In many parts of the country, deck snow protection is essential. When winter finally arrives you need to be prepared about how you’re going to safely clean snow and ice off your vinyl deck. Keeping your patio, balcony, roof deck or sundeck clear, slip-free, and safe is key to having a good winter and to avoid damage to your deck surface.

Tufdek has put together a few easy and safe deck snow protection tips to help clear your vinyl deck of snow and ice.

Tip 1: Acquire a Good Snow Shovel

A good snow shovel will provide an easy way to clear snow and cut down on the amount of de-icer required to reduce slippery spots – but it’s essential to ensure that your shovel will not damage your vinyl deck surface.

You’ll need a plastic snow shovel with a good, straight edge. A metal-edged snow shovel could inadvertently cause damage to your vinyl deck membrane. A chipped plastic edge can also have the same effect – check your shovel carefully before use.

Tip 2: Keep a Clear Path

Along with deck snow protection you will want to keep your vinyl deck surface safe for walking. We suggest always clearing a path as soon as possible after snowfall. It might be a wise idea to keep a snow shovel on your vinyl deck (rather than going on a search each time). This will allow you to clear it of snow and ice as soon as possible, rather than letting snow build up. Remember that if you live in an area with wet snow, it’s going to be difficult to clear if you don’t get out there early and regularly.

Tip 3: Add Traction to your Vinyl Deck

Adding traction is another way to ensure deck snow protection. When snow, slush, or melted water settles on your vinyl deck it can create a hazardous situation – particularly if you regularly use your deck to traverse to other parts of your property. However, you want to ensure that you don’t damage your deck by using a de-icer that could damage the vinyl membrane.

Fortunately, Tufdek™ vinyl decking was designed to stand up to the rigors of snow, ice, extreme cold, and the need for de-icing products or salt. It is important, though that you thoroughly clean your deck in the spring to clear it of de-icing products prior to the heat of the summer. This will prevent the de-icing chemicals from setting in on your vinyl deck surface. You can also use kitty litter for something a bit less…salty.

Tip 4: Start Spring Cleaning Early

You really never know when spring is going to start – when all that powdery, fluffy snow will turn into a wet mess on your vinyl deck. Deck snow protection isn’t just making an effort to regularly clear snow off your deck before it becomes wet and heavy. By clearing your deck regularly, as needed, you will have an easier time with spring cleaning. You also want to prevent water from pooling on your deck so you can enjoy your vinyl deck that much earlier in the year.

Winter is also a great time to consider a vinyl deck replacement, if you book with a professional vinyl membrane installer early you’ll be first on the list next year.

If you have any questions about our Tufdek vinyl decking products, please call us at 1-877-860-9333.