Dependant on your location, you may experience a different severity of weather over the wintery months. Especially harsh conditions such as snow, ice and winds can contribute to a shorter decking life, so knowing how to prevent damage can save you a lot of money in the long run.
Decking is a popular addition to gardens all across the world. It is versatile, aesthetic and extremely useful; which is why you should be taking extra care of it if you currently are not.
Stain your decking
Before the harsh weather breaks through it is a good idea to give your decking a new coat of stain. This will give it an additional layer of protection from the elements and give it an extra chance of making it through the harshest months of the year.
To stain your decking – choose a dry day – :
- Clean your deck to remove debris and moss then leave it to dry for 2-3 days.
- Strip the surface if you have previously stained, painted or varnished your decking.
- Reapply the stain as instructed on the tin. It’s best to use a fast drying stain for this time of year.
Brush off leaves and debris
During autumn and winter, after you’ve stained your decking, make sure you clear of leaves and debris as they fall. Sweeping frequently can help stop debris from sticking to the decking and then damaging and sticking to it through frost.
Leaves and debris can stain your deck as well as also causing rot.
Cover the decking
If you experience extremely harsh weather conditions, you may find it beneficial to buy a cover for your deck. You could even use a large waterproof and airtight sheet to cover the whole decking surface. This will help protect your decking further, especially when used in conjunction with the other two things in this article.
The benefits of timber decking are tenfold, so it’s important to keep it in tip top condition when you do decide to invest. This way you can enjoy your decking for much longer and keep it looking great the whole time.