The cold, snowy and icy weather of winter in New England can wreak havoc on all your exteriors, especially your wooden decking. To keep your deck, as well as fences and trim, protected this winter, here are some tips to follow. And as always, if you don’t have the supplies or time to handle this important preparatory task, call an exterior painter in Rockland MA that does.
There are two factors in winter that affect wood the most: moisture and cold temperatures. Because wood is porous and flexible, this material can easily fill up with water, fungi, and bacteria. When the temperatures decrease, the water in the wood contracts, freezes and expands. This results in bending and even fracturing. And in the case of fungi, mold and mildew can thrive and rot the wood.
Protecting Your Wooden Decks
If you want to protect your wooden decks and fences this winter, here’s how to do it.
1. Pressure Wash
First, clean your wooden surfaces of dirt, mold and mildew with some pressure washing. Hire a pro to do this if you’re unsure of the detergent, pressure rating, and nozzle you need for the job, or if you don’t have the equipment. Not knowing how to handle a pressure washer can result in damage to your deck.
2. Seal Cracks and Gaps
If you see some cracks and splinters in your wood, seal them so as to keep moisture and other contaminants out. The best way to do this is with a caulking gun with wood filler. Fill all gaps fully and let the material dry sufficiently before you add paint or stain.
3. Paint, Stain, and/or Waterproof
Bare wood can be susceptible to harsh winter conditions. This is why you should always coat it with paint, stain, or a waterproof seal. There are benefits and drawbacks to each. For instance, paint is thicker than a stain or sealant, and gives you more choices in terms of colors, but only serves to protect the surface. Stains and sealants will penetrate into the wood and protect it all the way through.
Stains and paints can offer UV protection, as well.
4. Remove Snow Regularly
To fully protect your wooden deck all winter long, you have to keep up with regular chores to help things along. Be sure to regularly remove snow from the deck, being careful when shoveling so as not to cause damage. Some homeowners choose to tarp their deck over the winter so the snow doesn’t sit directly on the deck, but this can trap heat and moisture between the two layers.
Contact TB Services
Our South Shore Weymouth, Needham, Massachusetts exterior painters can help you protect your wood deck for the upcoming winter. To book your consultation and quote, contact us at 781-901-2294 today.
