You know that feeling when you step onto your deck after a brutal Colorado winter and wonder if it’ll actually hold your weight? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Living in Colorado means we get to enjoy some of the most beautiful outdoor weather in the country, but it also means our decks take an absolute beating from Mother Nature’s mood swings.
I’ve been working with homeowners in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas for over two decades now, and let me tell you – I’ve seen what happens when people ignore deck maintenance. It’s not pretty, and it’s definitely not cheap to fix. But here’s the good news: with the right approach, you can keep your deck looking great and functioning safely for years to come, even with our crazy weather patterns.
Why Colorado Weather Is So Tough on Decks
Before we get into how to fix things, let’s talk about what we’re up against. Colorado’s weather is like that friend who can’t make up their mind – one day it’s 70 degrees and sunny, the next we’re getting dumped on with snow. This constant back-and-forth creates the perfect recipe for deck damage.
We’re dealing with intense UV rays at high altitude (hello, sunburn in February!), sudden temperature swings that can be 40+ degrees in a single day, moisture from snow and rain, and freeze-thaw cycles that can literally tear materials apart. Add in our lovely hailstorms and occasional high winds, and your deck is basically in survival mode year-round.
The altitude factor is huge too. At our elevation, UV rays are about 25% stronger than at sea level. That means your deck’s finish and wood are getting fried faster than you’d expect. I’ve seen brand-new decks start showing UV damage within their first summer if they weren’t properly protected.
Spring: Your Deck’s Wake-Up Call
Spring is when you’ll discover what winter did to your deck. Don’t worry – most of what you find can be fixed pretty easily if you catch it early. Think of this as your deck’s annual physical exam.
The Post-Winter Inspection
Grab a cup of coffee and take a slow walk around your deck. You’re looking for loose boards, popped nails or screws, cracked wood, and any areas where the stain or sealant looks worn or peeling. Pay special attention to areas that got the most snow and ice buildup.
Check the railings by giving them a gentle shake – they should feel solid. If there’s any wiggle, you’ll want to tighten those connections before someone leans on them. I always tell my clients to look at their deck like they’re buying a used car – get down and look underneath too. Check for any sagging joists or signs of rot.
Deep Cleaning Time
Once you’ve assessed the damage, it’s time for a good deep clean. I’m not talking about a quick spray with the hose – your deck needs some TLC after being buried under snow for months.
Start by removing all furniture and decorations. Then sweep off all the debris, paying attention to the gaps between boards where leaves and gunk love to hide. For the actual cleaning, you’ve got a few options. A pressure washer works great, but be careful – too much pressure can actually damage the wood fibers and create more problems.
If you’re using a pressure washer, keep it at 1,500 PSI or less and hold the nozzle at about a 45-degree angle. Work with the grain of the wood, not against it. For composite decks, you can usually handle a bit more pressure, but still be gentle.
For a more controlled approach, use a deck cleaner and a stiff brush. There are tons of commercial deck cleaners available, or you can make your own with oxygen bleach and water. Avoid chlorine bleach – it’ll damage the wood and harm your plants.
Repair Work
This is where you fix all those little issues you found during your inspection. Loose boards need to be re-secured, and any popped nails should be replaced with deck screws (they hold better). If you find cracked boards, you can often fix small cracks with wood filler, but bigger splits usually mean it’s time for a replacement board.
Don’t ignore small problems thinking they’ll go away – they won’t. That tiny crack will become a big split after next winter’s freeze-thaw cycles. Trust me on this one.
Summer: Protection Mode
Summer in Colorado is gorgeous, but it’s also when your deck faces its biggest UV challenge. The combination of intense sun and occasional afternoon thunderstorms means you need to be proactive about protection.
Staining and Sealing
If your deck’s stain is looking faded or worn, summer is the perfect time to refresh it. But timing matters – you don’t want to stain during a heat wave when the wood is too hot, and you definitely don’t want to get caught by one of our famous afternoon storms.
The best time to stain is when temperatures are between 50-80 degrees, with no rain in the forecast for at least 24-48 hours. Early morning or late afternoon works best to avoid the intense midday sun.
Before you stain, the deck needs to be completely clean and dry. If you just cleaned it in spring, you might be able to get away with a light cleaning, but if it’s been a few months, you’ll want to clean it again.
Choose a stain that’s designed for your climate. In Colorado, I always recommend semi-transparent or solid stains over clear sealers because they provide better UV protection. The pigments in the stain act like sunscreen for your wood.
Dealing with Hail Damage
Hail is just part of life here, and it can absolutely wreck a deck’s finish. If you get hit with a significant hail storm, inspect your deck as soon as it’s safe to do so. Small hail might just knock some of the stain off, but larger hail can actually dent and damage the wood itself.
For minor damage, you might be able to touch up with matching stain. For more extensive damage, you’re looking at a full refinishing job. The good news is that hail damage is often covered by homeowner’s insurance, so document everything with photos and contact your insurance company.
Managing Heat and UV Exposure
Those intense summer days can really cook your deck. If possible, provide some shade with umbrellas, pergolas, or awnings. Not only will this make your deck more comfortable to use, but it’ll also extend the life of your stain and the wood itself.
Keep an eye on your deck furniture too. Heavy pieces can trap heat and moisture against the deck surface, leading to discoloration or even damage. Consider moving furniture around periodically to prevent permanent marks.
Fall: Prep for the Battle Ahead
Fall is your last chance to get your deck ready for winter. Don’t wait until the first snow – once it hits, you’re stuck with whatever condition your deck is in until spring.
Final Cleaning and Inspection
Give your deck another thorough cleaning to remove all the summer’s accumulation of dirt, pollen, and organic matter. Pay special attention to removing leaves and debris from between boards and in corners where water might collect and freeze.
This is also a good time for another inspection. Look for any new damage that might have occurred over the summer, and address it before winter weather makes it worse.
Gutter and Drainage Check
Make sure your gutters are clean and directing water away from your deck. Ice dams and overflowing gutters can dump tons of water and ice onto your deck, causing serious damage. If your deck doesn’t have proper drainage, consider adding some before winter hits.
Furniture and Accessory Storage
Decide what’s staying out for winter and what’s going into storage. Anything that’s staying needs to be able to handle freeze-thaw cycles and snow load. Metal furniture can rust, and some materials become brittle in extreme cold.
For items you’re storing, make sure they’re completely clean and dry before putting them away. Trapped moisture can lead to mold and mildew problems.
Winter: Damage Control
Winter maintenance is mostly about minimizing damage and staying safe. You can’t prevent all winter damage, but you can reduce it significantly with the right approach.
Snow Removal Strategy
Here’s where I see a lot of people make mistakes. Yes, you should remove snow from your deck, but how you do it matters. Never use a metal shovel or ice scraper directly on the deck surface – you’ll scratch and gouge the wood or composite material.
Use a plastic shovel or a push broom for light snow. For heavier snow, a snow blower works great if you can get it up there safely. Leave about an inch of snow on the deck to protect the surface from the scraping action of your tools.
For ice, resist the urge to chop it off with tools. Instead, use ice melt that’s safe for decks – avoid rock salt, which can damage both wood and composite materials. Look for calcium chloride or magnesium chloride products instead.
Preventing Ice Dams
Ice dams on your roof can cause water to back up and flow onto your deck. Make sure your gutters are clear and consider installing heating cables if ice dams are a recurring problem. The last thing you want is a sheet of ice forming on your deck – it’s dangerous and can cause structural damage.
Safety First
Be extra careful on your deck during winter. Even if it looks clear, there might be black ice, especially in shaded areas. Keep pathways clear and consider adding some temporary traction strips in high-traffic areas.
Material-Specific Maintenance Tips
Different deck materials need different approaches, and what works for pressure-treated lumber might not be right for composite decking.
Wood Decks
Wood decks need the most attention, but they’re also the most forgiving when it comes to repairs. Cedar and redwood naturally resist rot and insects, but they still need regular staining. Pressure-treated lumber is more durable but can look pretty rough if you don’t maintain the finish.
For wood decks, plan on restaining every 2-3 years in our climate. You might be able to stretch it to 4 years if your deck doesn’t get much direct sun, but don’t push it. The cost of restaining is nothing compared to replacing rotted boards.
Composite Decks
Composite decking is marketed as low-maintenance, and it is compared to wood, but it’s not no-maintenance. You still need to clean it regularly and watch for issues like fading, staining, and thermal expansion problems.
The good news is that composite doesn’t need staining, and it won’t rot or splinter. The bad news is that when it does get damaged, repairs are often more complicated than with wood.
PVC and Vinyl Decks
These materials are the lowest maintenance option, but they can become brittle in extreme cold. Be extra gentle with snow removal, and avoid dropping heavy objects on the deck when temperatures are below freezing.
When to Call the Professionals
Look, I’m all for DIY projects, but there are times when you should call in the pros. If you’re dealing with structural issues, major repairs, or if you’re just not comfortable working at height, don’t risk it.
Here at Stewart Remodel Design Build, we’ve been helping Colorado Springs homeowners maintain and improve their outdoor spaces since 1999. We’ve seen every type of deck problem you can imagine, and we know how to fix them right the first time.
Some signs you should call a professional include:
- Structural sagging or bouncing
- Extensive rot or insect damage
- Electrical issues with deck lighting
- Major staining or refinishing projects
- Any repairs involving railings or stairs
Creating a Maintenance Schedule
The key to keeping your deck in great shape is consistency. Here’s a simple schedule that works for most Colorado decks:
Monthly (during use season): Quick visual inspection, sweep clean, move furniture around
Spring: Deep clean, thorough inspection, minor repairs, restain if needed
Summer: Monitor for UV damage, manage heat exposure, post-storm inspections
Fall: Final cleaning, prep for winter, major repairs if needed
Winter: Snow removal, ice management, safety checks
Keep a simple log of what you do and when. It doesn’t need to be fancy – just notes on your phone or a notebook. This helps you track when you last stained, what products you used, and when problems first appeared.
The Cost of Neglect
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but ignoring deck maintenance is expensive. A deck that should last 15-20 years with proper care might need major repairs or replacement in 5-7 years without it.
Simple annual maintenance might cost you $200-500 in materials and time. But replacing a deck? You’re looking at $15,000-30,000 or more, depending on size and materials. The math is pretty clear.
Plus, there’s the safety factor. A neglected deck isn’t just ugly – it can be dangerous. Loose railings, rotted boards, and structural problems can lead to serious injuries and liability issues.
Making It Manageable
Deck maintenance doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Break it down into small, manageable tasks. Spend 30 minutes a month during the warm season just looking things over and doing basic cleaning. Schedule one bigger maintenance day each spring and fall.
Get your family involved – kids can help with sweeping and basic cleaning, and it’s a good way to teach them about taking care of their home. Make it part of your seasonal routine, like putting up Christmas lights or planting the garden.
Your Next Steps
If you’re feeling overwhelmed after reading all this, take a deep breath. Start with a simple inspection of your deck’s current condition. Make a list of what needs attention, prioritize the safety issues, and tackle one thing at a time.
If your deck needs major work or if you’re not sure where to start, give us a call at (719) 266-0336. We’re located right here in Colorado Springs at 5061 N 30th St #102, and we’d be happy to take a look and give you an honest assessment of what needs to be done.
Remember, your deck is an investment in your home and your quality of life. With Colorado’s amazing weather (when it’s cooperating), there’s nothing better than relaxing on a well-maintained deck with a cold drink and a great view. A little maintenance now will keep you enjoying that deck for years to come.
The bottom line is this: Colorado’s weather is tough on decks, but it’s not impossible to manage. With regular attention and the right approach, your deck can handle whatever our crazy climate throws at it. Don’t wait until small problems become big ones – your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.