As the leaves change color and our days get cooler, we’re reminded that Fall is officially upon us. Before we know it, the first flurries will appear and we will be on our way to another beautiful Colorado winter.
While we all might be excited for colder temperatures, our beautiful homes are less enthusiastic for the upcoming snowy seasons. At Colorado Custom Decks/Mosaic Outdoor Living, we see many decks become badly damaged due to the harsh winter weather elements. Nationally recognized custom deck designer and star of the DIY Network’s series, Mega Decks, Garth Hystad, shares a few tips on how to maintain the integrity of your outdoor living space this season.
- Give your deck a good cleaning
- Scrub out those summer BBQ stains now before it’s too late! If you let summer stains absorb into your deck all winter, it will be difficult to get them out in the spring.
- Mild soap and water should do the trick.
- The best time to clean and/or re-stain your deck is in the cooler Fall months, like September, October or November.
- Make sure the temperature on the day you stain your deck is at least 45°!
- If you have stubborn stains, use an oxygenated deck cleaner because they are environmentally safe, cost effective and excellent at removing any contaminants.
This enclosed deck built by Colorado Custom Decks/Mosaic Outdoor Living features a custom stone fireplace that makes this space cozy all year. This deck features composite flooring, which is extremely low maintenance and enjoyable year round.
- Apply a protective finish to your deck
- Moisture can cause your deck to split or warp. A premium wood finish will offer extra protection against the harsh winter elements.
- Sealing your deck is the most important part of ensuring your deck won’t fall apart during the winter freezing and thawing.
- If your deck is newly built, allow two weeks to let the wood set before staining.
- Use a plastic snow shovel
- When you (or your children) are shoveling snow from the deck, only use a plastic shovel. Shovels with metal edges can damage the surface of your deck.
- If your deck is torn by a metal shovel, moisture will collect and weaken the strength of the wood. This could require a substantial deck repair.
- When in doubt, get it checked out!
- If you notice a problem with your deck, call an expert to help determine the extent of the damage. We will be able to properly assess the situation and provide you with the proper steps to take to ensure your home is safe.
- Ensure that any contractor you choose is licensed, has the proper credentials and is also able to provide a physical business card.
For more about Colorado Custom Decks and Mosaic Outdoor Living & Landscapes, visit ColoradoDecks.com or Facebook.com/ColoradoDecks. To watch Season 1 of Mega Decks, visit DIYNetwork.com/shows/mega-decks for show times and details.