Deck Protection 101: How to Prepare Your Deck for Fall Weather

The deck industry is worth 740 million dollars in the U.S. In other words, it’s a massive business.

If your home has a deck, you’re familiar with the cost of installation. And you know that regular care and maintenance is much cheaper than installing a brand new one!

So, as the summer is ending and fall is coming, we created this guide to help you with your fall deck protection efforts.

Here are the tips you need to know.

1. Decide How to Use the Space

As we’re entering the colder months of fall and winter, it’s important to start by thinking about how you want to use your space moving forward.

Do you want to shut it down completely and not use it until spring? This is definitely an option.

However, this doesn’t have to be the case. You can still totally take advantage of it. Maybe you’ll want to bundle up and use your deck as you read the morning paper or drink a cup of coffee.

This is an especially probable idea on milder days during the fall.

If you do want to use it, you’ll want to invest in furniture that can withstand the elements of snow and rain. This can be found at most home good or hardware stores.

2. Inspect It

As we enter fall, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at your deck. Check to see if any damage has occurred during the summer.

Often this takes the form of:

• Wind damage
• Water damage
• Damage from animals

An especially big problem is termite damage, which affects more than 600,000 U.S. homes each year. Also, you’ll be able to notice this because of piles of wooden pellets.

If you see this, it’s time to get a professional on the scene to assess the damage.

3. Look for Leaks for Deck Protection

It’s also important to think about leaks. This is especially dangerous in the winter when water freezes. This can lead to intense damage.

If your deck is close to an outdoor faucet or if there’s a gutter that empties by your deck, this is when you need to worry about this potential issue.

When water from these sources gets into your deck, it can crack, leading to a huge cost for you.

4. Prep the Area

You should also think about the area that surrounds your deck. One of the biggest things you should do is notice bushes and trees in the area.

It’s a good idea to trim these so they’re at least 12 inches away from the deck. This will prevent mold and moss, which will extend the life of your deck.

5. Apply a Coat of Protection

Did you know there are lots of water-repellent finishes that you can add to your deck to preserve its life? This is a great idea for fall deck protection, as we head into the wetter months.

This will help your deck avoid cracking, warping, and splitting, which are common side effects of moisture. Instead, apply a simple protective coat, and you’ll be good to go.

Today’s formulas are also able to fully protect your deck without damaging the wood color. You really have nothing to lose!

6. Make a Barrier from the Cold

Another option you have is to install a permanent deck covering. This will allow you to use your deck much more fully during the cold and wet months.

These are super nice if you still want to take advantage of your deck even during the off-season.

If you don’t want to go the permanent route, consider installing an awning. This will protect you from the elements and can then be removed in the spring and summer.

7. Clean Up the Leaves

Another must is to regularly remove fallen leaves from your deck. This is especially crucial if your deck is made of wood.

That’s because when leaves are in the same spot for an extended period of time, they start to rot. This can lead to mold growth which will affect the strength of your deck for years to come.

To avoid this, regularly rake the leaves off of your deck. This will make it much easier to utilize that space and will preserve its longevity as well.

In other words, even though it may seem tedious or unimportant, it really does matter. And you’ll be glad you did it!

8. Consider Investing in a New One

Last but not least, as you’re preparing your deck for fall, it might be time to install a new one. This is especially true if your deck is older than 15 years or has started to show signs of wear and tear.

These days, there are tons of materials out there that are much more durable than classic wood. They will be able to withstand the elements much better and will help your deck last much longer. Many of them are also much more eco-friendly.

With a new deck, you’ll be able to spend more time relaxing instead of worrying about maintenance.

Check out our wide selection of deck materials.

Closing Thoughts

Now that you’ve read all about fall deck protection, it’s time to implement some of these ideas! Pick the ones that work best for you and then get started. In no time, your deck will be prepared for the colder months ahead.

If you have questions or want to learn more, contact our team of experts today. We are happy to help you!