Chicago’s winters can be harsh on wooden decks surfaces between the below-freezing temperatures and the frequent snow and ice. Boards may rot, metal bolts may rust, and protective lacquers can wear away over time.
As spring approaches, outdoor gatherings start to become an everyday reality. It’s essential to make sure your deck is in top repair, not just for aesthetic reasons but also for the safety of your family and guests.
To cover up the ravages of winter and protect your porch from the spring rains, contact the best local deck sealing company. Deck Doc provides expert deck staining and deck sealing services.
Read on to learn more about why you should consider deck staining and sealing this winter and what our deck sealing company offers.
Common Sources of Winter Damage
Spring is the best time to evaluate and refresh the appearance and robustness of your patio or deck. Seasonal changes bring new weather patterns, which means different maintenance needs for your outdoor wooden structures.
One of the following causes of winter damage may have affected your property, and you need our professional help to make your deck look great by spring:
Debris
Fallen leaves and branches are a familiar sight in the winter months. They tend to build up without regular sweeping if your porch has any tree cover. Dampness is your worst enemy when it comes to preserving outdoor wooden structures. So you want to make sure to clear away any leaves or debris that could trap winter moisture against the wood.
Check under patio furniture and outdoor planters for telltale signs of water damage. When snow builds up on these surfaces and then begins to melt, the resulting water can trickle under your furniture and cause damage over time.
Snow
A properly built wooden porch is sturdy enough to support a surprising amount of snow. That doesn’t mean snow doesn’t damage your property over time, especially in the Midwest. During the 2020-2021 winter season, Chicago received a whopping 48 inches of snow. Your deck could easily see structure-straining precipitation between November and March.
If you want to clear light, powdery snow off your deck, we recommend using a broom. However, if there’s an accumulation of more than three feet, it’s time to bust out the shovel. Just make sure you use a plastic shovel rather than a metal one to avoid scratching the wood below.
Improper Tools
Another thing to remember is that several of the more common methods of removing snow and ice are actually more dangerous to your deck than the snow and ice themselves.
Salt, for instance, can damage the metal fasteners and joists, and ice chippers can scrape away your sealant and splinter the wood. If your porch has been exposed to salt this winter, you might see corrosion on the bolts and brackets that hold the planks and beams together. These metal elements may need to be replaced to ensure your patio’s safety and stability.
Restoring Color and Shine
After clearing any snow, ice, and debris from your deck, you may notice patches of discoloration and infestations such as mold or mildew. These wood-eating fungi are attracted to moisture, which Chicago winters bring in abundance.
Deck Cleaning
A good scrub with an oxygen-based bleach solution might be just what you need to rid your outdoor space of these unwanted pests. However, if your deck has been exposed to large quantities of moisture over the winter, it might also be necessary to power wash the affected surface.
Deck Staining
Once your deck has been thoroughly cleaned, you’re ready to start staining and sealing. Deck staining is the best way to cover up blemishes from moisture, salt, falling icicles, and other winter scourges.
Stains come in a variety of shades, so you can match the exact color of the original wood or choose a new color that coordinates with your home’s exterior.
Deck Sealing
Sealants are an important aspect of prolonging the life of wooden structures. Primarily in areas with high rates of winter precipitation because they help prevent water from soaking into the wood, leading to rot and mold. Enlisting our professional deck sealing services will ensure your patio gets a tough, water-repellent coating to protect against the impending spring rains.
In addition to their practical applications, sealants also lend an attractive luster to the surface of wooden structures. Your local deck sealing company can cover winter damage with a new coat of stain or sealant.
Bottom Line
There’s no denying that Chicago winters can be tough on outdoor wooden structures with water and structural damage possible from accrued snowfall, salt, and falling ice. Clear out those winter doldrums and get your porch ready for spring. Hire us as your local deck sealing company for cleaning, maintenance, deck staining, and deck sealing services.