Protect your garden decking adequately through the cold months with our decking winterisation tips.
As the temperatures drop, everyone knows that winter a magical time of the year full of holiday cheer is just around the corner. Soon we will start preparing our homes for the festive season, and Christmas music will take over the radio. Unfortunately, winter is the time of the year that also brings some rough weather conditions, which can cause some problems around the house. While the cold temperatures and rain might distract you from decking winterisation now, the lack of preparation for the winter weather might become a much more significant issue in the spring. Here is why it is so important and how to winterise your deck. Does my garden decking need winterisation? Decking is a great way to enhance the appeal of a house of any size. When the summer is in full swing, all the decking owners take advantage of their outdoor oasis. But, as the seasons change, here comes winter the most challenging time for decks. Cold weather with lots of precipitation can cause decking boards to become warped and cracked, which will lead to an unsafe decking experience. While you may be eager to get back outside and enjoy the warmer weather that spring and summer bring, your deck might not share the same sentiment. The lack of sun and dry air can take a toll on your garden decking during the cold season. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your deck if you want it to last through the winter. Taking simple steps to prepare for these harsh conditions will prolong your deck's life and prevent costly repairs come spring.
Decking winterisation in five steps
Every type of garden decking (even the most lowmaintenance) requires attention before winter hits to maximise its longevity. Here's how to get your deck ready for winter to keep it looking and feeling its best all year long:
1. Fix any issues related to wear and tear.
Inspect your garden decking for any cracks which might need some attention before they cause more harm than good. Pay close attention to any boards that are rotting or splitting. Check for any loose nails, screws, or other damaged boards that could cause issues later on. If you spot any damage or other concerns now, it's easier to fix them now rather than waiting until it gets colder. 2. Get rid of all that dirt and debris. Leaves, pine needles and branches are all common debris that accumulates on decks during the autumn months. Sweep these piles off the corners of the deck to prevent moisture from getting trapped there and promote rot. 3. Trim any overhanging branches.
If you are an owner of large trees that hang over your deck, examine the branches for signs of decay, redbrown stains on the bark, and sap oozing out of wounds on the trunk or branches. These should also be checked for signs of rot on the ends where they attach to the tree.
4. Store your deck furniture.
Do not leave your decking furniture outside during the winter, as this is the time of the year when your outdoor furniture needs some time off. Give it a good cleaning, and then store it in a garage, or shed. Please do not forget about plant pots, especially the ceramic ones. Left outside, these will crack, causing damage to your decking.
5. Jet wash
Before the winter weather arrives, give your deck a good power wash. As the leaves fall off the trees, they'll sink into your deck and leave behind unpleasant stains. All the dirt from the summer barbecues won't just magically melt away. Instead, it will get ground into the surface of your deck boards. Let's not let these nasties sit all winter long.
6. Apply a sealant.
If your decking boards no longer repel water, resealing it will protect them from the upcoming winter weather conditions. Evaluate the situation, sprinkle water on your deck and check out what happens. If you spot that the water soaks into the boards and forms puddles, it is clear that you need to apply a sealant.
Do you need expert help with your decking winterisation?
No one likes spending their time dealing with deck repairs and jet washing, but these are necessary tasks before the winter season sets in. You may not have time to fix all of the problems you notice, but they are vital to help prevent a disaster next year. There are a few ways to make sure your deck is ready for winter, and the best way to do that is by calling professionals to proactively take care of any issues. Getting your deck ready for winter doesn't have to be a daunting task. For all decking winterisation needs in Hampshire and Surrey, get in touch with Yew Tree Landscapes. We know how to protect and revitalize your deck for the years to come. To obtain your free, no obligation quotation for decking winterisation, which includes professional pressure washing, please get in touch with us today