Summer Deck Repairs in Kelowna

Harsh winter weather can wreak havoc on your deck, especially if it hasn’t been cared for properly. From snow to ice to hail, there are plenty of opportunities for your deck to sustain damage. The good news is that there are multiple tips and tricks to protect your deck from the elements. Contacting deck repair services in Kelowna can also help you maintain the integrity of your deck’s structure. Here are a few ways that winter weather can damage your deck and how to fix it.

How Winter Weather Can Harm Your Deck

Although a big storm may not damage your home, it can wreak havoc on your deck by causing warping, splitting or cracking boards. While hail can cause pockmarks to form and result in chipping and fraying on the surface, rain can soften and weaken the wood. Furthermore, storms with extremely high winds can result in missing siding, shingles or deck boards.

The main reason why snow and ice are so harmful to your deck is that they don’t evaporate and instead melt into liquid. This moisture can cause your wood to swell and soften, compromising its structural integrity. Not to mention, moisture serves as a breeding ground for mould, mildew and fungus. 

How You Can Protect Your Deck

There are several steps you can take to protect your deck from harmful winter weather. To prepare your deck before a snowstorm begins, start by clearing away any potted plants on your deck. You can also use a water-resistant covering to shield your patio furniture from the snow. Be sure to remove leaves, mould and other debris from your deck, as they can lead to deterioration and dry rot.

You can also apply a stain to maintain the wood’s natural appearance and protect it from the elements. For the best results, use a stain that’s waterproof, protects against ultraviolet light and contains mildewicide, a chemical that eliminates fungus and staves off future growth. 

When removing snow from your deck, it’s preferable to use a broom as opposed to a shovel, as its soft bristles won’t scrape and damage the wood. However, if you don’t have access to a broom, be sure to use a plastic shovel to minimize damage. If your deck is made from a “softwood” such as cedar or redwood, it’s more prone to scratching.

Be sure to shovel parallel to the deck boards, or with the board’s grain, as this can minimize the probability of damage. Not only can removing snow from your deck prevent rotting and warping, but it can also ensure that your deck isn’t carrying too much weight.

Although it can be tempting, steer clear of using salt to remove snow from your deck. Salt can dry out the wood and damage other parts of your deck, such as the screws and nails. This can compromise your deck’s foundation and make it more prone to collapse.

How Deck Repair Services in Kelowna Can Help

Maintaining your deck can be a time-consuming process, which is why enlisting the help of a professional can help you restore your deck and leave it looking as good as new. Whether you’re interested in deck installation in Kelowna or repairing your existing deck, an expert can walk you through the process and bring your vision to life.

Although you can tackle this project on your own, it’s likely that you’ll have to revisit it in the future due to inferior work. On the other hand, leaving it in the hands of a professional can give you the confidence that you won’t run into any costly mistakes in the future. Call Handyman Connection today to learn more about our deck repairs and installation.