Winter Is Coming: How to Protect Your Deck

Summer BBQs and bonfires are some of the year’s most anticipated events, and decks are the common ground for these cherished memories. But before “Old Man Winter” comes to town, be sure to protect your beloved deck from his blustery wrath so it will remain ready to host new fun events when next year rolls around.

Store Furniture - Removing furniture from your deck and storing it in a safe space away from the seasonal elements not only extends the life of your furniture, but your deck as well. Store furniture so it doesn’t blow and scrape the deck surface in harsh Winter winds, and remember to store planters so dirt and debris aren’t blown around.

Deep Clean – It’s extremely important to deep clean your deck before heading into the colder months. There are several factors that contribute to this:

• Months of ground-in dirt and stains can damage your outdoor living space’s appearance and cause permanent damage to your wood.
• Summer sun exposure can cause the rich hue of your stain to fade into just a lack-luster gray.
• Moisture breeds conditions for mold, mildew, moss and algae to grow.

Use a cleaner that is specially formulated for wood, and be sure it’s bleach-free in order to restore the wood without creating a yellow tint. If it’s seen better days, consider completely stripping your stain and starting fresh.

Protect - Ice, snow, sleet, and rain cause moisture that can damage and penetrate the surface. You must protect your deck from the effects of Winter weather if you wish to reap the benefits of your outdoor space for years to come. Apply a water-repellent finish to protect it from cracking, splitting, and warping.

Repair - Check for loose boards before heading into hibernation. Moisture and sun exposure over time can loosen screws and nails. You don’t want to allow your deck to degenerate into an uneven or unstable outdoor space that could cause safety hazards.

Now that all things are in order, you can huddle up inside while the elements take their toll outside, and look forward to another season of outdoor oasis memories.

If you’re looking to build a deck that lasts, turn to the hidden fasteners in the SCRAIL® INVISIDECK® SYSTEM. This fastening system creates a completely smooth finish with no visible fasteners. Designed to be used with grooved boards, it can be adapted for use in non-grooved hardwood or composite materials with the use of InvisiDeck® Groove Cutter. The InvisiDeck® I-CLP Clips and SCRAIL® are installed under the surface, and hold tight without being seen. Watch the SCRAIL® InvisiDeck® SYSTEM video for installation directions and product reviews.