Deck Winterization Guide
Tennessee’s winter spans December to February, often with strong winds and snowstorms. The Department of Geosciences - Tennessee Climate Office lists January as the coldest month, with an average of 42.1°F (5.6°C). Your home’s outdoor spaces, like decks, face harsh rain, snow, and ice during this time. These extreme conditions affect all deck types—wood, composite, or PVC—making timely preparation essential. Prepare and protect your outdoor sanctuary with a deck winterization guide.
1. Clearing Debris Before Temperatures Drop
The first and crucial step in getting your deck ready for winter is to clear all debris that has settled on its surface. Accumulated debris on your deck can trap moisture and accelerate its deterioration, leading to problems such as mold and mildew. Here are some tips to maintain a clean and clear debris before winter starts:
A. Cover your deck during the fall and winter seasons to avoid frequently removing debris that lands on your deck.
B. Trim nearby trees and plants to minimize falling leaves. Snow and ice can break branches of trees, which can damage your deck when they land on it.
C. Ensure that nearby or adjacent gutters and downspouts overhead are clear of debris to avoid clogging. Proper drainage helps prevent falling water from ruining your deck surface.
2. Applying Protective Sealants In The Fall
Re-sealing your deck in the fall is a simple, cost-effective way to weatherproof and extend its lifespan. Temperature changes may compromise poorly sealed joints, increasing the risk of water ingress from damp leaves or humid weather. Apply the most suitable sealant, such as polyurethane, for your deck material to prevent water absorption. Re-sealing protects your deck from moisture, UV rays, and extreme winter conditions; do this every 1 to 2 years.
3. Snow And Ice Removal Mistakes To Avoid
Your deck is generally highly exposed to moisture, snow, and ice during winter. They can pose a safety hazard to your deck and its users after heavy snow and ice storms. It is best to remove ice immediately to safely walk on their decks, and to shovel the accumulated snow to prevent prolonged exposure to moisture. Accumulated snow and ice can cause your deck to collapse if it has not been properly maintained. But what is the best way to remove snow and ice from your deck without destroying your deck surface? Check out these things to avoid when removing snow and ice from your deck:
A. Don’t break ice on your deck, as it can leave dents on the surface.
B. Never use sand as a slip-resistant material on your deck, as it can be abrasive and cause scratches on your deck surface.
C. Avoid using metal shovels as they can damage your deck surface due to their sharp edges.
D. Do not shovel across the deck boards. Instead, shovel parallel to the surface to avoid damage.
E. Do not use salt-based products to melt the ice on your deck without rinsing the melted ice away, preventing damage and corrosion to deck fasteners and hardware.
Fig. 1. Snow on Tennessee deck
4. Protecting Furniture And Décor
Your deck is an extension of your home, where furniture and decor add value year-round, even in winter. However, furniture and decor can be damaged if not properly protected from ice and snow. Here are some tips to protect your outdoor furniture and decor from the harsh winter season:
A. Use durable and waterproof protective covers to shield your furniture during harsh weather conditions, such as heavy windstorms, rain, and snow.
B. Clean outdoor furniture and decor often with mild soap. This prevents discoloration, stains, and dirt buildup.
C. Spray metal furniture with rust-resistant products or apply wax. This prevents oxidation from starting.
D. Use a wood protector or sealant for wooden furniture and decor to shield against moisture problems, fading, and cracking.
E. Store your outdoor furniture and decor, especially cushions, inside your garage space during harsh weather such as hail or snowstorms. Choose weatherproof fabric, such as solution-dyed acrylics, for cushions and upholstery. These resist fading, moisture, and mildew.
G. Elevate your furniture and decor, keeping them away from the ground to help prevent moisture buildup that can cause rust, mold, or rot.
H. Inspect your outdoor furniture and decor for any early signs of wear and tear to repair them promptly and avoid costly repairs in the future.
5. Preventing Frost Damage To Boards
Frost can trap moisture from rain and melting snow within your deck boards, which can freeze, expand, and cause structural or surface damage. Frost damage can cause warping, cracking, rotting, or shifting of structural components of your deck, such as its foundation, posts, and boards. Preventing frost damage to your deck boards helps prevent costly repairs and prolongs its lifespan. Here are some practical tips to winter-proof your deck and prevent frost damage on your deck boards:
A. When your deck is exposed to an overnight freeze, you can find frost on your deck boards in the morning. Remove ice and snow promptly and safely from your deck to prevent ice buildup.
You can sprinkle pure white salt (sodium chloride) on your icy deck boards to melt ice away quickly. Rinse off any salt residue on your deck boards with soapy water and a brush to prevent salt build-up.
C. Use a plastic snow shovel or a stiff-bristled broom to lightly sweep snow or frost off the deck. Work along the boards' direction rather than digging down to prevent it from compacting into ice in foot-traffic areas.
D. Inspect the gaps between your deck boards. Clean and clear the gaps using a thin tool or a high-pressure hose to remove any clogs. Avoid standing water on your deck boards that could freeze, removing any obstructions (like leaves or soil).
E. Remove vegetation or obstructions under your deck. This increases airflow and lowers moisture accumulation.
Following this Deck Winterization Guide, you’ll greatly extend the life of your deck and keep it safe to use all winter. Protecting your deck from winter allows you to enjoy your outdoor space longer, no matter the season. However, as some deck materials can absorb water or crack in frost during winter, choosing the right materials and ensuring proper care is given can prevent early signs of damage and costly repairs in the future. For peace of mind during winter and beyond, trust a leading name in deck maintenance in Nashville and Brentwood, Tennessee—Modern Handymen & Remodel. Ready to winter-proof your deck? Call Modern Handymen & Remodel at 615-200-8071 to book your deck maintenance needs. Don’t let snow and ice ruin your deck—start winter prep now. Winterize with us today!
