{"id":4436,"date":"2024-11-28T09:05:42","date_gmt":"2024-11-28T09:05:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/?p=4436"},"modified":"2024-11-28T09:32:37","modified_gmt":"2024-11-28T09:32:37","slug":"4-ways-to-make-your-timber-decking-safe-in-the-winter-weather","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/4-ways-to-make-your-timber-decking-safe-in-the-winter-weather\/","title":{"rendered":"7 ways to make your timber decking safe in the winter weather"},"content":{"rendered":"

We\u2019re now well into winter, which means you\u2019re probably not spending so much time relaxing on your decking as you are spending time making sure it remains in good condition. One of the major winter maintenance jobs for timber decking<\/strong><\/a> or composite decking<\/strong><\/a> over the chillier months is to ensure that it remains safe, as chances are you or your family may still find yourselves walking over it every now and again. Decking that isn\u2019t looked after can end up getting slippery very quickly \u2013 so here\u2019s how to ensure that doesn\u2019t happen!<\/p>\n

Regularly clear your decking of leaves and debris<\/h2>\n

\"man<\/p>\n

This doesn\u2019t have to be a particularly complex job in itself \u2013 all you have to do is sweep it occasionally. Crucially, you\u2019ll want to keep it free of standing water for example, and you\u2019ll definitely want to keep it free of any fallen leaves, twigs or fungus. Not only can they make your decking look untidy, but wet leaves in particular can be a major slipping hazard. Thankfully, they\u2019re not too tricky to deal with!<\/p>\n

Always check your deck<\/h2>\n

\"man<\/p>\n

Winter weather brings increased moisture and frosty conditions that can take a toll on decking, especially if it’s timber. So, it’s important to regularly inspect your decking boards for any signs of warping, cracks, or splitting, which are especially common after heavy bouts of rain or frost. For composite decking, look for minor hairline cracks or bending that might affect the board’s integrity. If you spot any issues, don’t ignore them – small repairs now, like replacing individual decking boards or using wood filler on cracks, will save you from larger, more expensive repairs later.<\/p>\n

Be mindful of the tools you choose to clear leaves<\/h2>\n

\"sweeping<\/p>\n

Clearing leaves and debris keeps your deck clean and lessens the chance of winter rot, but using the wrong tools to get the job done can actually do more harm than good. Metal rakes, for example, can scratch or gouge the surface of your decking, especially if it’s composite. Even timber decking is susceptible to scratches from sharp metal tools, which makes them more vulnerable to moisture penetration, weakening and rot. Instead, use a soft-bristle garden brush to sweep away any leaves, dirt, or other debris. If you spend five minutes brushing piling leaves off of your decking as and when you need to, the job will be a quick and easy one!<\/p>\n

Deal promptly with algae and moss<\/h2>\n

\"cleaning<\/p>\n

These are two elements you\u2019ll want to keep a particular eye out for, especially since they\u2019re both notorious slipping hazards. One good way to spot them is by looking out for green spots or streaks in your decking that aren\u2019t present elsewhere. Pick your cleaner carefully though, as you\u2019ll need to make sure they\u2019re suited to the surface you\u2019re using them on. You won\u2019t want to solve one problem (removing moss) by creating another in the form of marks on your decking.<\/p>\n

Keep an eye out for ice<\/h2>\n

\"icy<\/p>\n

One of the reasons it\u2019s so important to remove standing water, as we mentioned above, is that it has a tendency to harden and form into ice, which is incredibly dangerous. The first instinct might be to crack it with a shovel, but that (or any metal tools) runs a serious risk of causing damage to your decking. Even composite doesn\u2019t stand up well to direct impacts with a shovel. You\u2019ll need to be similarly cautious of using salt. Certain types of grit may be less risky to use, provided they\u2019re lightly brushed off after the ice has melted. In most cases, it\u2019s best to use warm water to clear off the ice, and then sweep away any standing puddles afterwards.<\/p>\n

Don\u2019t forget to check your railings and steps<\/h2>\n

\"snowy<\/p>\n

The railings and steps of your deck are often exposed to more wear and tear than other areas, especially in winter. Railings can become loose over time, and steps are prone to slipping. Take a moment to inspect these parts of your deck for stability every now and then – look for any loose screws, wobbly handrails, or damaged boards that might need attention. Tightening screws, re-fastening rails, or replacing damaged steps can make a huge difference in ensuring safety for you, your family and pets during colder months. Even if your deck isn’t in regular use, a secure railing and stable steps will make the area safer if you need to walk across it to get to other parts of the garden.<\/p>\n

Apply non-slip decking oil<\/h2>\n

\"anti<\/p>\n

While your decking can manage perfectly well throughout the winter as long as you stay on top of all the related maintenance tasks, you can save yourself some time and effort with non-slip decking oil, which contains compressed particles to create a rougher non-slip surface. It generally won\u2019t crack or peel, and it can be easy to replenish where necessary. However it is a bit of an investment, so you may need to make a judgement call as to which you\u2019d prefer \u2013 saving the money and simply making sure you keep on top of maintenance, or spending a bit extra on specialist decking oil, and getting a bit of time back. The choice is up to you!<\/p>\n

And of course, if any of your boards do become damaged for whatever reason, you can always get replacements for the very best prices right here at Savoy Timber<\/strong><\/a>. From composite decking kits<\/strong><\/a> to timber boards<\/a><\/strong>, fixings and beyond, we have everything you need to create a stunning deck you can enjoy for years. You can shop our ranges online or visit one of our stores in Blackpool<\/strong><\/a>, Wigan<\/strong><\/a>, or Preston<\/strong><\/a>. If you have any questions give our friendly team a call on 0345 0268 799<\/strong><\/a>, we\u2019re always happy to help!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

We\u2019re now well into winter, which means you\u2019re probably not spending so much time relaxing on your decking as you are spending time making sure it remains in good condition. One of the major winter maintenance jobs for timber decking or composite decking over the chillier months is to ensure that it remains safe, as […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":4806,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[43],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n7 ways to make your timber decking safe in the winter weather<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"It can be hard to keep your decking looking at its best throughout winter - but the most important thing is that you keep it safe. 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