Safely Clearing Snow and Ice from Your Deck
Snow and ice on your deck can pose significant safety risks, making it essential to remove them from foot traffic areas. Clearing snow not only ensures safe passage but also complies with safety regulations that often require two or more exit paths from your home.
Can You Use a Snow Shovel on Composite Decking?
Using the wrong shovel can damage your deck's surface, especially composite decking from brands like Dekorators, TimberTech, WearDeck, Wolf Decking, Azek, Fiberon, or Trex. Avoid metal-bladed shovels or plastic shovels with metal edges, as they can scratch or gouge both real wood and composite decks.
Instead, choose a plastic snow shovel without a metal edge, ideally one designed specifically for composite decking. We recommend the 24" Crack Jumper Snow Shovel from US SHOVEL, the only shovel patented with Skid Shoes that allow it to glide smoothly across deck boards—especially over the cracks between boards. This innovative feature, inspired by professional snow plow and snowblower technology, ensures deck-safe snow removal.
Other Shovel Tips:
- If you don’t have the Crack Jumper, consider a soft plastic (polyethylene-PE) or rubber shovel, though rubber may leave skid marks.
- Avoid hard plastic shovels (polycarbonate-PC) with straight edges, especially if previously used on concrete. These edges may become sharp and damage your deck.
Shoveling Techniques
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Shovel Parallel to Deck Boards:
Pushing snow in the direction of your boards reduces the risk of catching the edges. However, the Crack Jumper Snow Shovel allows for cross-board shoveling thanks to its skid shoe technology. -
Avoid Breaking Ice with Force:
Never chip or bang ice off your deck, as this can cause indentations. Instead, use a deck-safe ice melt product or gently remove ice with the Crack Jumper shovel.
Using Ice Melt Products
Choose an ice melt specifically labeled safe for wood and composite decks. Keep the following in mind:
- Pet- and Landscaping-Safe Options: Protect your pets and surrounding vegetation.
- Avoid Salt Build-Up: Rinse excess salt after the ice melts to prevent damage to metal screws, fasteners, and deck accessories like grills or furniture.
Avoid Abrasive Materials
Using sand for traction may seem practical, but it’s an abrasive material that can cause unsightly scratches. Consider slip-resistant mats or deck-safe alternatives instead.
Preserve Your Deck’s Beauty
Protecting your deck during winter ensures its longevity and preserves its aesthetic appeal. By following these best practices, you can safely enjoy your deck year-round while avoiding costly repairs or replacements. The 24" Crack Jumper Snow Shovel is your go-to tool for maintaining your deck’s beauty and functionality, even in harsh winter conditions.