As the snowy season approaches, you might be wondering how to maintain your deck in the winter. Decks— especially newer ones— are usually very sturdy, but older decks can be impacted by intense weather. This includes snow. If you have an older deck, and you live in areas that get a lot of snow— such as Maryland— you might want to consider updating your deck. Whether you live in Maryland, or any of the other areas we service, if you think you might need to update your deck, we can help!
Let’s take a look at some of the ways heavy snow can affect older deck materials:
Moisture:
- Snow can melt and create moisture on your deck’s surface. This moisture can penetrate the wood or other deck materials, leading to issues like rot, warping, and decay. To mitigate this, it’s essential to have a properly sealed and maintained deck.
- Weight and Stress:
- Moisture: As snow melts, moisture can collect on the surface of your deck, seeping into old materials like wood. If you find this happening, you might need to have your deck refinished or replaced.
- Weight: As snow builds up on your deck, it can weigh quite a bit. This can cause extra stress to the structure of your deck. For older decks, this can have negative impacts. It is important to clear off the snow as it builds up, and it is even more essential to have your deck updated if you suspect your deck cannot handle the extra stress.
- Discoloration: Many older decks either do not have proper finishing or need to be refinished. Snow mixes with dirt and debris, and over time, this can change the color of the surface of your deck.
As you can see, keeping your deck in good condition is incredibly important. If you suspect you need changes made to your deck, do not wait. Whether you live in Maryland, or any of the other areas we service, we are here to help you with all of your deck needs! Give us a call today!
