How to Remove Ice and Snow from Composite and Wood Decking

Although the processes are similar, there are a few material-specific guidelines to consider when removing snow from wood decking vs. removing snow from composite decking in MA.

As a general rule for all decking installations, it’s best to first sweep off all the standing snow, and then use a plastic shovel to gently chip away at the edge of the ice sheets until they break apart.

Occasionally, the use of buckets of hot water provides a natural enhancement to speed up and ease the process.

However, if the accumulations are too great, you may have to resort to alternatives.

How to Remove Snow from a Wood Deck

Wood deck installations in MA require special considerations, and if your deck is not sealed, then you will want to avoid using salt or deicer pellets at all cost to melt ice accumulations.

These can penetrate the wood’s surfaces causing wood deterioration, which will result in the need for premature wood decking replacement.

We also recommend limiting your use of hot water in the removal of snow from wood decking that is untreated, and advise homeowners to recourse to environmentally and pet safe ice melting substances only approved for wood as an alternative to traditional methods.

How to Remove Snow from Composite Decking

Composite decking constructions in MA also have their own needs when it comes to deicing the surfaces, and beyond our simple removal recommendations, ice melt or rock salt tends to work best.

You’ll want to make sure that your product selections are safe for concrete, flagstone, and of course pets, humans, and grasses or shrubbery that may present of frequent your decking area before use.

Always avoid any ice melts with added colorants, as they can stain your deck.

When warm weather arrives, you can remove any product build off with warm water and a scrub, or invest in a professional pressure washing.

Things to Note When Removing Snow from Decking & Preventing Ice Accumulations

• Use plastic to avoid ruining the deck’s finish regardless of material.
• Run the shovel only lengthwise over the decking material to avoid scratches.
• Use environmentally sound products that are safe for pets and people.
• Cat litter is a cheap an easy to clean up method of preventing ice buildup.
• Avoid using sand on your deck – it can scratch the finish on all decking types.

Contact Us at Franca Services for all your decking needs – we provide free decking consultations in MA for your decking installation, decking replacement, or professional pressure washing needs – and much more!