become slippery, the risk of falling increases. This is especially true in more shaded areas that are not exposed to the sun. In addition, snow accumulation adds extra weight to your deck, stressing joists, fasteners, and support posts, especially on older or damaged structures.
The good news is there are several ways to keep your deck usable during winter. You can improve traction with non-slip treads for stairs or anti-slip coatings. Deck-safe ice melt products and plastic shovels also help to prevent surface damage while keeping walkways clear.
Regular winter maintenance is also important and can keep your deck safe and functional. Clearing snow promptly, checking for loose boards or fasteners, and ensuring proper drainage can help prevent small issues from turning into much bigger damage and costly repairs.
Sealing your deck before winter also helps to protect it from moisture penetration and freeze-thaw damage. If you’re concerned about winter damage or deck safety, CR3 American Exteriors can inspect your deck for free. Call us today!
