Winter can wreak havoc on your outdoor spaces. From snow and ice to pooling water and more, the volatility of the season takes a toll on your deck, patio, and other structures. Today, we share a few quick tips on how to protect your exterior assets.
Perform a Pre-Winter Inspection
Your first job is to do a visual sweep of all outdoor structures. Starting with the deck, look for loose boards, rotting wood, or structural damage. You’ll also want to make note of any issues with railing stability. Moving on to the driveway, patio, and other concrete, asphalt, or aggregate surfaces, make note of cracks, loose stones, or crumbling material.
Invest in Protective Features
Whether you have a grill, outdoor furniture, or pool or spa, use a protective cover. This will help shield these items from snow, ice, dirt, and debris. Drain water-using features to prevent freezing damage. Consider storing small accessories, such as patio cushions, in the garage or an outbuilding.
Snow Removal
Snow may be beautiful, but it’s also heavy. Melting and refreezing can cause excessive weight, which can damage your deck, gazebo, or outdoor kitchen. Clear away the snow after each snowfall. Don’t forget to clear the walkways, steps, and other areas people walk. You can also sprinkle sand or kitty litter before a snowfall to reduce ice accumulation underneath. Keep de-icing products on hand.
End-Of-Season Maintenance
End of season maintenance is just as important as your pre-winter inspection. This is the time to deep clean outdoor areas and fix any damage that may have occurred throughout the winter. Once the weather cooperates, inspect and seal wood surfaces to keep them in pristine condition. Depending on the type of driveway you have, you’ll also need to consider adding a layer of sealant to those every two to three years.
While this is not a comprehensive winterizing checklist, the tips above can help you keep your outdoor investments in excellent condition so that they’ll be ready for spring time entertaining.
Winter is the perfect time to start planning your outdoor spaces. Contact Armstrong Construction today and ask about stamped concrete, custom privacy screens, or composite decks built by a licensed and insured company you can trust.
