Regardless of the type of surface, removing snow with the wrong tools and ice melts can lead to aesthetic issues like scratches, cracks, and discoloration. It can also compromise the lifespan of wood and composite decks.
“The biggest problem isn’t the snow,” says Dave Kile, deck expert and owner of Trex Protect. “It’s how people try to remove it. They wait too long until snow compacts into ice, then they have to scrape aggressively.”
Here are other pitfalls to avoid when removing snow from decks and other surfaces without damaging them.
Why It’s Important to Remove Snow From Your Deck
The obvious reason to remove snow from your deck is to keep people safe from slipping and falling. But removing snow is also important to protect your deck’s lifespan.
“Snow isn’t usually what damages a deck,” says Kile. “It’s what happens after the snow. Freeze–thaw cycles cause slow damage as moisture expands and contracts, which can loosen hardware and widen small cracks over time.”
Also, when that moisture seeps into cracks, it can damage paint and cause boards to warp or rot. If it’s a heavy snow, all of that weight can also compromise a deck’s structural integrity.
Tips to Remove Snow From Your Deck (and Other Surfaces) Without Damage
Shovel Parallel to Deck Boards
Not shoveling parallel is the number one mistake homeowners make, says Kile. “Pushing perpendicular catches board edges, torques fasteners, and leaves scratches you won’t see until spring,” he says.
Avoid Metal Shovels
Metal shovels can harm all surfaces, including wood, composite, PVC, flagstone, and concrete. Instead, opt for a plastic push shovel with a rubber edge, which will help it glide along the surface. Also, try to minimize scraping or hitting the surface too hard.
“Plastic shovels and soft push brooms are your best friends,” says Anthony LaBarbera, president at Rhino Shield Texas. “Metal edges scrape paint even when you think you’re being careful, and once water gets in, the damage snowballs from there.”
Shovel All of the Snow
With wooden and composite decks, don’t just shovel a pathway or half of your deck. The remaining snow will still cause damage. Joe Marchionni, owner at Amity Home Maintenance Solutions, once had a customer who pushed all of their snow to one side of the deck. “Their idea was to get it out of the way so they could walk out onto the deck and into the backyard with the dog, but in doing this they put twice the weight load on one half of their deck,” he says.
Use Calcium Chloride Ice Melt on Wood
With wood decking, Kile recommends avoiding all ice melts except those that contain calcium chloride or eco-friendly, wood-safe alternatives. Steer clear of rock salt, magnesium chloride, dyed products, and sand, which can discolor or scratch the wood.
To use calcium chloride, apply it sparingly. Let it loosen the ice bond naturally until you can sweep the slush away. Then, once the weather allows, rinse your deck.
Use Calcium Magnesium Acetate on Hard Surfaces
For ice melt on stone, flagstone, and concrete surfaces, Kile recommends using calcium magnesium acetate (CMA). Magnesium chloride is the second-best choice. Particularly avoid rock salt, as it can stain and cause surface spalling. Pro tip: Pre-treat the surface before a storm to keep ice from bonding, says Kile.
On painted porches, avoid ice melt products altogether. “The chemicals pull moisture into the coating and slowly eat away at the paint,” says LaBarbera. “Most people don’t realize they’ve caused damage until months later, because winter scratches and chemical damage usually show up in spring when paint starts bubbling, peeling, or wearing out far sooner than it should.”
Prep Your Deck for Winter
In the fall, fix any exposed nails and screws so they’re flush or recessed into the wood or composite. That way, they won’t snag your shovel. “This should be done even without worry of a shovel, though, as you want to avoid trip hazards,” says Marchionni.
Repair Damage Promptly
For painted surfaces, if you do make a scratch, dry the area and touch it up as soon as the weather allows. “Sealing it early keeps moisture from spreading under the surrounding paint,” says LaBarbera.
FAQ
Can you use ice melt on the porch?
Sometimes, as long as it’s the right kind. “Calcium chloride is the safest option for decks and porches,” says Kile. “It works quickly and breaks the ice bond without attacking the surface.”
On wood and composite decking, avoid rock salt, magnesium chloride, gritty blends, dyes, and urea-based “pet-safe” formulas. “These can stain, corrode fasteners, or scratch surfaces,” says Kile.
About the Experts
- Dave Kile is a deck expert and owner of Trex Protect.
- Anthony LaBarbera is president at Rhino Shield Texas.
- Joe Marchionni is owner at Amity Home Maintenance Solutions in Connecticut.
Storm Prep
- Emergency Survival Kit Checklist for Severe Weather
- How To Keep Your Family and Your Home Safe During High Winds
- How To Prepare an Emergency Evacuation Plan
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