Is your deck ready to face the harsh Michigan winter weather? Neglecting to prepare your deck for winter can lead to damage, requiring costly repairs and leaving you without a usable outdoor space come spring. Ensuring your deck is properly winterized is crucial to maintaining its beauty and functionality.
Maintaining your deck's integrity during winter can be challenging, and we’re here to share our expertise to help you navigate this process smoothly. At Custom Built Design & Remodeling, we understand how daunting it can be to prepare your outdoor space for the colder months. With over 15 years of experience in the industry based in Okemos and Boyne City, we’ve seen the toll that Michigan’s winter weather can take on decks that aren’t properly protected.
In this article, you will learn essential tips and strategies for winterizing your deck:
- Clean Thoroughly
- Seal and Protect
- Store or Cover Furniture and Accessories
- Maintain Drainage
- Remove Snow and Ice Safely
- Store and Secure Outdoor Rugs
- Trim Nearby Trees and Bushes
- Inspect and Tighten Fasteners
- Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint or Stain
- Plan for Routine Maintenance
1. Clean Thoroughly
Before winter sets in, give your deck a thorough cleaning. Remove all debris, leaves, and dirt accumulated over the fall. This prevents mold and mildew growth, which can cause long-term damage to the wood.
While composite decking doesn’t require the same level of debris cleaning, it is still encouraged to clean this material properly before the season begins.
Here are some strategies to thoroughly clean your deck:
- Sweep Regularly: Use a broom to sweep away loose dirt and debris.
- Inspect for Damage: Look for any signs of rot, loose boards, or nails that need to be fixed.
- Wash the Surface: Use a deck cleaner, power washer, or scrub brush to clean the surface. Pay extra attention to areas with stubborn stains.
2. Seal and Protect
Once your deck is clean, it's crucial to seal it to protect against moisture, which can cause the wood to swell and crack during winter's freeze-thaw cycles.
Disclaimer: This step is required only for wood decking, as composite decking doesn’t call for sealants.
Here are a few considerations to think about when sealing and protecting your wood deck:
- Consider Anti-Slip Coating: Add an anti-slip coating to the deck to prevent slips and falls.
- Choose the Right Sealer: Select a high-quality waterproof sealer appropriate for your deck's material.
- Apply Evenly: Follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply the sealer evenly across the deck's surface.
3. Store or Cover Furniture and Accessories
PC: Lowe’s
Protect your outdoor furniture and accessories from the harsh winter weather by covering them or storing them indoors.
Let’s take a look at a few ways to cover your outdoor furniture and accessories effectively:
- Store Cushions Indoors: Bring cushions or soft furnishings to prevent mold and mildew.
- Use Durable Covers: Invest in durable, weather-resistant covers for your furniture, grill, and other accessories.
- Secure Covers: Ensure that all covers are securely fastened to prevent them from being blown away by strong winds.
4. Maintain Drainage
PC: Lowe’s
Proper drainage is vital to prevent water from pooling on your deck and causing damage.
Here are a couple of things to think of while maintaining your deck’s drainage:
- Check Gutters and Downspouts: Ensure that gutters and downspouts are clear of debris and functioning correctly to direct water away from your deck.
- Address Low Spots: If your deck has low spots where water tends to collect, consider adding extra drainage or adjusting the slope to improve water runoff.
- Clear Trex RainEscape: For optimal deck drainage, install Trex RainEscape under your decking boards. Similar to gutters and downspouts, this under-deck drainage system needs to be cleared with water periodically.
5. Remove Snow and Ice Safely
During winter, keeping your deck clear of snow and ice is essential to prevent damage and ensure safety.
Here are some strategies to remove snow and ice from your deck:
- Use a Plastic Shovel: Avoid metal shovels that can scratch and damage the deck's surface. Opt for a plastic shovel instead.
- Clear Snow Promptly: Remove snow promptly to prevent it from melting and refreezing, which can cause damage to the deck.
- Apply Ice Melt Sparingly: Use safe ice melt products for your deck's material. Apply them sparingly to avoid excessive buildup of chemicals that can harm the wood or composite materials.
6. Store or Secure Outdoor Rugs
PC: Rug Love
Outdoor rugs can trap moisture against your deck, leading to mold and mildew. Either store them indoors for the winter or ensure they are secured and able to dry out.
Let’s check out preventive maintenance while storing your outdoor rugs:
- Clean Before Storing: Clean and dry rugs before storing to prevent mold.
- Use Breathable Rugs: Choose breathable materials that dry quickly if leaving rugs outside.
7. Trim Nearby Trees and Bushes
Overhanging branches can drop leaves, sap, and debris onto your deck, leading to stains and moisture buildup. Trim back any foliage near your deck to minimize this.
Disclaimer: Hire professional tree trimmers for larger trees.
If you DIY your foliage maintenance, here are a couple of ways to accomplish this task:
- Regular Pruning: Keep trees and bushes well-maintained year-round.
- Inspect for Dead Branches: Remove any dead or dying branches that could fall and damage the deck during winter storms.
8. Inspect and Tighten Fasteners
Loose screws, nails, and bolts can lead to structural damage if left unattended during winter. Ensure all fasteners are tight and in good condition.
Here are a few more strategies to successfully inspect your deck fasteners:
- Check All Fasteners: Inspect screws, nails, and bolts across the deck.
- Replace Damaged Hardware: Replace any rusty or damaged fasteners to maintain the deck's integrity.
9. Apply a Fresh Coat of Paint or Stain
If your deck's paint or stain is fading, consider applying a fresh coat before winter. This will add an extra layer of protection against the elements.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when painting or staining your wood deck:
- Choose Weather-Resistant Products: Use high-quality, weather-resistant paint or stain.
- Follow Application Guidelines: Ensure proper drying times and conditions for the best results.
Disclaimer: Composite decking does not require regular painting or staining for year-round enjoyment.
10. Plan for Routine Maintenance
Winterizing your deck is not a one-time task. Plan for routine checks and maintenance throughout the winter to ensure everything remains in good condition.
Let’s take a look at a few ways to ensure routine maintenance of your deck:
- Regular Inspections: Schedule regular inspections to catch and address issues early.
- Keep a Maintenance Log: Maintain a log of inspections and any maintenance performed for future reference.
Next Steps to Preparing Your Deck for the Winter
If you’re concerned about the potential damage winter can cause to your deck, taking the necessary steps to winterize it is essential. Neglecting this preparation can result in costly repairs and a less enjoyable outdoor space when warmer weather returns.
By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you now know how to thoroughly clean, seal, and protect your deck. You’ve learned about maintaining proper drainage, using durable covers for furniture, and safely removing snow and ice. These steps will ensure your deck remains beautiful and functional throughout the winter months.
As a trusted design and remodeling company with over 15 years of experience, we understand the importance of preparing your outdoor spaces for winter. We’ve shared our knowledge and expertise to help you protect your deck and ensure it’s ready for use when spring arrives.
Winterizing your deck is crucial to maintaining its condition and usability. Ready to ensure your deck withstands the winter weather? Contact our team of design-build professionals for personalized advice and assistance.
Now that you know more about ways to prepare your Michigan deck for winter, let’s explore how much composite decks cost, the must-know construction terms for building your summer deck, and the projects that can increase the resale value of your home:
- How Much Do Composite Decks Cost in Lansing, Michigan? - An overview of how much your Lansing composite deck will cost and the factors that will influence your price.
- 11 Must-Know Construction Terms for Building Your Dream Summer Deck - Learn more about common construction jargon to approach your summer deck project confidently.
- 5 Remodeling Projects That Can Increase Resale Value - A high-level review of the various remodeling projects that will increase your home’s resale value, curb appeal, and return on investment.
