WPC Decking Care and Maintenance: Winter Edition

Wood-plastic composite, colloquially pertained to as WPC, is one of the most popular materials for decks today. But, the nature of WPCs is distinct from those of other kinds of decks, so especially in colder months, things can be different, so a specific WPC winter maintenance procedure must be strictly followed. 

You cannot simply leave your WPC decks unnoticed and unkempt during winter. Maintaining it right during this season ensures its longevity and aesthetic appeal. This Oakio guide will discuss the most essential care and maintenance tips for these decks in winter conditions.

What Is WPC Decking and Why Is It a Game-Changer?

Decking crafted with wood-plastic composite is typically composed of recycled wood fibers and premium polymers. This combination offers durability for the deck while showcasing a very natural wood look, but easy to maintain. 

WPC decking is perfectly suitable for use in a wide range of climates, whether your property is located in the tropics or temperate regions. It is a material for all seasons – winter, spring, summer, and autumn – but there are specific decking care guidelines for each of these seasons.

How Can You Prepare Your WPC Decking for Winter?

From pre-winter cleaning to protecting against moisture, here are the essential tips on winter care WPC deck owners must adhere to in order to maintain the longevity and beauty of the deck:

Pre-Winter Cleaning

Winter maintenance for WPC boards actually officially starts before the first snowfall happens. Prior to the coming of winter, use a soft-bristle broom, soapy water, and composite deck cleaner to wash and remove leaves, dirt, and debris from the floor. You must also start cleaning the spaces between the boards to allow rainwater and melted snow to freely flow. 

Protecting Against Moisture

Wintertime produces a lot of moisture, and while moisture can be good in certain scenarios, it has its downsides, such as causing threats upon your decks, particularly when it causes mold and mildew. 

WPC decks are resistant to unwanted elements such as rot, but they can sometimes give in to mold and mildew growth, particularly in damp and shaded areas that are common during wintertime. 

The grooved surface texture of WPC boards and their notably rough ends on their uncapped sections create pockets where water can accumulate. Since this water won’t immediately absorb, it stagnates, leading to the development of mold because of persistent moisture.

The grooved surface texture of the boards, along with the notably rough ends on uncapped sections, creates pockets where water can accumulate. As the water doesn’t readily absorb, it stagnates, leading to the eventual development of mold due to the persistent moisture.

The solution: ensure proper drainage between boards to prevent the unnecessary accumulation of water. You must also clean regularly, check for gaps, install gutters and downspouts, place outdoor rugs, and add a pergola. Oakio not only has top-notch WPC decking facilities but also high-quality pergolas that create a cozy space for fun on your property.

How Can You Safely Remove Snow and Ice from WPC Decking?

Once wintertime has arrived, snow and ice can accumulate. You cannot always have them around since your spaces won’t look good if the snow is too thick, just like the need to trim bushes in spring or summer. 

Among the best practices for removing snow and ice from a WPC board winter property owners should follow is using plastic shovels or rubber-edged tools. Choosing these tools over others is important to avoid scratching the surface, therefore keeping the quality of your WPC decking. 

However, you must distinguish the right from the wrong techniques when shoveling snow in the direction of the boards. This minimizes the damage, ensuring your boards last with you longer. The guidelines are:

• Avoid shovels made of metal since these can scratch the surface, forcing you to spend money on repairs that are too soon.
• Shovel along the length of the boards also to avoid scratches and splintering. 
• Minimal force and light pressure must be preferred to avoid scraping the surface of your boards.

What Maintenance Checks Should You Perform for Your WPC Decks in Winter?

WPC winter maintenance does not end with pre-winter preparations and the safe removal of snow. You may have followed the steps outlined above to the dot, but without regular maintenance checks, you won’t be able to drive home the point. The first is about inspecting for damage. 

Inspecting for Damage

After snowstorms, take immediate action and regularly check your boards for signs of damage, such as cracks, warps, and peeling boards. Promptly address them to prevent further deterioration. 

Damage inspection also involves assessing supporting structures, such as joists and screws, for integrity. This won’t just prevent structural damage but also guarantee safety, prolong deck life, and promote winter load resilience. 

Addressing Issues Promptly

When you see those signs of damage, you must not wait until the next day before you can address those issues. Some steps to take are:

• Once you see loose screws, cracked boards, or weakened joists, secure or replace them as soon as you can.
• Remove snow and ice around the damaged areas to prevent the issues from worsening. 
• If problems like warping, cracks, and compromised structural supports persist or intensify, don’t take the risk of repairing them yourself. Instead, talk to a professional. 
• Also, avoid using your WPC deck until it is completely restored to prevent accidents and further deterioration. 

What Are the Best Year-Round Maintenance Strategies for WPC Decks?

The same level of effort you exerted for your WPC decking in wintertime must be exerted for your deck as well as during the rest of the year. 

First, have a consistent cleaning schedule. The most recommended cleaning frequency all year round is at least two to three times per year. You can go above this number but not too frequently as too much cleaning also affects the look of your deck. 

Afterward, you’ve got to consider your landscaping. Trimming back trees and shrubs, especially during seasons without snowfall, will prevent falling debris and ice buildup. Nothing beats a WPC deck that coexists beautifully with fine landscaping. 

How Can You Care for Your WPC Decking Long-Term?

The lifespan of decks made with WPC can reach at least 10 to 15 minutes to as long as 30 years on average. However, you won’t just sit back and relax, waiting for the deck to deteriorate and get replaced since you also must do your part. 

Start your long-term WPC decking care by going beyond and minding the other features around your deck, looking at your furniture. Sometimes, it is not foot traffic or changing weather conditions that damage the quality of your WPC decks, but the furniture around them. 

It is inevitable to redesign your property so you’ll find yourself moving furniture from time to time. Without furniture pads, pulling or pushing furniture across can cause scratches on your WPC deck. It is also advisable to store unused furniture or cover them during winter months to avoid even the tiniest damage. 

The adage, “Prevention is better than cure,” also applies to your WPC decks. Safety is paramount, so you must be able to address even the most minute of issues before they escalate to costly repairs. 

Conclusion

The right care for your WPC decking in wintertime isn’t solely focused on the season’s run itself. It begins with pre-winter observation and maintenance, then moves throughout every season of the year. Even if you’ve perfected winter care for these decks, but you neglect them during summer or fall, they will still deteriorate before their lifespan ends.  

Be sure to implement the tips you learned above for a beautiful and durable outdoor space year-round. Oakio is a leading provider of innovative WPC decking solutions that require less maintenance, never compromising their quality and never placing your family’s safety at stake. See their catalog today.