When we get cold, we have the option to go inside and warm up—maybe sit by the fire with a cup of hot chocolate. When your deck gets cold, relocation isn’t exactly an option. Sure, it’s not a living, breathing being, but that doesn’t mean harsh weather can’t pose a threat to it. As temperatures fluctuate, the freeze-thaw cycle puts stress on materials. Snow, ice, and moisture pose threats that make your choice of decking material—pressure treated lumber, metal, or composite decking—a critical one. Let’s go over the details of weather-resistant materials that will hold up well against the cold, versus those materials that will require frequent deck maintenance.
Key Features to Look Out For
There are a lot of materials on the market that could be used to build your deck. However, not all of them resist extreme weather equally well. Narrow down your search by looking for the following features:
Durability in Freeze-Thaw Cycles
Expansion and contraction is a common effect of freeze-thaw cycles, so it’s important to select a material that can endure these fluctuations. Otherwise, you may be dealing with extensive cracking and other damage. The best composite decking options, for example, will offer a high level of resistance. They’re intentionally engineered to be flexible and strong.
Resistance to Moisture
With cold weather comes snow and ice, and with snow and ice comes moisture. When that’s thrown in the mix, a material that resists it is key. If you want to avoid frequent deck maintenance necessitated by warping, rotting, and other water-related damage, make sure your selection is a trusted name in water-resistant materials.
Slip Resistance
This blog isn’t just about protecting your deck; it’s about protecting you, as well. Ice and snow may look pretty, but when they’re covering the surfaces you walk on, they pose a significant risk of injury. In fact, about 97% of all weather-related injuries are due to slipping on snow or ice. Choose a textured or slip-resistant material to mitigate this risk. Some options—such as pressure treated lumber and composite decking—offer built-in or natural textures that provide that extra grip you need.
Top Decking Materials for Cold Climates
Now let’s take a closer look at the materials used in products from our favorite brands like TimberTech, Deckorators, Trex, MoistureShield, and Fiberon. What gives them the features we just discussed?
Composite Decking
Composite decking is a combination of wood and plastic fibers, making it a low-maintenance, moisture-resistant option that’s less prone to warping. This material handles the freeze-thaw cycle well, and, as a nice bonus, it resists fading. Keep your deck intact and attractive all throughout its life! For the best composite decking materials, get in touch with us.
Pressure Treated Lumber
This is an affordable option that’s specifically treated to resist insects and moisture. Bear in mind that it requires more maintenance than other options. Sealing and staining will be a common activity for you. With the right care, though, pressure treated lumber can last for years despite cold climates!
PVC Decking
Looking for a durable, low-maintenance option? This is it! It resists moisture and is more than up to the task of withstanding cold weather. Thanks to its plastic features, it doesn’t absorb water, so cracking and warping aren’t a concern. If you’re prioritizing user safety, a slip-resistant texture is an option.
Aluminum Decking
This option is exceptionally strong and offers impressive longevity. As such, it’s an ideal choice for places with extreme weather. It’s slip resistant by nature, can withstand shifts with no issue, and the maintenance requirements are minimal. The up-front investment is higher than other options, but the money you save in the long term more than makes up for it. In short, aluminum offers unmatched durability when it comes to frigid weather.
Maintenance Tips
- Regular Snow Removal: Want to avoid ice buildup? Grab a plastic shovel and get to work (metal shovels can scratch your decking no matter what material you selected)!
- Avoid Salt: Wood and composite decking are prone to damage when you use salt on them. We know it can be tempting to lay some down prior to a big snow, so consider a calcium-chloride ice melt.
- Sealing and Staining for Wood Decks: Before the seriously cold weather sets in, make sure you apply sealant so your deck doesn’t absorb moisture. This sealant will also help your deck keep that new look that too many old decks are lacking.
The Choice Is Yours
Pressure treated lumber. Composite decking. PVC. Aluminum. They all offer qualities that provide protection from the cold, but they’re not created equal. It comes down to what’s important to you. Do you want to avoid constant maintenance? Are you only worried about flexibility? When you know what you’re looking for, get in touch with us and we can supply you with everything you need!
