It is something that obviously has to be done.
Any time it snows or there is ice that has built up on a wooden deck or porch floor area, clearly it is not something that it is ideal to leave sitting there.
Letting ice or snow simply hold tight to the top of wooden deck or floor surfaces can lead to damage to any protective coatings that may be on them (due to accelerated wear) as well as the wood itself.
Knowing that ice and snow should be removed and actually taking steps to carefully prep for or to remove it is something that does require a bit of effort on our part.
Removing ice and snow from wooden decks and porch floors needs a careful approach to avoid damaging the wood.
Be sure to use the correct shovel. Choose a plastic shovel or one with a rubber edge. These tools are less likely to scratch or gouge the wood. Avoid using metal shovels, as they can harm the deck’s surface. Always shovel along the direction of the boards, not across them (almost like you are painting, go in the direction of the grain of the wood, avoid going cross-grain), to reduce the chance of damage.
If the snowfall is light, use a broom to sweep the snow away. A soft-bristle broom works best to prevent scratching the wood or its finish. This method is quick, easy, and gentle on your deck or porch.
For ice, use a pet-safe and wood-safe ice melt product. Look for ones labeled safe for wood and pets, as traditional rock salt can be too harsh and may harm the wood (as well as any paint or stain coatings that may be on top of it) and surrounding plants. Follow the instructions on the package for proper use.
If you’re concerned about slipping but don’t want to use chemicals, sprinkle sand or kitty litter on the icy areas. These materials won’t melt the ice, but they will provide better traction. Sweep them up later to prevent a mess.
DO NOT CHOP ANY ICE! Never use sharp tools, such as ice picks or metal scrapers, to remove ice from your wooden deck. These tools can scratch or gouge the wood, leading to long-term damage. It may feel good in the moment, but after the ice and snow has melted and the floor surface has dried out, you will be doing a ‘facepalm’ and be wondering why the heck you ‘speared’ the mess out of your deck or porch.
To reduce ice and snow buildup, consider applying a deck-safe water-repellent coating before Winter. This can help keep moisture from soaking into the wood, making it easier to remove snow and ice in the future. We have coating and protective systems that are perfect for this – especially for natural wood surfaces – feel free to reach out to us and we can explain further and have a deeper conversation about the possible options.
The longer snow sits on your deck or porch, the harder it is to remove. It can also cause water to seep into the wood when it melts, leading to possible rot damage. Clear snow as soon as possible to prevent this.
Inspect your deck regularly to ensure it’s in good condition. Cracks or damaged boards can worsen during freezing weather, definitely work to repair any possible damaged ones before each Winter.
By following these steps, you can safely remove ice and snow from your wooden deck or porch while protecting its appearance and lifespan.
