Sadly, in Alberta, our deck season can be a short one. Our lengthy winters often prevent us from enjoying our outdoor recreation space as much as we might prefer. However, it is important that we recognize that winter can create its own impacts on our deck finishes as well and a few simple steps taken before the snow flies can make a big difference in extending the life of your deck and preventing difficult maintenance and cleaning in the spring when cabin fever is in overdrive and you can’t wait to get back outdoors again.
1. Do not store furniture and fixtures on the deck over the winter.
While it’s unlikely that deck furniture or planters themselves would have a damaging effect on your vinyl deck surfaces, leaving them in place can create a circumstance where dirt and debris have crevices to collect in over the winter. Consider this, plus the rise and fall of temperatures throughout the off-season, and you can see how hard to remove dirt and residue may accumulate on and around your deck surface.
2. The trees that compliment your deck in the summer can add to your maintenance.
It is great to sit beneath the shade of a nice canopy of trees in your space with great company and refreshments on a summer day, but the natural foliage also creates a maintenance item for you both during and at the conclusion of your summer. You will want to sweep any leaves, twigs and natural debris that settles on your deck before it has the opportunity to accumulate and stick to the vinyl surface. Left unattended, leaves can transfer both color and create an imprint on your deck that is difficult to remove or permanently stain your deck.
3. End of season cleaning
One of the greatest advantages of vinyl decks is that they offer a low maintenance alternative as compared to many other finishes. Just using soap and warm water to wipe down all deck surfaces at the end of the season and you’ll reduce the work needed to get your deck ready in the Spring. If you are using a household or specialty cleaner, be mindful that what you choose is appropriate for vinyl and does not include any harsh chemicals which can have an adverse affect on your finish.
Increasingly, Edmonton deck owners are finding innovative ways to still use their deck even throughout the winter. A covered deck sometimes allows for year round barbecue use, for example. However, even those decks which are still a daily part of one’s enjoyment of their property, may still require some attention.
For decks used year round, you will have to address any accumulations of ice and snow, especially in areas that will be used by pedestrians. For best results, use a plastic snow shovel instead of metal to prevent any unnecessary abrasion and potential punctures of your vinyl membrane. If you use any de-icing salt throughout the winter, be sure to wash that area thoroughly after the snow season has ended to prevent any build up of residue that will negatively affect the appearance of your deck for you and your guests.