As the days get shorter and the mornings start to feel a little fresher, it’s (unfortunately) time to start thinking about home and garden maintenance for the Fall and Winter. Of course, nobody wants to fill the last summer days with a chores list, but keeping your house and outdoor space clean, tidy, and safe can save you and time and money when the sun comes back around.
On winter mornings, the outside is often coated with a gentle frost that looks lovely, but it can wreak havoc for your plants and outdoor living area. This is especially true for composite decks.
Even grooved composite decking panels are no match for the iciest of days, meaning they can become a huge slip risk in the winter.
The good news is that composite decking has a low absorption rate, meaning the rainy weather isn’t likely to damage it. However, there’s still the chance of water building up on top of the deck and turning to slippery ice as the temperatures drop.
So how can you prevent your deck from being slippery?
4 Tips for a Slip Free Deck
Keep it free of leaves and debris
Leaves and rainy weather are a perfect combination for a slippery deck. But that’s not the only problem leaves can cause. When left on the deck, moisture in the leave can promote the growth of moss and algae – meaning the surface will be even more slippery.
Removing debris and giving the deck a good sweep is the first step to reducing risk.
Install it at an angle
Deck builders St Louis will have the expertise to install decking at a slight angle (unnoticeable to you while using it) so that water can drain away quicker. And with less standing water, there’s less chance for ice to become a problem.
Use narrow groove decking
Most decking panels will have narrow grooves on one side and wider ones on the other side. For all seasons, it is better to install decking with the narrow grooves exposed. That way, if water does collect in the grooves, the lines of potential ice are much small. Conversely, if wider grooves collect water, there will be more surface area that will become slippery.
Add warm water
If your deck does become slippery with ice, it’s recommended that you use warm water to melt it away rather than trying to prevent it with grit or sand. Gritting materials have abrasive properties which could scratch or mark the deck. It could also discolor or stain the boards.
Preparing the deck for Spring
When the days get a little warmer and the icy weather leaves for another year, it’s a good idea to give the deck a big clean – so that it’s ready to use in the Spring. First, remove any debris, grit, and dirt that may have collected over the winter. Then sweep the deck to dislodge any other dirt and moss that’s developed. Finally, use a clean brush and water to scrub the deck till it looks as good as new.
Now you’re free to plan your first garden party of the new year.
