Winter Deck Safety and Maintenance Tips for Westchester County Homeowners

The older your deck is, the more hazardous it can be during the wintertime. That’s especially true if your decking is made from wood, which can add a gorgeous look to your property but is especially susceptible to cold weather. But even brand-new decks in Westchester County, New York, will require care, maintenance, and snow protection.

At Under the Sun Improvements, we furnish homeowners throughout the region with stunning, durable, and completely custom-built decks. From deck and pool combos to wraparound decks and multi-level options, our team can bring your vision to life. We use high-strength composite decking and other hard-wearing materials to keep your deck usable during Westchester County winters.

Whether you’ve got an older deck or a brand-new addition, winter deck safety is important. Today, we’ll review a few safety concerns to watch out for, as well as tips for winter deck maintenance.

Potential Deck Hazards During Winter

Winter comes with all kinds of potential risks to your deck, resulting in increased safety risks for you or costly damage to your deck. These concerns can include the following:

• A slippery deck caused by ice and snow – During the wintertime, ice can make all outdoor areas of your property especially perilous to navigate. That’s true for your deck, too. Its proximity to your home makes it more likely to form ice as well, since snow can melt with proximity to your home’s heat, then re-freeze into ice.
• Tree branches falling on your deck – Falling tree branches are always a concern during the winter. That’s particularly true if you have an older tree with lots of sprawling branches. If any tree branches are positioned over your deck, heavy snowfall can weigh those down, increasing the risk that they might plummet onto your deck area.
• Potential water damage issues for your deck – While water damage is a concern for any type of deck, older and wooden decks are especially susceptible to issues. Improper drainage can allow water to seep below the surface and into cracks, or to stand on your deck without being properly emptied. Clogged rain gutters or downspouts can also cause water to flow to your deck.

Outdoor Deck Care for Winter

The right deck care will depend on your property and its features, as well as the age and style of your deck. That said, for homeowners in Westchester County, NY, here are a few winter care tips to get you started:

• Clear your deck for the winter – If you haven’t already, now is a good time to remove any outdoor furniture from your deck. It means that any winter maintenance will be that much easier, because you won’t have to navigate around tables or chairs.
• Trim any concerning tree branches – Before winter sets in any further, you’ll want to take the time to carefully thin out or trim any branches that pose a threat to your deck. This isn’t just a good way to reduce the risk of fallen branches. It can also minimize the potential of snow buildup falling on your deck, too.
• Keep a shovel on hand for quick snow removal – If you’re not using your deck during the wintertime, it’s tempting to let that snow pile up. But regularly shoveling your deck can help to extend its lifespan. Stow a shovel nearby, so you can quickly and thoroughly remove snow from your deck before it has the chance to become ice.

If your deck is older or worn down, it’s more vulnerable to safety issues during the winter and throughout other seasons, too. It may be time to upgrade your deck with Under the Sun Improvements! We make it easy to replace your deck with exceptionally strong materials, custom design options, and so much more. Contact us today to schedule a preliminary consultation.