Winter Deck Repairs in Vancouver: What you need to know

Winters in Vancouver are characterized as wet, rainy and cold, hardly an ideal climate to spend a lot of time outdoors. This is the reason why many of us don’t think about our decks during the winter months. However, just because you aren’t making regular use of your deck during winter doesn’t mean it isn’t under stress from various factors and won’t need repairs. In today’s blog we will be looking at what you need to know about winter deck repairs in Vancouver.

Why make Winter Repairs?

Because your deck is a constant outdoor fixture it is regularly subjected to the elements. That means that during Vancouver’s wet winters your deck will experience regular rain, occasional snow and cold overnight temperatures which can put a great deal of stress on your deck. It is important to keep in mind that different deck materials have different concerns in winter, natural wooden decks are far more vulnerable to moisture than vinyl or composite decks and if proper repairs are not performed it can lead to more serious damage. The constant moisture also carries with it the possibility of mold and mildew taking hold on your deck, causing damage and leaving unsightly stains that are tough to get out. There are also some advantages to performing repairs during winter, as if you repair your deck during winter, it will be ready to use when spring arrives.

Winter Repair Concerns

While it is possible to make repairs during winter in Vancouver there are several things that should be kept in mind when planning and making repairs. For starters winter repairs can be more time consuming as you should not make repairs when the weather outside is poor, this can allow moisture to seep into areas that are normally covered or sealed, so you may find yourself waiting days for the weather to clear before you start your repairs. Resealing your deck in winter can also be difficult as you shouldn’t apply any sealant during periods of high humidity or immediately following heavy rain as it can have difficulty curing. Materials may also be more limited during winter as there simply isn’t as much demand. If you are having your deck professionally repaired during winter, there may also be an increased labor cost, and many laborers will not be willing to work in the rain possibly increasing costs and causing delays.

We hope we have been able to show you what you need to know about winter deck repairs in Vancouver. If you have any questions about winter deck repairs or have any other questions about decks in Vancouver, please feel free to contact us.

Deck Experts, based in Surrey, BC, are professional deck builders with a long track record of success. We offer free estimates and long warranties and can build or fix any deck around. If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about decks, please call us at (604) 626-7100.