How to Care for and Maintain Decking in Winter?

After enjoying your decking throughout the summer, catching the rays, cooking up a storm on the BBQ and entertaining friends, some maintenance is likely required before the worst of the weather sets in. If it hasn’t already arrived in your corner of the UK yet, biting winds, heavy rainfall and freezing temperatures are just around the corner. It’s time to get prepared and find out how you can take care of your decking over the coming months to ensure it’s in tip-top condition and ready for another season of use. Clear Debris Autumn and winter months can both bring debris. High winds collect fallen leaves, twigs, moss and rubbish, and these can end up forming piles on top of your decking. If left, the organic material can begin to rot down, eventually creating a mulch. This can then penetrate the wood and cause it to rot. Once or twice a month, grab an outdoor broom and sweep up any debris from the decking area and pop it in your composter or garden bin. Remove Any Planters or Seating If you have heavy-weight planters or seating, it is advised that you remove them from the decking and put them in storage. If they are left out, it can create damp spots on the decking, underneath where they are placed. This can increase the build-up of moisture in a particular area of the decking, which, in turn, can cause rot. Keep on Top of Any Build Up of Mould Decking can provide the perfect environment for mould and mildew to grow and build-up. Situated close to the ground, water and moisture can quickly seep into the wood, as well as this, it is a large surface area where rain will hammer down and, in some cases, settle. Other problematic areas include the cracks and spaces between the two boards; these enclosed areas can be a breeding ground, and because they are difficult to reach, it can be more difficult to prevent the build-up. Ensure you tackle any mould build-up, giving the area a thorough clean. Thoroughly Clean We recommend thoroughly cleaning your decking throughout the winter. If any fallen debris is too stubborn to remove with a hard-outdoor broom, then it may require some hot, soapy water and elbow grease to get rid of it. Following this, pressure wash the surface to remove any of the suds used and further clean the area. Scrub the areas where dirt or moss have built up, as well as areas where you can’t see it. Keeping the decking surface dirt-free is important, and a good preventative of deterioration.

For more information on How to Care for and Maintain Decking in Winter? talk to Advanced Chemical Specialties Ltd