Your home’s deck is built to withstand winter weather, but like most other physical aspects of a home, it requires preventative maintenance and care. Texas Professional Painting understands there’s a lot to consider when it comes to getting your deck ready for the winter, so we’ve prepared a guide with the best methods to keep it in shape!
How Does Cold Weather Affect My Deck?
The majority of outdoor decks are made out of treated wood. Since wood is a natural material, you can expect it to wither and break down over time. While all weather will give a deck wear-and-tear, cold weather in particular can be especially damaging. The reason is that moisture from rain, snow, or ice often seeps into cracks within the wood. Cold temperatures then cause the moisture to expand, leading to even more cracks, warping, and sometimes mold, mildew and bugs.
This is why it’s important to prepare your deck for winter, even if you live in an area where winters aren’t particularly harsh. All it takes is a few nights of freezing weather to cause damage that will shorten your deck’s lifespan. Preparing your deck ahead of time will save you time, effort and money in the long run.
How Do You Protect Your Deck From Weather Damage?
Keep it Clean
The easiest way to prepare your deck for winter is by simply taking the time to clear out any clutter or debris from the top of your deck such as trash, dirt, leaves and planters. Not only will this help improve the overall appearance of your deck, but it also prevents any unnecessary growths like mold and mildew.
If you want to go the extra mile, we recommend cleaning your deck with soap and water. Using a cleaner specifically made for the material your deck is made of is the best way to prevent any damage to previous coatings. You can also use a soft-bristle brush to scrub away at any stubborn stains or a pressure-washer to save time.
Use a Tarp
Another simple strategy to protect your deck from direct moisture damage is to cover it with a non-porous, thick tarp. This will reduce the chance of any rain, ice, or snow from seeping into the wood. You can use a tarp that's made for pools, as long as it covers the entirety of your deck and can be secured in place. Use nails or screws to prevent the tarp from moving during windy weather.
Staining & Protective Coating
While the above methods are helpful, the most effective method to protecting your deck is having a local San Antonio painting company like Texas Professional Painting apply a high-quality deck stain.
Sealing your deck with a water-resistant stain/coating is key to surviving the cold. It serves as a protective sealant that fills any cracks and prevents moisture damage such as cracking, warping, and mold. Not only that, but it also increases the lifespan of your deck, prevents rotting, reduces UV damage and improves the look of wood grain. Cold weather affects the previous stain on your deck, so it is a good idea to make sure your deck is protected this winter with a new protective coat.
Note: if you are planning to stain your deck in the winter, be aware that low temperatures can lengthen the process as the staining can take longer to dry. Plan to stain your deck on a day with temperatures above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. If you stain your deck on a day it freezes, your stain may fail to curate and will not adhere properly to your deck.
Contact Professional Painters
Has your deck aged or been damaged by cold temperatures? Texas Professional Painting can help you restore it back to life! Our deck staining services will help improve the appearance of your deck as well as extend its life expectancy by protecting it from harsh weather. We also offer a variety of deck stain colors, so you can rest assured your deck stain will be the perfect match for your home’s exterior! Contact us today to schedule a meeting to discuss our deck staining options before the winter arrives!
