Winter Ice Tips To Keep Your Wood Decks Free From Snow

Every winter, one problem that troubles most of us, if not all, is using ice melt safe for wood decks. We all love our backyards and front yards, and we love the coziness that comes with it. But as fall comes around, a nip in the air tells you; you have to start prepping for winters soon. The decks will quickly begin to get stained with wintery snow, and you will have to keep track of the damage that might happen quickly. 

So, how can we keep our wood decks free from the snow? First, let’s look at quick steps to use a rock salt alternative and keep our wood decks in excellent condition. 

Shovel

A drainage test and inspection is critical ahead of the winter season since ice melter for roofs must flow Wood decks are as sturdy as roofs and can hold snow for a long time. While shoveling may harm the wood deck, you must indulge in it only if more than three ft. snow covers the deck. Carefully remove the upper layer and then use an ice melt safe for wood decks, such as Safe Paw, to quickly break the icy layer and remove it with a soft scraper. Since it is safe for the foliage, it will not harm even if it falls on your plants.

Pretreatment

Pretreat your wood deck with an anti-slip coating of ice melt, even Safe Paw, to ensure that the snow does not stick to the surface. It will prevent the water from seeping into the wood and will prevent it from expanding. The lifespan of the wood deck will also increase with the anti-slip coating.

Bulk Purchase With Safe Paw

Ice Melt Safe For Wood Decks

Tarp Sheet

Use a good-quality tarp sheet to cover the wood decks before a snowstorm. It will leave the snow on the top surface, making it easy to shovel and remove the tarp sheet to use the deck. It acts as a great rock salt alternative too.

Safe Ice Melt

Use good quality and non-corrosive ice melt to apply on the wood deck. These substances are harmless to your wood deck and will prevent any erosion too. Safe Paw is one such non-corrosive and non-conductive ice melt that comprises natural ingredients for the decks. Even if it comes in contact with your skin, it will not irritate.

100% Safe Ice Melt Removal Techniques 

While there are many ways to remove snow from the wood deck, the above are tested in all seasons. Safe Paw tends to break down the icy layer and makes it easy to walk without slipping or falling. Its dual patented compound, along with crystals infused with glycols, makes it easy to apply and deice.

But have you ever paused to consider the environmental footprint of the products you use? Let’s dive into some eco-friendly ice melt options and best practices for winter deck maintenance, ensuring you stay green while keeping the ice at bay.

Eco-Friendly Ice Melt

When it comes to de-icing, not all products are created equal. Eco-friendly ice melts are designed to minimize harm to your surroundings while still effectively combating ice. These products typically do not contain harmful chlorides which can seep into the soil and negatively impact plant life and water quality. They are often made from more natural materials that are less harsh on your deck and landscaping.

Calcium Magnesium Acetate (CMA)

Calcium Magnesium Acetate is a popular choice for those looking for an effective, yet less corrosive alternative to rock salt. CMA works by preventing ice particles from adhering to each other and the surface below, rather than lowering the freezing point of water significantly. Often praised for being less corrosive and safer for vegetation than chloride-based ice melts, CMA still has its downsides. It’s significantly more expensive and less effective in very cold temperatures, making it a less practical choice for those in harsher winter climates.

Urea-Based Ice Melt

Unlike the above, urea is an effective deicer that also doubles as a fertilizer in warmer months. It’s gentler on vegetation and concrete compared to harsher chemical deicers and is also pet-friendly. Urea works by lowering the freezing point of water, similar to traditional salts, but without the harmful environmental impacts like chloride runoff, which can damage aquatic life and soil health. It’s important to note that while urea is less corrosive, it can still contribute to nutrient runoff if over-applied, but its overall environmental footprint is smaller compared to more common salts.

Heated Mats for Wood Decks

For those looking for a no-chemical option, heated mats for wood decks are an excellent alternative. These electrically heated mats can be laid out on walkways and decks to melt snow and ice without any chemicals at all. Not only do they provide a clear path without the risk of chemical damage to your deck, but they also reduce the labor involved in snow removal.

Winter Deck Maintenance

Maintaining your deck during winter doesn’t just stop at ice removal. Winter deck maintenance includes regular checks for ice accumulation and damage, cleaning off debris before it can trap moisture, and applying water-repellent sealants to protect the wood from moisture penetration and subsequent damage. Regular upkeep helps extend the life of your deck and keeps it looking its best throughout the season.

Choosing the right products and methods can make a significant difference in how you manage winter’s challenges while being mindful of the impact on the environment and your property. Always consider the long-term health of your outdoor spaces when selecting de-icing and maintenance solutions.

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.

Conclusion

We all want a winter without any incidence, and with Safe Paw, you get an opportunity to do just that. It is not only a superb rock salt alternative, but it also serves as an excellent option to pretreat your wood decks. So now make your home kid-friendly and pet-friendly with Safe Paw at your disposal.

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