Wooden Deck Damage From Salt Based Ice Melt

Don’t forget to stock up on the correct ice melters for your home once you’ve tuned up your snow blower and shovels for winter. Whatever the weather forecast for this winter, you’ll need to stock up on ice melters to assist you in getting rid of the snow and ice that will inevitably accumulate around your home. Some products work better in freezing temperatures, some that are less damaging to your plants, concrete, and pets, and yet others that blend a range of components to give you a little bit of everything.
Many individuals take a bag of any ice melter, assuming they are all the same. Deicing salts come in various formulations and differ in terms of how harsh or caustic they are; whether salting a wooden deck will harm it depends on the composition. Consider the type of salt and Homemade deicer for concrete driveways that is non-corrosive to wood or other materials, as well as environmentally friendly. Some deicing salts are strongly discouraged from using wooden decks, while environmentally friendly deicer kinds appear to do no damage.

Environmentally Friendly Ice Melt

What To Use

Other items labeled as safe for concrete, plants, and animals can also be used on a wooden deck. Magnesium chloride is a milder deicing salt that doesn’t hurt plants or pollute waterways. Potassium chloride is likewise less corrosive and does not hurt plants, although it is one of the least effective alternatives because it requires a higher air temperature to melt ice.

For a wooden deck, choose an ice melter or homemade deicer for a concrete driveway. Choose a product that is safe for children and dogs and one that won’t damage the grass. You can keep your deck safe and gleaming without breaking the bank by avoiding salt and using a decent ice melter like SafePaw for hardwood decks.

What Not To Use On Wooden deck

Rock salt is commonly available and frequently one of the cheapest deicers, but it is also caustic and hazardous to the environment. Its runoff pollutes streams, rivers, and other waterways and can kill or stunt plant growth. Rock salt is never suggested for use on a wooden deck since it dries out the wood’s natural moisture. When salt dries out wood, it interferes with the normal expansion and contraction of wood, causing the deck to corrode more quickly. Calcium chloride is a more abrasive deicing salt that can irritate the skin and corrode concrete. It’s also not recommended for use on wooden surfaces.

Winter is tough on wood decks, so protecting wood decks in winter is crucial to avoid costly repairs come spring. Here’s how you can keep your deck in top shape despite the frosty weather.

Protecting Wood Decks in Winter

Protecting your wood deck from the harsh winter elements involves more than just shoveling snow off after a storm. To protect wood deck from ice, start with the basics—use a high-quality sealant before the cold sets in. This sealant will help repel water, preventing ice formation and minimizing the risks of wood swelling and warping.

Ice Removal for Wood Decks

When it comes to ice removal on wood deck, avoid using metal tools like shovels as they can scratch or gouge the wood. Instead, opt for a plastic shovel or a broom to gently remove snow and ice. If you need to use a de-icer, choose products specifically labeled as safe for wood to avoid damaging the deck material. Remember, some deicers can be harsh and lead to the deterioration of the wood fibers.

Deck Winter Care

Deck winter care involves regular checks for ice buildup, especially around deck posts and low spots where water can collect and freeze. Clear out your gutters and downspouts to ensure that melting snow can flow freely away from your deck. This prevents water from pooling on the deck surface and freezing, which can be detrimental to the wood.

Wood Deck Maintenance

Ongoing wood deck maintenance throughout the winter months is essential. Check for any signs of wear or damage, such as split or loose boards, which can worsen with fluctuating temperatures. If your deck has been sealed and maintained properly, minimal ice and snow accumulation should occur. However, if you notice persistent issues, it may be time to reapply a water-repellent finish or consider upgrading your deck materials to more durable alternatives.

By following these guidelines, your deck can not only survive the winter but also emerge in spring ready for barbecues and family gatherings. Regular maintenance and proper winter care are key to extending the life of your wood deck and ensuring it remains a safe, enjoyable space for your home.

Bulk Purchase With Safe Paw

Wrapping Up

The key to selecting the right product for the job is to look at its ingredients rather than the flashy packaging or brand name. Some elements will only melt ice and snow in warmer weather, causing damage to your concrete. In contrast, others will melt snow more quickly and, in subzero temps, are environmentally friendly deicer causing damage to your grass.

Only apply deicing salts on a water-sealed deck. To avoid ice formation during ice or snowstorm, use deicing salts. To keep ice off small decks, cover them with tarps or waterproof materials. When a deicer isn’t available, sand might be used to provide traction on the deck.

Gaia Enterprises Inc. delivers 100% pet-safe and environmentally friendly winter products. Safe Paw, our flagship product, is the #1 selling pet-safe ice melt that does not harm pets, safe if ingested, and safe on all types of concrete.

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