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Winter Deck Care: Preventing Moisture Damage
A deck endures its heaviest stress during winter. Freezing temperatures, moisture buildup, and repeated freeze–thaw cycles can cause structural damage if issues aren’t addressed early. Understanding how winter affects your deck—and acting before spring—can save you from costly repairs. Why Winter Damages Decks Moisture is the biggest threat. Snow and ice slip into small cracks, and once temperatures drop, the water freezes and expands. This leads to warped boards, loose railings, rot, and weakened hardware. Even composite decks can suffer damage when water sits between boards or underneath the structure. Decks already showing signs of wear—soft spots, peeling stain, uneven boards, or drainage issues—are at much higher risk once winter sets in. Essential Winter Maintenance Steps 1. Clear Snow Safely Use a plastic shovel and move it in the direction of the boards. Avoid rock salt on wood decks; it can accelerate deterioration. 2. Remove Debris Leaves and dirt trap moisture, encouraging mold and slowing drying times. A clean surface handles winter better. 3. Check for Water Drainage Problems Standing water signals uneven surfaces, clogged gaps, or failing seals. If water isn’t draining properly, winter will make the damage worse. 4. Inspect Railings and Hardware Cold weather weakens fasteners. Tighten loose screws and check handrails and stairs for stability. 5. Protect High-Traffic Areas Using outdoor mats in key spots reduces wear and lowers moisture exposure. Why You Shouldn’t Wait Until Spring Spring is the busiest season for deck repairs and remodels. Contractors fill their schedules fast, which means long wait times and delayed projects. More importantly, winter damage doesn’t stop. Minor issues in December can turn into structural repairs by April. Addressing problems now prevents avoidable deterioration and protects the long-term life of your deck. How Hector Ryan Construction Solves These Issues Hector Ryan Construction specializes in deck inspections, structural repairs, resurfacing, and winter-time maintenance solutions. Their team identifies hidden moisture problems, replaces compromised boards, improves drainage, reinforces railings, and prepares your deck to withstand ongoing winter conditions. They work year-round, which means you don’t have to wait for the spring rush to get the repairs your deck needs. Acting now ensures you secure a spot on their schedule and avoid higher repair costs caused by prolonged moisture damage. Protect Your Deck Before Winter Gets Worse If you’ve noticed soft boards, fading stain, loose railings, or water pooling anywhere on your deck, this is the moment to act. Hector Ryan Construction can inspect the structure, prevent winter damage, and restore your deck’s safety and durability before problems escalate. Winter won’t wait—and your deck shouldn’t either.
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