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Guest Post:  Winter Ready?  How to Get Your Deck Ready for Cold Weather

Guest Post: Winter Ready? How to Get Your Deck Ready for Cold Weather

Winter is on its way!  In today’s guest post, learn how you can get your deck ready for the cold weather and have it ready to go when the weather warms up again in the spring.

With winter around the corner, you’re probably getting ready to put away your deck furniture and clean it up for next year. However, before you put your furniture away and call it a day, you have to make sure that you have properly prepared your deck for the upcoming winter. By properly preparing your deck, you can increase its lifespan and keep it looking like new once the snow melts.

semi transparent stain deck

Clean the Deck

Dirt and grill stains can ruin your deck’s appearance fast. If you fail to clean the surface, it can potentially ruin the wood and even develop mold and mildew. To clean your deck, buy a specialized deck wash blend that attaches to your garden hose. By spraying and applying one application, you can prevent your wood from turning yellow and developing problems once the snow melts. If the wood is starting to see the end of time, it may be best to strip any faded parts and apply a special water-repellent sealer.

Move any Planters

Most deck owners love to have flowers and planters on their deck. However, if you keep your planters out during the offseason, the boxes can develop permanent rings on the wood from the snow and moisture. If possible, store any planters inside of your garage or underneath the deck. Aside from your planters, don’t forget to move in your furniture and anything else that may be damaged from the harsh weather.

Make the Repairs Now

Waiting to repair your deck could have serious side effects during the winter. Water can easily work itself into cracks and make a bad situation worse. Buy large lag bolts and fix the problem areas that need attention to prevent any warping or further damage.

Consider a Finish

A deck that needs a new finish should get one before the first snowfall hits. If you fail to apply a finish, the wood could fade or make things look even worse. When applying a finish, it’s best to pay close attention to the bolts and nails. If any need to replaced or some are starting to rust, it’s ideal to replace these while applying a finish. Websites, such as http://www.wholesalebolts.com/carriage-bolts.aspx, can help you match up bolts and other hardware that your deck uses.

By applying these simple strategies, your deck should be ready for the winter. While some of these tasks may seem daunting, remember that it can help prolong your deck’s life and save you a lot of money in the long run.

Hannah Whittenly is a freelance writer from Sacramento, California. A mother of two, Hannah enjoys writing on blogs of all niches. Follow her on Twitter.

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