Unpleasant fall and winter weather can spell trouble for any deck or patio, especially ones made of hardwood. Even a durable hardwood decking material like ipe can rot and deteriorate if not properly prepared and maintained. The Ipe deck is one of the best options for areas of the country with bad winter weather, but there are still some easy steps you can take to better prepare your deck for what’s to come. Here are five common cleaning techniques you can use to keep your deck from looking old when the sun returns.
Clean
You may think this is a no-brainer, but many people don’t properly clean their decks before winter. Ipe decks, though dense, can still collect dirt and yard debris on your boards, which can lead to wood rot. Cleaning the deck with a hose and brush will help remove debris. Cleaning will also prevent the accumulation of water on your terrace by improving ventilation.
Eliminate mold and mildew
Mold and mildew growth can wreak havoc on any ipe deck. Mold grows in the small cracks and crevices of the wood and can cause the wood to rot and damage the structure. Clean your deck with mold remover and you’ll be good for winter.
Cleaning and moving pots
They may seem harmless, but planters can retain moisture from rain and snow and rot or stain wood. Water damage can be nearly impossible to repair, so the best option is to move the pots off the deck, preferably into a garage or under the deck.
Reapply Finish
If your ipe deck is new you probably don’t need to do this, but if your deck is cracked or discolored you may want to apply a new coat before bad weather hits. Rain, snow and freezing temperatures can ruin unprotected wood, so make sure your deck finish is up to the task.
apply a stamp
You may think this is overkill, but applying a waterproof seal can help prevent a lot of water-related damage that can occur during the fall and winter. This is an especially important step if you live in a part of the country that experiences a very wet winter during the fall and winter.
If you don’t live in an area that gets a lot of moisture during the winter, you’ll still want to prepare your deck for cold weather. Ipe decking is vulnerable to sun damage even during the winter, so if your deck doesn’t have a high-quality finish or seal, you should definitely apply one. The wind can also cause a lot of damage in winter. Erecting a fence around your deck is a great way to reduce your exposure to the wind. If that’s not an option, try covering the deck with a tarp.
Winterizing an ipe deck is not that difficult, it just requires a little knowledge and a little hard work. Follow these simple steps and you’ll save yourself a lot of work in the spring.