One question that may pop into your mind about safety as winter rolls in is how snow affects your aluminum deck safety.
If you live in colder areas where snow can build up, the safety of your aluminum deck can be something of a concern. Even areas that don’t typically see a lot of snowfall are being pummeled lately, so folks who haven’t had to worry about ice and snow in the past are now concerned with building decking surfaces that will be able to withstand extreme weather conditions.
Wahoo aluminum decks and decking surfaces are not only durable and water resistant; they are also extremely versatile and engineered to withstand even the harshest weather conditions. This gives you peace of mind regarding aluminum deck safety and enjoying the winter weather while you anticipate Spring time.
Here are a few things you can do to ensure the safety of your aluminum deck under snow loads.
1. Build a structurally sound deck to begin with!
If you are building a deck it is crucial that you follow all building codes. Products by Wahoo Decks, such as DryJoistEZ structural deck drainage system, comply with all current International Building Codes. Wahoo Decks also offers assistance with the engineering of building decks by providing 3rd party engineering reports for load span capabilities. Just by knowing the limitations of the decking material you are using can make the difference between having a structurally sound deck or an unstable one. Learn more about the load span of Wahoo Decks’ aluminum deck materials.
2. Seasonal Inspections
Inspecting your deck will help you catch any red flags before they turn into a problem. It is important to inspect before winter so that you can help to prevent accidents or even a collapse. Also, check your deck before beginning to use it in the spring and summer, especially if you had a heavy snowfall during your winter months. As the saying goes, “better safe than sorry!”
Click here for great tips to go by when inspecting the safety of your deck.
3. Clear excessive snow routinely
Use materials that will not scratch or otherwise harm your decking surface (especially AridDek or other Wahoo Decks aluminum deck boards), such as, plastic shovels, push brooms, and warm water. Clearing your deck in the winter months will help prevent harm from snow and ice; it will also keep your deck looking great for spring.
Aluminum deck safety is a top priority when it comes to manufacturing Wahoo Decks aluminum decking products such as AridDek, DryJoist, DryJoistEZ, and Wahoo Rail. If you are building a deck and anticipate snow loads, visit Wahoo Decks. You can also contact us to learn more about all of Wahoo Decks’ aluminum decking products or call (877) 270-9387 if you have any questions.
Sources:
Deck-Collapse-Report by Michael Morse, Brittany Corwin, Robert Morse, and Andrew Johnson