{"id":4444,"date":"2023-12-06T09:01:19","date_gmt":"2023-12-06T09:01:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/?p=4444"},"modified":"2023-12-07T15:22:38","modified_gmt":"2023-12-07T15:22:38","slug":"avoid-this-when-melting-snow-and-ice-on-your-decking-this-winter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/savoytimber.com\/help-and-advice\/avoid-this-when-melting-snow-and-ice-on-your-decking-this-winter\/","title":{"rendered":"Avoid this when melting snow and ice on your decking this winter"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\">You don\u2019t need to read the news to know we\u2019re in the middle of a cold snap in the UK right now \u2013 arguably, all you need to do is step outside, and you\u2019ll be able to feel it for yourself! With this kind of weather, it\u2019s likely, possibly even inevitable, that some ice will start to form on your timber or composite decking. When it does, some of the solutions might seem obvious. Unfortunately though, lots of them can easily run the risk of damaging your decking. Here\u2019s what to watch out for!<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h1 class=\"p1\">Don\u2019t use a metal shovel to crack ice on your decking<\/h1>\n<p class=\"p1\">The humble metal-headed shovel is something of a trusty workhorse for most gardens, and it\u2019s more than a match for all but the thickest of ice. That makes it an understandably tempting option to use to crack the ice on your decking. However, while it\u2019s true that it will probably easily break the ice, it can all too easily end up damaging your decking boards too; timber and composite alike. Honestly, it\u2019s best not to take the risk!<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\"><b>What to use instead<\/b><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\">A plastic shovel is a useful alternative, as it can be used to perform basically the same job (as long as you\u2019re careful with it, obviously). Since the head isn\u2019t made of metal, it\u2019s much easier to avoid causing accidental \u2013 and maybe even permanent \u2013 damage to your decking. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h1 class=\"p3\">Don\u2019t scatter rock salts (or \u2018sodium chloride\u2019)<\/h1>\n<p class=\"p1\">As you\u2019ve already surmised, this can easily damage the wood. That\u2019s largely because the chloride component effectively absorbs moisture from the wood. Then, when the wood is left to dry, it\u2019s not able to perform its natural contraction and expansion process. Sodium chloride can also pose major risks in a variety of other ways \u2013 it can corrode the metal supports of your decking, and it\u2019s toxic to children and pets. Plus, the runoff can pollute streams and waterways, and it can affect the growth of plants too. To be honest, it\u2019s just generally one to avoid.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><b>Sand<\/b> isn\u2019t quite as immediately toxic, but it\u2019s still not a good idea to use that either, simply because it\u2019s coarse and it can end up damaging your boards.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p1\"><b>What to use instead<\/b><\/h2>\n<p class=\"p1\">A winter ice-melt solution will do the job just fine. Ideally though you\u2019ll want one that\u2019s ice-free, chloride free, and acetate free. Those can start becoming a little tricky to find, so to be honest, you might even find it safer and easier to use a DIY ice-melt solution instead. Two parts vinegar, one part water, and the job is a good \u2018un. When you\u2019re working with a timber deck specifically, a little dish soap never does any harm.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h1 class=\"p3\">Get ahead of the game<\/h1>\n<p class=\"p1\">One of the best ways to deal with snow and ice is simply to prevent it from forming in the first place, if you can. To do that, it\u2019s best to sweep off any standing water from your decking as soon as you\u2019re able. This will play a major part in preventing ice from forming, so you don\u2019t have to worry about it quite as much. The same goes for snow, if it gets cold enough for any to develop this year. Not only can it make your decking difficult and dangerous to traverse, but the sheer weight of it can pose a risk to the structural integrity \u2013 so make sure to sweep it off your decking sharpish. It\u2019s not a job anyone loves, but it can save you a lot of hassle in the long run!<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">At Savoy Timber, we\u2019re experts in all things timber decking. If you need help looking after your decking or are still choosing the right boards for your outdoor space, we can help! Give us a call on 0345 0268 799 and we\u2019ll be more than happy to chat about your project.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You don\u2019t need to read the news to know we\u2019re in the middle of a cold snap in the UK right now \u2013 arguably, all you need to do is step outside, and you\u2019ll be able to feel it for yourself! With this kind of weather, it\u2019s likely, possibly even inevitable, that some ice will [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":18,"featured_media":4446,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v19.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Avoid this when melting snow and ice on your decking this winter - Savoy Timber<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"With temperatures plunging, it&#039;s somewhat inevitable that ice and snow can start to form on your timber or composite decking. 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