The Dos And Don’t Of Clearing Your Wooden Deck Of Snow

Having a wooden deck is both enjoyable and inconvenient. In the summer, you can enjoy the warmth of the snow on the deck. When winter arrives, improper maintenance can turn it into a costly investment. If your deck is not sealed, you must do so as soon as possible. The wood swells as the melting snow and ice seep into it. The sun then heats it, causing it to shrink. After a certain number of rounds, the wood will split, crack, and warp, making it dangerous.

Ice Melt For Wood Decks

Do’s

• Use a pressure washer, rubber, or plastic shovel to remove the snow and ice with as little damage to the wood as possible.
• Scrape the snow off sideways rather than lengthwise with a shovel. Going the length of the board rather than the width makes it easier to catch the shovel on a corner.
• Clear the snow from your driveway to provide an exit path from your home. For safety, you should always have two separate exit paths from your home. Building codes demand two. If clearing the second exit path necessitates shoveling some of your deck, then go ahead and do so. However, you only need to clear a 3-foot-wide path than the entire deck by shoveling. Pay special attention to the stairwell.

Don’ts

• Use a wooden shovel instead of a metal one, and avoid using sand. Both of these have the potential to scratch the wood. Salt should be avoided. Due to its corrosive properties on the hardware, it can harm the deck. Safe Paw is a non-toxic ice melt safe for pets that you can use. Any product that contains a colorant can stain your deck, so stay away from them.
• To keep your deck from collapsing, don’t shovel it. Building codes require decks to support more snow than most roofs. The weight of snow is unlikely to cause a properly constructed deck to collapse.
• To protect the wood on your deck, don’t shovel it. Water and snow aren’t nearly as damaging to wooden decks as some people believe. Many experts in the south recommend using water on hot days to cool wooden decks. 
• Snow from a roof should not be dumped on your deck. Several feet of heavy, compact roof snow thrown on an already snow-covered deck should be avoided.

Salt & Chloride Free Ice Melt

Best Way To Remove Snow From A Wooden Deck

Here are a few ways:

1. Snow Shovel for Wood Deck: Invest in a snow shovel specifically designed for wood decks. These shovels usually have a plastic blade or a rubberized edge, reducing the risk of scratches and damage to your deck’s surface. Avoid using metal shovels, as they can gouge and scratch the wood.

2. Clear Snow Promptly: The key to protecting your wooden deck is to remove snow promptly. The longer snow sits on your deck, the more moisture it can trap against the wood, increasing the risk of damage. Clearing the snow as soon as possible minimizes this risk.

3. Use Safe Paw for Deck Snow Removal: Consider using an eco-friendly ice melt like Safe Paw. It’s non-toxic, chemical-free, and specifically designed to be safe for concrete, pets, and the planet. Unlike traditional salt-based ice melts, Safe Paw won’t harm your wooden deck. Simply sprinkle it lightly on the snow-covered deck to facilitate easier removal.

Protect Your Wood Deck and Steps from Ice

1. Apply a Deck Sealant: Before the winter season begins, it’s a good idea to apply a deck sealant to protect the wood from moisture and ice. This sealant creates a barrier that prevents water and ice from penetrating the wood, reducing the risk of damage.

2. Use Non-Slip Mats: Place non-slip mats or rugs on your deck steps and high-traffic areas. These provide traction and help prevent slips and falls on icy surfaces.

3. Regularly Remove Snow: As mentioned earlier, prompt snow removal is crucial for deck protection. The less snow accumulates, the less opportunity there is for ice to form.

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How to Keep Wood Decks Ice Free 

Ever wondered about the safest ways to keep your wood decks from turning into ice rinks? Regular de-icing is essential, but the typical go-tos like calcium chloride and magnesium chloride can be tough on your deck’s material. These salts can strip away at the wood, leaving it vulnerable to further damage. Instead, consider salt alternatives like sand for added traction or a specialized eco-friendly ice melt like Safe Paw that is formulated to be less harsh on wooden structures.

Protecting Wood Decks from Winter Damage 

Winter care for your wood deck goes beyond just removing ice. To prevent winter damage, regular wood deck maintenance is key. Before the cold sets in, ensure your deck is sealed and waterproofed. This barrier keeps moisture out, reducing the risk of ice formation and the associated freeze-thaw cycles that can fracture the wood. If you’re using any de-icing products, make sure they’re compatible with wooden surfaces to avoid any unwanted erosion or staining.

Ice Melt That Won’t Damage Wood 

Choosing the right ice melt can be a game-changer for maintaining the integrity of your wooden deck during the cold months. Avoid harsh chemicals typically found in traditional ice melts, as they can deteriorate the wood fibers. Look for products labeled as safe for wood, which often include more natural ingredients that are less corrosive. These products handle the icy conditions without the aggressive side effects of stronger salts.

Eco-Friendly Ice Melt for Wood 

The trend towards green living extends to how we manage ice on our wood decks. Eco-friendly ice melt products are designed to be gentle on both the environment and our decks. These solutions often avoid traditional salts and use ingredients that provide effective melting without the toxic runoff, making them a smarter choice for households mindful of their environmental impact and seeking wood deck maintenance solutions that align with these values.

In every case, while alternatives exist, their effectiveness can vary based on conditions such as temperature and the specific type of wood. Always check the compatibility of any ice melt product with your particular deck material to ensure optimal safety and efficiency. Remember, the ideal scenario is one where your deck stays safe, slip-free, and in great condition, ready to be enjoyed once the warmer days return.

Final Words

You will need a shovel if the snow is heavier than four inches. Use a shovel made of plastic or rubber with a plastic or rubber blade. Your deck can easily be scratched or gouged with a metal blade. If your deck flooring is cedar or redwood, be extra careful; these are softwoods that are easily damaged.

Even with a plastic shovel, never chop ice on your deck. You’ll almost certainly chop your deck as well. Instead, use chemicals to melt the ice. Instead of using muscle power, use chemical power. Safe Paw lowers the freezing temperature of the water. The Safe Paw is an ice melt safe for pets and the environment.

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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