Protect your deck for winter
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Winter is just about here and now is the time to prepare and protect your decking for the long winter months. Most manufacturers will offer a few suggestions that can help maintain your deck during agreeable weather but what about preparing it for the harsh winter weather?
Fall deck cleaning and preventative measures should always be a top priority for deck owners. The changing seasons can wreak havoc on decks unless properly maintained. Not only can forgotten grease stains, mold issues, or even heavy snow ruin the look of your deck, but it can also even lead to permanent damage. Fortunately, a few simple steps are all it takes to winterize your deck so it will outlast the harsh winter months.
Step 1: Clean the deck
1. Prepare your deck for a protectant. Clean the deck with a bleach-free cleaner. Whether you have natural wood or composite decking; the right cleaning products can make all the difference for the look and the life of your deck. Experts* in the decking industry have found that extremely harsh chemicals (such as chlorine bleach or ammonia-based cleaners) used to clean the deck can often lead to fading, cracking, or discoloration of the look of natural wood. Even the EPA* says bleach is a no-go for mold clean-up. Why? The simple answer is that these chemicals are corrosive in nature and although they may provide initially satisfying results, they are actually chemically altering the PH of the wood and damaging the structure with every application.
Here’s what we suggest and why: UltraMean2- An oxygen bleach-based cleaner and stain remover. Here’s why we love it: An oxygen bleach-based cleaner is an excellent choice for either hard to clean stains or a quick spot clean. When mixed with water, it uses the power of oxygen to really dig in and pull out ground-in dirt and other stains. Need to perform a quick spot-clean? Mild dish soap should do the trick. Have REALLY tough stains? Try our UltraMean exterior cleaner. It’s an oxalic acid-based cleaner that really works to remove the toughest stains and bring the shine back to weathered wood surfaces. And as always, our products are environmentally friendly, biodegradable, and bleach-free.
NOTE: Many consumers have found that not only do chlorine bleach-based cleaners damage the decking but also the surrounding landscaping can also take a hit. Always make sure you check the label for an eco-friendly and plant friendly cleaning product.
Want to learn more about how to clean your deck? Click here.
2. Clean out those cracks! It may be an annoying area of the deck to address but there’s actually a really important reason to keep those cracks debris-free. Dirt, leaves, mold, and even snow can cause major damage to your deck. These areas can build up and trap moisture causing wood rot and structural damage. A quick spray with a hose or a pressure washer with a low PSI setting should do the trick to clear the area.
3. Inspect the deck- While you’re cleaning, it’s also a great time to perform some inspections. Thoroughly inspect the surface area for staining as well as the underside for any moisture or structural issues that need to be addressed.
TOP TIP: Flower pots, planters, and other outdoor furniture can leave rust stains on your decking that can be nearly impossible to remove. Always try to use deck friendly furniture and move your planters around frequently to promote airflow and to help prevent water from pooling and staining.
Step 2: Protect your deck
Your decking might look fantastic after a fresh fall cleaning but simply cleaning is never enough. The final finishing touch is to apply a moisture barrier.
Here’s what we recommend: UltraBan Moisture Barrier. How does it work? A moisture barrier works to protect the surface against moisture damage, for example, ice and snow. A major advantage that UltraBan has compared to traditional sealants is that it was designed to keep the moisture out while allowing oxygen into the exterior of the wood. This allows the materials to “breathe” as wood naturally expands and contracts and will not trap moisture inside. Why do we love it? UltraBan protects your deck from damaging elements while still allowing the wood to breathe. Win. Win.
Did you know? UltraBan dries clear so the only way you know it’s there is you’ll be guaranteed a beautiful deck in the spring!
Any type of decking, whether it be vinyl, PVC, composite or natural wood can be susceptible to issues as a result of the outdoor elements, specifically moisture damage. This is why we always recommend to our customers an immediate application of UltraBan after your new decking installation is complete.
What about a wood sealant? Wood sealants do have their place in the natural wood industry. The only problem users may encounter is that wood sealants are made to encapsulate the material, which in effect, does provide a waterproof finish, however, the issue lies with the moisture within the wood. Wood needs to naturally “breathe” and sealants can sometimes trap moisture within the wood causing wood rot. It is always recommended to consult your manufacturer for suggestions on how best to protect your specific brand of decking.
Winter is over. Now What?
Prolonged UV exposure can cause wood to turn gray and exposure to moisture can create the perfect conditions for the growth of mold, wood rot, and other serious issues. All these conditions are good reasons why your deck should be thoroughly prepared for each season. We recommend to our customers to perform a “spring and fall” deck prep so you can feel confident that your decking is always protected and prepared for each season.
https://www.epa.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-your-home