Composite decking is designed to be durable and versatile. It can withstand extreme weather conditions no matter what the environment. If you decide to take care of your composite decking, all it needs is regular cleaning to maintain its appearance and performance. You’ll need special care during the winter months, but maintaining it during the winter months isn’t a headache.
In this article, we’ll look at the basic steps and strategies for maintaining your decking in the winter. With a few practical tips and a little preparation, you can ensure that composite decks still perform on cold days.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when maintaining your composite decking in the winter:
Your composite deck can be coated with salt to melt snow and ice, but be careful to use salt that won’t damage the deck.
When shoveling snow, use a plastic shovel or a regular deck broom. Never use sharp metal tools.
You can leave snow on your deck throughout the winter without having to remove it. Snow will not damage the surface of your deck.
Can I salt my composite deck?
We are well aware that the surface of a deck can freeze and become slippery once winter actually arrives. Of course, the way to prevent the deck from freezing and thus preventing slips and falls is to salt it. So can we salt composite decks too?
The short answer is yes. Both composite decking and PVC decking can be salted to melt snow and ice. However, there are some caveats regarding the type of salt to use on your deck. Namely, which type of salt is safe for your composite material. There are some types of salt that we don’t recommend because they can damage your deck or discolor it. We recommend that you use calcium chloride-based snowmelt or rock salt for snow and ice removal. Remember to avoid snowmelt with added coloring agents, such as blue salt. The dye from this snowmelt may stain the composite deck. If salt is used to melt snow and ice from the deck, it is important to remove any salt that may remain on the deck. Use a non-metallic deck brush or broom to sweep any salt left on the deck. Then rinse the deck thoroughly to ensure that all traces of salt have been completely removed.
There are also many homeowners who mix sand and salt. Mixing sand and salt does improve road traction and helps prevent icing, but it is naturally abrasive. Sand will constantly rub the surface of the deck, increasing the risk of damaging it. So please do not use sand on composite decks.
How do I remove snow from my deck?
Generally, we choose the strongest shovel to remove snow from the road, the more durable the better. However composite decking is not so. When shoveling snow for your deck, never use metal shovels or other sharp tools, or ice shovels. Even sharp tools made of plastic may scratch the surface of the deck. So what tools can be used? We recommend using a plastic shovel or an old-fashioned stiff-bristled deck broom to clear snow and ice. When shoveling snow, the shovel should be oriented parallel to the deck, not perpendicular. This will prevent any damage caused during maintenance. If the snow is thin, simply use a snow blower to blow it off.
Frequently asked questions about winter maintenance of your deck
Can snow and ice damage composite decks?
Modern composite decking is very strong and durable and can withstand a wide range of weather, temperatures, and climates. Snow will not damage your composite deck if you purchase a quality composite deck, especially if your deck comes with a sealer and mold inhibitor.
What can damage composite decks?
Quality composite material is more durable than traditional wood, so it’s less likely to be damaged. Composite decks aren’t completely unmanageable, though. Sharp tools, including metal shovels, can damage your deck. Powerful chemical products, such as bleach, can also damage the surface color of composite decking, causing the deck to fade.
Can I leave snow on my deck?
Capped composite decking is more resistant to harsh winter weather. The surface cladding is able to withstand snow and ice without rotting or buckling, making it one of the best decks for snow protection. Capped composite decking can retain snow all winter long without having to be shoveled. However, if you do want to shovel, read above to learn the best way to do so.
Which salt is the safest?
We recommend using calcium chloride-based ice melt or rock salt to remove snow and ice. Other types of ice melts can corrode the surface of your deck, and they may damage your deck or discolor it.
