Winter Care for PVC Decks in Ottawa

Winter Care for PVC Decks

Ottawa Deck Builders Provide Tips of Protecting Your PVC Deck from the Elements

This November has been setting the stage for an unseasonably warm winter, but don’t let your guard down. This winter will still bring snow and potentially ice storms. Now is the time to think about preparing your PVC deck in Ottawa for the season ahead. Just follow these tips from professional Ottawa deck builders:

Benefits of PVC Decks in Ottawa

If you have a PVC deck, then you’ve already got that working in your favour. Wood tends to absorb moisture and this leads to mold, rotting, splitting, warping, and decay, making preparation more labour-intensive. PVC, on the other hand, is not porous, and these decks will not absorb moisture. As long as you remember to clear ice and snow away, you should be in the clear.

Brooms & Shovels

When snowfall is light, you can simply sweep snow off your deck with a broom. For heavier snow, make sure not to use a shovel with a metal edge or screws that could scratch of damage your deck. While most PVC decks are scratch-resistant, it doesn’t mean they are entirely invulnerable, and you can accidentally scratch even the most durable deck. According to Ottawa deck builders, your best option is a plastic shovel with rounded edges, which you can find at any hardware store.

Ice Removal

You have to be mindful of the ice removal products you use, as some may be damaging to PVC. Your best bet is to use a product that is calcium chloride-based. Safe for use on concrete, metal, and grass, these products are typically also safe to use on your PVC deck. Stay away from products with added colours, which can stain your deck. It’s also best to stay away from sand and course-grade rock salt; both of these can leave scratches on your deck. You can also ask an Ottawa deck builder for product suggestions.

Come spring, if there is any white residue leftover on your deck, you should be able to remove it with a hose or a power washer on a low-power setting.

Take a little bit of extra care this winter and follow these simple tips, and your PVC deck in Ottawa will be in excellent shape when spring rolls around again.

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