Serving Maryland and Pennsylvania, we know how harsh the winters can get, and there’s a lot that we need to do to prepare. We need to get out our winter coats, put salt down in our driveways, and get the sleds ready, but did you know that you should also prepare your deck for the coldest season of the year? As an experienced York county deck builder, we wanted to take some time today to discuss a few things you can do to prepare your deck for winter.
Inspect Your Entire Deck
The first thing you need to do is take stock of the condition your deck is in. Start with the surface, and then move around your whole deck, looking for any kind of damage. You’ll want to be looking for any potential splits or cracks, as well as any potential water damage.
Repair Any Board Damage
Once you’ve inspected the entirety of your deck, the next thing you’ll want to do is repair any damaged boards. If you’re particularly crafty, then you may be able to remove and replace the boards yourself, but if carpentry is a skill you lack you can always get help from a professional York county deck builder.
Fix Any Peeling Stain or Paint
If you believe the paint or stain on your deck may be peeling, you can test it! Take a piece of tape and place it on the deck, then rip it up. If it rips up the paint/stain with it, then you’re going to have to put a new coat on. Peeling paint/stain can lead to water and mold getting underneath the wood, an issue that is heightened during the wet winter months.
Examine Your Joists for Rot
Your joists are an extremely integral part of your deck, which is why it’s so important to ensure they aren’t rotten. Moisture tends to gather around the screws and nails holding the joists together, and usually, the sun is unable to penetrate and dry them out. If your joists are rotten, then your deck is no longer structurally sound, and you will need to have your deck replaced by a professional York county deck builder.
Work with an Experienced Deck Builder in York County
Here at Custom Deck Builders, we’ve been providing York County and other areas of Pennsylvania and Maryland with our deck building services for years, and we’ve enjoyed every moment of it. If you’re unsure whether your deck is prepared for winter, or if you have any questions, give us a call, our team of York County deck builders is standing by ready to assist.