deck remodeling | Colony Home Improvement

How to Protect Your Decks and Porches during the Cold Months of Winter

November 11, 20140

Prolong their life by protecting decks and porches.

Protecting your decks and porches will ensure they last a long time.

The cold temperatures, snow, ice and other conditions of winter can be harsh on your home’s exterior. It is important to protect decks and porches from damages during the winter season. Here are a few ways to protect your backyard deck design and ensure you won’t need to undertake a deck remodeling project until you are ready.

Clear the Clutter

Review your backyard deck design. It is wise to find an indoor place for anything you may have been keeping on your deck or porch. Consider moving your planters under your deck or to the garage; leaving them out all winter can cause moisture leaching and discolor your wood. If you have patio furniture, stack and store it in the garage.

Remove Debris

Once you have cleared out the clutter, spend some time scrubbing down the surfaces of your decks and porches. You should make it a priority to keep the walkways free and clear of debris all winter. If you notice any debris, clear it quickly. Debris can present a tripping hazard, especially when the walkways are covered with snow or ice. In addition, debris can cause deterioration if it is allowed to rot on the surface of your deck.

Eliminate Mildew or Mold

Mildew and mold are common problems in winter because the moisture attracts it. Decks and porches are frequent locations for this type of buildup, particularly between cracks or tight boards. Check the surface of your deck for any signs of mildew or mold. If there is any mildew or mold present, have it removed.

Make sure your deck remodeling is fully protected.

Your deck remodeling needs to be protected from the elements.

Seal Your Deck

Use a high-quality, water-repellent sealant to fill the cracks and protect your deck from moisture and ice. Sometimes using sealant means you have to remove prior finishes, but the additional work is worth it. You will be pleased when spring arrives because your deck will look great and will not be damaged.

Cover It Up

Use a tarp to cover as much as possible of your deck and porch. The tarp will keep snow from the surface of your deck and will help avoid warping. A tarp will also keep moisture out of any cracks, which will lower the risk of ice forming and making cracks worse.

Clear the Snow

It is important not to let mounds of snow accumulate on your porch or deck. The weight of the snow could cause problems for your deck. You should shovel in the same direction as the boards in order to prevent damaging the finish. Be sure to avoid using ice melting products, such as salt, on your wood deck because they may damage or discolor the finish.

Trim Overgrown Branches

Tree branches that hang over your deck or porch can create a risk, and you need to keep them from falling and harming someone. Keep any overgrown branches trimmed and remove any branches that are weak and in danger of falling.

These easy steps can help you protect decks and porches during the cold winter months. When the weather begins to warm up and it’s time to relax in your outdoor living space, you’ll be glad you made the effort.

If you are thinking about deck remodeling in Massachusetts, contact us. We can design and build the best outdoor living area for your needs.

The Latest Trends in Deck Remodeling

Large decks are a great choice in deck remodeling.

The latest deck remodeling trends can help you entertain your guests.

A deck can be a fabulous option for the backyard of any home. It is a great place to entertain and relax after a long day or week at work. It can also be a smart way to add value to your home. Before you consider deck remodel ideas, it is useful to understand the latest trends in deck remodeling. Implementing the right backyard deck designs will give you the greatest advantages.

Large Decks

While some homeowners only have room or the desire for smaller decks, today’s deck trends call for larger decks that are ideal for hosting family and friends. Instead of creating just enough room for your grill and some patio furniture, larger decks have plenty of room for full outdoor kitchens, hot tubs, storage and more. Some individuals even install a privacy fence around the deck’s edges.

Outdoor Kitchens

Grilling out is a popular pastime many people are taking beyond your average grill. Many deck remodel ideas call for a full built-in kitchen that allows homeowners to spend more of their time outdoors. Instead of cooking part of the meal inside, the cook can spend more time entertaining outside and enjoying the weather when they can cook everything from their own deck. Some of these kitchens even include a sink, refrigerator and cabinet space.

Green Decking

As you choose the backyard deck designs that best meet your needs, the materials are another important consideration. Today’s deck remodeling trends call for the use of green decking materials that are more environmentally friendly. For instance, composite decking combines the look of real wood with the durability of plastic to create a beautiful, low-maintenance deck that doesn’t require a lot of real wood. Depending on the other features you choose for your deck, solar lighting and gas appliances can be ideal green options as well.

Water Features

Another popular trend in deck remodeling is to add some water to your deck. Perhaps you’ve always wanted a hot tub or spa to relax away the stress of your daily life. If this isn’t a good option for you, consider adding a soothing water fountain. Imagine sitting on your deck, drink in hand, listening to the sound of splashing water as you soak up the sun’s rays. It’s the perfect way to relax and unwind.

Decks are one of the most versatile backyard options, creating an ideal space for relaxing and entertaining. If you are thinking of a deck remodeling project, learning about the latest in deck remodel ideas can give you plenty of great choices. Backyard deck designs can include a large deck able to hold more people or features, an outdoor kitchen, the use of green decking materials and the addition of water features.

If you are interested in deck remodeling, contact us. Our experienced staff in Massachusetts is ready to help you make the right choices for your deck.

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