BBQ season has passed us by, once again, and you won’t be spending as much time out on the deck as you did in recent months.  Don’t let it get you down though; spring will be here before you know it!

There are a lot of things that can cause wear and tear and damage your deck, so protect your deck and make sure it stays in tip top shape over the winter.

3 Easy Tips And Your Deck Is 'Winterized' and Prepared For The Winter:

Cover The Furniture

You want your deck to look as good in the spring as it does now. The first step is to cover all the furniture-don’t forget the grill!   Cover everything with commercial furniture covers, bring the cushions inside for storage or simply use a tarp.  Be sure that the covers over the furniture fit snuggly though.  They won’t do any good as they’re blowing across your yard!  If you’ve got the space, make room in the garage for the deck chairs and table.  They’ll last longer if you store them indoors for the winter.

Give It One More Good Cleaning

Dirt and dust can get trapped in the wood over the course of the summer, not to mention dog slobber or BBQ sauce. If you let these things stain your deck all winter, it will be a pain in your neck to get them out in the spring. Make sure to give your deck a thorough cleaning before it gets too cold. You can use a pressure washer to spray away all the dirt. Be careful not to splinter your wood though. Those things are powerful. Another option is to scrub the deck down with a brush. There are severally commercial cleaners to choose from, but don’t get one with bleach. You don’t want your wood to fade. If this sounds like too much work consider hiring someone to give your deck a professional cleaning.

Moisture IS The Enemy

Rain, sleet, and yes, even a little snow will seep into the cracks of your Charlotte deck all winter.  These elements can cause discolor, warping, and even cracking.  Now is the perfect time to use a waterproof finish to seal all the little cracks in your deck and keep out the moisture all winter.  Many decking companies run ‘springtime’ specials but, NOW is the time to add that waterproof protection to get your deck through the toughest season.  There are a wide variety of finishes to choose from—your choice of light or dark finishes are available to give your deck a new look.

We’re leaving behind the days of BBQs and swimming pools, and replacing them with wool socks and fireplaces.  During the winter you can’t give your deck the attention that you have during recent months but, you can make sure it stays healthy and strong until spring.  A good deep cleaning and a fresh new finish are your keys to avoiding cracking, warping, fading, and mold.

Investing a little time now will extend your deck’s life by years!  Avoid spending the warm spring days working on your deck when you could be enjoying BBQ and parties instead!

© Debe Maxwell | The Maxwell House Group | SavvyBroker@me.com | 3 Easy Tips And Your Charlotte Deck Is Prepared For The Winter