Kansas City winters are notorious for their unpredictable weather… blizzards one week, ice storms the next, followed by freezing temperatures that linger well into spring. While the colder months can be beautiful, they also pose a serious threat to the integrity and appearance of your deck and outdoor living space. Don’t let Old Man Winter wreck your deck! Ice, snow, and even the salt or chemical snow-melt products you use to keep walkways clear can all wreak havoc on your deck’s surface, leading to long-term damage if not properly addressed.
7 Winter Maintenance Tips for Decks, Patios & Pergolas
At Creative Concepts & Design, we understand the challenges Kansas City homeowners face when it comes to maintaining their outdoor spaces during the winter. To help you protect your investment and keep your deck looking great for years to come, we’ve put together some essential winter deck maintenance tips. From shoveling techniques to avoiding damaging snow melt products, here’s how you can keep your deck, patio, and pergola in top shape all season long.
1. Sweep, Don’t Shovel Snow & Ice
When it comes to removing snow from your deck, sweeping is your best bet. While it may take a little more time than shoveling, sweeping is gentler on your deck’s surface and helps prevent scratches or gouges. For real wood decks, a shovel can potentially cause damage to the wood, especially if it’s used roughly or if the snow has frozen into a solid, icy layer.
If you do need to use a shovel, use a plastic, non-metallic one to avoid scratching the surface. For composite decks, it’s better to avoid shoveling altogether, as the edges of the shovel can catch on the material and cause damage, especially on textured surfaces.
If snow has accumulated and refrozen, you may need to take extra care to prevent ice buildup. Use a soft bristle broom to remove as much snow as possible without disturbing the surface. You can also use a plastic snow pusher to help gently clear snow without digging into the decking boards.
2. Avoid Harmful Snow Melt Products
While it’s tempting to reach for chemical snow melt products like rock salt or calcium chloride, these can be incredibly harsh on both wood and composite decking. Rock salt can eat away at natural wood, causing it to crack, splinter, or discolor over time. For composite decking, salt can cause staining or deterioration of the material’s finish.
To protect your deck, opt for safer alternatives such as sand or gravel, which will provide traction without damaging your deck’s surface. If you must use a chemical deicer, make sure it’s specifically labeled as safe for use on wooden or composite surfaces, and apply it sparingly.
3. Keep Your Deck Dry and Clear of Standing Water
One of the biggest dangers to your deck during the winter months is the formation of standing water. As snow melts and refreezes, it can create puddles that seep into the gaps between deck boards, leading to potential water damage. Water can cause wood to warp, swell, or rot, while it can weaken composite materials over time.
To avoid water buildup, ensure your deck has proper drainage. If you notice areas where water tends to pool, consider adding a slight slope or adjusting the placement of furniture or planters to allow water to flow freely. Regularly clear any standing water that collects on your deck surface.
4. Watch Out for Ice Damage
Ice can be particularly damaging to decks because it tends to expand and contract as temperatures fluctuate. If snow or water has settled between your deck boards and freezes, the expansion can push boards apart, causing them to buckle or warp. Additionally, ice dams (when melted snow refreezes at the edge of the deck) can lead to moisture issues, especially on decks that are near gutters or roofs.
To prevent ice dams, make sure your gutters are clear of debris before winter sets in. You can also consider using heated cables along the edges of your deck to prevent ice buildup. You might also want to invest in a snow guard for your roof to prevent snow and ice from sliding directly onto the deck below and possibly denting or damaging the decking.
5. Care for Composite Decking During Winter
While composite decking is low-maintenance and durable, it’s not entirely immune to the effects of winter. Cold temperatures can cause the material to become more brittle and prone to cracking or chipping if impacted by heavy objects like snow shovels, furniture, or ice. To protect your composite deck:
- Keep heavy items off the deck if possible, or use protective covers to avoid direct contact with the surface.
- When removing snow or ice, avoid using metal tools. Instead, use softer materials like a broom or plastic shovel.
- Sweep your deck regularly throughout the winter. As snow melts, it may leave behind dirt, debris, and chemical residues that can stain or degrade the surface if left on it for extended periods of time.
6. Patio Maintenance in Winter
Many homes with decks also have patios, which require their own winter care. Concrete patios are particularly vulnerable to the freeze-thaw cycle. If water seeps into the concrete and freezes, it can cause cracks and surface deterioration. To prevent this, seal your patio with a high-quality concrete sealer before winter arrives. This helps to reduce water penetration and prevents cracking.
When it comes to snow removal on concrete patios, you can use a shovel, but it’s essential to be cautious about metal-edged tools that could scratch the surface especially if you have a stamped or stained concrete patio. As with your deck, it’s a good idea to use sand or gravel for traction instead of salt.
7. Don’t Forget Your Pergola
While a pergola doesn’t require as much maintenance during the winter months as your deck, it’s still important to ensure that it’s properly cared for. Snow and ice can build up on the roof and beams of a pergola, which may cause excessive weight or stress on the structure. Be sure to clear snow off regularly using a broom or soft-bristled brush to avoid putting unnecessary pressure on the pergola.
Prepare for Winter, Enjoy Your Deck Year-Round
At Creative Concepts & Design, we want you to enjoy your deck year-round, no matter what Old Man Winter throws your way. By following these simple winter maintenance tips, you can protect your deck, patio, and pergola from the harsh effects of snow, ice, and cold temperatures. Whether you have a wood deck, composite materials, or a beautiful concrete patio, these precautions will help keep your outdoor space looking great and functioning properly, season after season. Winter may be tough on your outdoor living space, but with the right care, your deck can survive the cold and be ready for the next season of fun in the sun!
At Creative Concepts & Design, we’ve been building custom decks and pergolas in Overland Park and all over Kansas City and we can even build decks in the winter! Call us at (816) 301-0275 or contact us online to schedule a deck or pergola design meeting and get a free quote. We’d love to bring your backyard dreams to life!
