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Don't Forget to Winterize Your Northern Virginia Deck

You put the outdoor furniture and grill away, but that does not mean you are done winterizing your Northern Virginia deck. Spending a few minutes in the fall means less time spent in the spring, and means less money spent on replacing deck boards and making other repairs.

To protect the surface of your deck throughout the winter, make sure all debris is gone before the first snowfall. Sweep all leaves, pine needles, branches, twigs and everything else away. Take a little time and make sure the small gaps between the boards are clear and free from materials. These gaps are intentional for drainage. Mold and rotting wood is often the result of trapped water on top of the deck surface.

Mildew will cause as much damage to your Northern Virginia deck as too much moisture will, especially if left untreated. If possible, such as on a second-story deck, check the underside of the structure for visible mold or mildew and take immediate removal action if necessary.

Leaving planters and pots on the deck through the winter often leaves stands and spots by spring. Either put something under them, such as plastic sheeting with drainage holes, move each of them around the deck to a variety of locations to reduce the staining or simply remove them from the deck altogether.

Remove the snow from your deck if possible to avoid damaging your deck. Make sure you shovel the snow in the same direction of the deck boards; running the shovel against the "grain" of the deck can lead to chipping, scratching and otherwise damaging your deck. Some deck finishes are not intended to withstand salt and ice melting agents so limit the use when you can. For frequent foot traffic that requires an ice melting technique check with your local hardware or home improvement store for recommendations on products that will not harm your deck.

For more information on getting your deck ready for winter, repair or maintenance contact Deck Doctor, LLC, the Northern Virginia deck expert. The experts at Deck Doctor provide quality service in communities including Arlington, McLean, Vienna and Oakton and all of the Washington DC metro area.