Even if you’re not anticipating using your composite deck, clearing a pathway free from any ice or snow is essential
December is here, and its the season for everyone to battle the snowfall and icy winter temperatures. If the fluffy white stuff is in the upcoming forecast, you must be prepared to deal with it. This includes removing it the right way off your home’s composite deck. Being prepared before a storm hits will help prevent any damage and maintain the physical integrity of your outdoor space. Even if you’re not anticipating using your composite deck, clearing a pathway free from any ice or snow is essential in case of an emergency. Here are some practical methods for removing snow off your composite deck.
The Best Practices for Snow Removal
If there’s only a small dusting of snow, one of the simplest ways to clear off your composite deck is with a leaf blower. Never use any metal shovels or sharp tools when removing ice or snow from your deck. Even the most resilient boards can be scratched. Plastic shovels with nylon or plastic bristled deck brooms should be used to remove any snow from the deck, as they’ll limit the risk of scratches to your composite deck. When clearing off snow, always shovel a path parallel to your deck boards, not perpendicular. Removing any snow crossways increases the risk for you catching the edge of a composite board and leaving any damage.
The Safest Option for Ice Melt
When deciding the best way to make your deck less slippery, choose calcium chloride-based “ice melt,” otherwise known as rock salts to remove ice and snow from your composite deck. Ice melt is the best choice since sand it’s naturally abrasive and can easily ruin the surface of your deck boards. Look for the ice melt products that are safe for concrete. You don’t want to put your children or pets at risk with any harmful chemicals in unsafe products. Be sure to avoid ice melt with an added colorant as well, as these dyes stain your composite deck’s surface.
Clean Up Melt Debris Swiftly and Easily
When the inclement weather has passed, use a broom to sweep away any existing granular pieces and discard your ice melt. This will prevent anyone from unintentionally bringing any ice melt that could damage your flooring inside. If there’s any remaining ice met buildup, it can be removed with water and a light scrubbing using a non-metal deck brush. Once the weather gets a bit warmer, wash off your composite deck with water to get rid of any remaining debris.
Trust Eastern Shore Porch and Patio
When you embark on your next project to erect a pergola on your property, trust Eastern Shore Porch and Patio to help. We service Bethany Beach, Ocean City, Lewes, Salisbury, and the Delmarva area. You can request a quote today! If you have questions or concerns, call us at 302-436-9520 or send us an email at info@esvinylproducts.com. For updates and ideas, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Youtube.