What are you supposed to do when a snowstorm arrives and the snow begins to fall on your deck? You may be concerned that the accumulation of snow on the deck could lead to mold or rot if left untreated.
However, you may do more harm than good if you try to remove snow and ice off your deck in an inappropriate manner. Damage to your deck from careless or incorrect snow removal can be expensive as it may lead to new deck construction.
Here are the dos and don’ts of snow removal from your deck before you start frantically shoveling away the accumulating snow.
DO’s
1. Ensure Safety
Your safety is a priority at all times. Don’t risk injury by venturing out onto a deck if it’s too cold or if there’s a chance you might fall on the ice. Waiting for the snow or ice to melt through the cracks in your decking is the best option when there is a thin coating.
2. Use a Leaf Blower or Broom for Little Snow
Don’t use a snow shovel if there’s only a little bit of snow. Instead of scraping your deck with a shovel, simply brush away the snow with a broom or leaf blower if it is just under four inches deep and light.
3. Ready the Deck Before the Winter
Before the first snowfall of the season, you should take the time to winterize your deck. These will save you time clearing snow and keep your deck safe.
Before washing to get rid of mildew, you should sweep up the clutter and shift the furniture and plants elsewhere. Quality decks are easier to prepare. That’s why you need a competent deck builder in Virginia to supply good-quality decks.
4. Shovel the Deck
You should shovel a portion of your deck if doing so is necessary for clearing an exit route. However, rather than clearing the entire deck, all you need to do is shovel a 3-foot-wide route. The stairwell requires your utmost attention.
DON’TS
1. Don’t Dig Too Deep
When clearing snow from your deck, it’s crucial to not go overboard with the shoveling. Naturally, you won’t be capable of removing each piece of snow using a broom. Heavier snowfall necessitates the use of a snow shovel.
Still, that’s no reason to go out of your way every time it snows to clear it away. Decks typically have higher structural stability than some roofs and can resist as much as three feet of snow.
2. Don’t Use Salt
One must clear a passage from the back door towards the backyard if the deck is used as an alternative entrance to the home. You shouldn’t use salt on your deck because it might corrode metal components like fasteners and joists.
Many de-icers contain chemicals that might damage the deck, so you should only use one specifically designed for use on decks. We, a deck builder in Virginia, can explain the best-suited chemicals for your deck.
3. Don’t Use a Metal Shovel
Please don’t dig with a metal shovel. Do not use a metal shovel on your deck; rather, opt for one with a plastic or rubber blade. If you’re stuck using a metal shovel, it’s best not to let the metal touch the deck directly; instead, leave a thin coating of snow on top.
Bottom Line
By following these guidelines, you may enjoy your deck without having to worry about any damage occurring during the harsh winter months. You should engage a contractor when you want deck construction. A quality deck reduces the chances of damage.
MidAtlantic Contracting Inc. is a deck builder in Virginia. We work on residential and commercial properties in Virginia and surrounding areas. Our dedication to our consumers shows in the quality of the custom decks, roofs, and remodeling work that we provide. Contact us for all your needs.