Not Shovelling Your Deck When It Snows Could Cost You Thousands, According To Pros
When snow starts falling, many of us immediately start to think about how we'll need to remove much of that snow later. While we often prioritize clearing the driveway, porch, and sidewalks first, our decks usually get overlooked in this department. Unfortunately, letting that snow pile up isn't just a cosmetic issue. It's a practical one that can hit your wallet hard. Professional contractors warn that not clearing snow off your deck can lead to a host of issues, issues like the ones listed here.
Structural Stress
Most of us don't realize just how heavy snow can get. Wet, heavy, or otherwise compacted snow can weigh as much as 20 pounds per cubic foot, so if you've got a large deck, you're looking at tons of extra weight pressing down on the frame. Even if it doesn't cause a total collapse, that added weight stresses the joists and support posts. Over time, this can lead to warping and sagging that costs a fortune to fix.
Freeze-Thaw Cycle
Winter weather doesn't just sit still, it fluctuates. When you leave snow on your deck, the bottom layer often melts during the day and freezes again at night. This cycle is brutal for wood and composite materials. Water seeps into tiny cracks in the boards, and when it freezes, it expands, which forces those cracks open wider. Eventually, you'll end up with splintering boards that need to be completely replaced.
Rotting from the Inside Out
Moisture is the enemy of any deck, and a pile of snow acts like a giant, wet sponge sitting on your floorboards for months, keeping the wood in a constant state of dampness. This saturation allows water to penetrate deep into the core of the lumber. Once the rot sets in, it's difficult to stop, as you can't just sand it away. You'll likely have to tear out sections of the deck to keep it safe.
Ledger Board Danger Zone
One of the most expensive repairs involves the ledger board, which connects your deck to your house. When snow piles up against the side of your home, it traps moisture right against this critical connection point, and if the flashing isn't perfect, water can create rot that spreads from the deck into your home's framing. Fixing this doesn't just mean repairing the deck either, it often involves opening up your house's walls, which gets incredibly pricey.
Mold and Mildew Buildup
Snow insulates the deck's surface, creating a dark and damp environment where mold and mildew thrive. This doesn't just look terrible when the snow melts in spring, it makes the surface incredibly slippery and can permanently stain the wood. Professional pressure washing and sanding can remove it, but preventing the growth in the first place is much cheaper than the remediation bill.
Safety Hazards and Liability
If you don't at least clear a path or the main area, that snow will eventually pack down into a sheet of ice. This creates a significant slip-and-fall risk for anyone who steps out, including delivery drivers, guests, even pets. Additionally, the weight of shifting ice can weaken your railings, making them unstable and thus unsafe. If a railing fails when someone leans on it, you're looking at potential medical bills and liability issues that far exceed the cost of a good shovel.
You don't need to panic every time it snows, but it's important to stay ahead of the big storms. Clearing your deck doesn't have to be a back-breaking chore if you tackle it regularly. By spending a little time keeping that wood dry and clear, you're protecting your investment and ensuring your outdoor space is ready for spring.