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The trees are bare, clocks have rolled back, and the Holidays are just around the corner which means now is the time to prepare for Old Man Winter to make his appearance. For those of us with a Composite deck, that means having the proper products to remove snow and ice on hand to ensure you, and your deck, remain safe. While most of us have wintertime necessities like hats, gloves, and coats at home, there are those of us that always seem to wait until the last minute to prepare for the cold months ahead. As soon as the first Winter Storm Warning alert is released there will be a mad rush on essentials – like milk, toilet paper, ice melt and shovels. Once the initial rush hits the store there are usually slim pickings left for those less prepared which means you may have no choice but to buy products that could have adverse effects on your deck. If you’re a new deck owner, just had a deck renovated, or have enjoyed your deck for multiple seasons, here are a few tips and tricks as recommended by the top manufacturers on how to care for your Composite deck this winter season. (If you do not have time to read the recommendations below just follow the links in the names to go directly to the Care & Cleaning resources for each Manufacturer on the list) Need to cut to the chase - I have created a combined list based on each Manufacturers’ recommendation on safe snow and ice removal here: Always use Pet Safe ice melt and plastic shovels without a metal edge (you can also use a broom or a leaf blower to remove snow). Never use course material (sand, gravel, kitty litter), other than pet safe ice melt, for traction. Sweep excess ice melt from boards to avoid over exposure to chemicals. Never use a tarp as this can potentially cause discoloration to the boards. Never try to remove ice with force or scraping. TiimberTech | Azek Snow and Ice Removal “As with any walking surface, TimberTech Deck or Porch products may become slippery in freezing weather. Take caution when walking in these conditions. For ice removal, most products containing calcium chloride can be used without damage to the deck or porch surface. These products may leave a white residue which can be cleaned using the cleaning guidelines in the previous pages. Metal shovels or plastic shovels with a metal leading edge will damage the surface of an TimberTech Deck or Porch and are not recommended for clearing snow from deck surface.” Deckorators Snow and Ice Removal: “Care should be taken when removing snow from your deck to avoid damaging the deck surface. We recommend using a plastic snow shovel, one without a metal edge. A stiff bristled, push broom can work very well and minimizes lifting. Light snow can also be cleared using a leaf blower. Do not attempt to break up or scrape ice from the deck surface; use ice melt products when needed. We are not aware of any adverse effects from the temporary use of ice melting products on Deckorators decking; however, we recommend using an ice melt product that is less harsh on the surface. These types of ice melt products may indicate "Safe for Pets" "will not harm concrete," or "will not kill grass.". Ensure that after the ice and snow melts, you brush off any residual ice melt product.” MoistureShield Snow and Ice Removal “Use a clear ice melt formula or rock salt to prevent accidental stains on your composite deck from these materials.  Select ice melt that indicates it’s safe for use on concrete and flagstone, as well as safe for children and pets. Remove excess ice melt or salt from your deck with a push broom. Clean your deck as soon as outdoor temperatures permit with warm soapy water and a thorough rinse to ensure the surface is clear of any remaining ice melt or rock salt. Do not use sharp tools (such as metal shovels, and metal or plastic ice picks) to clear snow and ice. They can accidentally gouge your composite deck surface. Do not apply sand over your decking to create traction. Sand is highly abrasive and can scratch any composite decking surface.” Trex Snow and Ice Removal: “A plastic shovel may be used to remove snow from the deck. Use calcium chloride or rock salt to melt the snow and ice from the deck surface.” Fiberon Snow and Ice Removal: “To remove ice and snow never use sand, use a calcium chloride-based “ice-melt” or rock salt. Do not use ice melt with an added colorant. The dyes can stain your composite decking.” You can rest assured that your deck boards will look as good as new if you follow these easy steps to keep you safe while out on the deck this winter.  Ladiesburg Lumber and Supply stocks Pet Safe Ice Melt, Plastic Shovels and Brooms to help keep you safe – call or stop by to learn more about the full line of deck care products we carry.

Vinyl fences are an excellent investment for any homeowner looking for a low-maintenance, durable fencing solution. However, during the winter season, vinyl fences can be subjected to harsh weather conditions that can cause damage or affect their appearance. Here are some tips on how to maintain your vinyl fence during the winter season. Clean the fence regularly It's essential to keep your vinyl fence clean to prevent dirt, debris, and other elements from damaging the fence's surface. Use a garden hose or pressure washer to clean the fence, starting from the top down. You can also use a mild detergent solution to remove stubborn stains and dirt. Inspect the fence for damage Check your fence regularly for any signs of damage, including cracks, holes, or warping. Repair any damage immediately to prevent it from getting worse. For minor damage, you can use a vinyl fence repair kit, which is readily available at your local hardware store. Protect your fence from snow and ice Heavy snow and ice can put a strain on your vinyl fence, causing it to crack or warp. To prevent damage, ensure that your fence is not buried under snow or ice. You can use a broom to remove snow from the fence regularly. Also, avoid using salt or ice melt products near your vinyl fence as they can cause discoloration. Trim any nearby trees or plants If you have trees or plants growing close to your vinyl fence, ensure that you trim them regularly. Overhanging branches can break off and damage your fence during heavy winds or snowstorms. Store any outdoor furniture away from the fence If you have any outdoor furniture, ensure that you store it away from the fence during the winter season. This will prevent it from damaging the fence during strong winds or heavy snowfall. In conclusion, maintaining your vinyl fence during the winter season is essential to ensure its durability and longevity. Regular cleaning, inspections, and repairs can prevent damage and keep your fence looking great for years to come.