Winter Wonderland
How does harsh climate and extreme temperature variance affect your composite deck?
Extreme Temperature fluctuations can cause growth and shrinkage in your composite materials. PVC is especially susceptible to this variance in size.
Shoveling and Ice removal can put your composite and pvc deck boards in danger of scratching and gouging.
Water and freezing can cause swelling and heaving. It can also be hazardous if ice dams persist.
Wood Decks are most vulnerable.
In the Midwest, winter can be harsh, with freezing temperatures and heavy snow. Decks endure significant wear during this time. Wooden decks absorb moisture, affecting their appearance and structural integrity, while composite decking can suffer from tough shoveling. Winter damage is a concern for all decking materials, leading to costly, unsightly, and potentially unsafe conditions.
Extreme Temperature fluctuations
Composite and PVC deck boards are notorious for expansion and contraction. The longer and wider a board is the worse the expansion and contraction will be. A 20 foot long composite deck board can have a variance of 3/4” in some cases. This can cause boards to look inconsistent in gapping and miter cuts. It can also destroy a deck frame if not addressed with the right fastening systems.
The best way to combat this is to install more connection points for each board. This means installing your framing 12” on center versus 16”. Divergent goes one step farther than the competition by installing 12” on center framing versus the minimum of 16” on center.
How to safely remove snow from your composite deck.
Keep a broom close to remove snow quickly
Always use a plastic shovel, no metal.
Shovel in the direct of the length of your boards.
If possible keep all furniture off deck in winter.
Avoid using rock salt or sodium chloride.
Calcium-chloride based ice melt is best.
Water and Freezing
Frozen water can be one of the most damaging elements to any building project. If the grade of your deck is not level it can cause ice dams which are hazardous to your family. Along with Ice dams freezing and thawing inside biological materials like wood and composite can cause heaving and swelling.
The best way to combat this is to hire a reputable deck builder.
Can you build a deck in the winter?
Advantages to building your deck in the winter
There are usually no activities planned for your outdoor space in the winter. Leaving ample time for our crew to finish your project without interrupting your busy schedule
The grass is already dormant and will not die from traffic and workman.
Contractors are usually less expensive because the winter times can be slower and they are willing to discount their prices.
Divergent Deck: built winter of 2023!
What Next?
If you’re in the market for a brand-new Composite/PVC deck, let’s talk!
At Divergent Deck Builders, we build composite decks for clients across West Michigan. And the lakeshore from Saugatuck to Ludington. We work with each customer to design and build their dream deck while meeting all the codes and requirements. Feel free to check out some of our Most Recent Builds.
If you’re ready to get started, request a FREE DESIGN SESSION, and we’ll provide you with a custom quote based on your specific project.
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