Can I Use a Snowblower on My Deck: Essential Tips for Damage-Free Snow Clearing
When winter blankets your garden in snow, your composite deck needs clearing without damage. You might wonder if a snowblower could be your ally in this task. It’s crucial to use the right type and technique to prevent harming your decking material. In this article, you’ll discover how to safely employ a snowblower on your composite deck, ensuring it stays in top condition even after a heavy snowfall.
Choosing the correct snowblower is critical, as not all are suitable for decks. You’ll learn about single-stage blowers with rubber paddles designed to protect surfaces, and how to adjust them to avoid direct contact with your deck. Stick around to get all the insights on maintaining your deck’s integrity while making snow removal a breeze.
Can I Use a Snowblower on My Deck
Using a snowblower on your composite deck requires careful decision-making and execution to ensure you don’t inadvertently harm the deck’s surface. With the right equipment and technique, you can remove snow quickly and efficiently without causing damage.
Select the Proper Snowblower
The type of snowblower you use matters immensely. A single-stage blower, designed with rubber paddles that spin rapidly, is your safest bet. These paddles scoop up the snow and eject it without making harsh contact with the deck. Whether you opt for an electric or gas model, ensure it’s a single-stage blower to prevent scratches or gouges on your composite decking.
Adjust the Blower Height
- Raise the paddles adequately
- Avoid direct contact with the deck
- Prevent accidental scraping
To safeguard your deck, adjust the snowblower so that the rubber paddles are high enough to avoid scraping the surface. Even without direct contact, the sheer force of the paddles can cause damage, so proper height adjustment is crucial.
Technique is Key
- Run the blower lengthwise
- Steer clear of deck edges
- Mimic the motion of shoveling
Imitate the strategy you use when shoveling snow. Run your snowblower in straight lines lengthwise across the deck. Keep a close eye on the plastic blade that sits at the bottom edge of the snowblower, ensuring it doesn’t collide with your decking’s edges.
By applying these methods, your efforts to maintain a clean deck throughout the winter can be successful without the worry of costly repairs or replacements.
Risks of Using a Snowblower on Your Deck
Potential Damage to the Deck Surface
When you’re faced with a thick blanket of snow, your first instinct might be to grab a snowblower. However, this equipment presents several risks to your composite deck. The deck material, a blend of wood fibers and recycled plastic, is resilient but not immune to harm. Powered snowblowers, especially those with metal parts, can gouge or scratch the surface. Even a small stone or piece of ice caught by the blower can become a projectile, wreaking havoc on your deck’s finish.
Despite their convenience, certain snowblowers have blades or paddles that could catch on hidden obstacles under the snow, such as raised nails or wood knots. A metal casing or edge coming into contact with these obstructions can cause deep scratches or divots in the deck material which are difficult, if not impossible, to repair. Adjusting the height and speed of the snowblower may minimize risks but won’t entirely safeguard against unforeseen damage.
Risk of Throwing Debris onto the Deck
The use of a snowblower can inadvertently turn hidden debris into dangerous projectiles. Items camouflaged under the snow, like stones, toys, or even hardened clumps of ice, can be picked up by the snowblower and flung at high speeds. This not only poses a threat to personal safety but can also lead to dents or chips on your deck’s surface and surrounding property like glass doors or walls.
Even snowblowers designed for composite decks should be used with caution, as there’s always a possibility of debris being tossed with enough force to cause damage. Such accidents can be costly, leading to unnecessary repairs or replacements that could have been avoided with gentler snow removal methods. Consider this when weighing the convenience of a snowblower against the well-being of your decking and your safety.
Preparing Your Deck for Snow Removal
Clearing the Deck of Furniture and Objects
Before tackling snow removal, it’s essential to prepare your deck. Start by removing all furniture and objects. This includes tables, chairs, planters, and any decorations that could obstruct your path or hide beneath the snow. Ensuring the deck is clear not only makes the removal process smoother but also helps to avoid accidental damage to both your property and the deck.
- Prevents hidden obstacles from becoming hazards
- Facilitates easier access for snow removal tools
- Protects outdoor items from winter damage
Clearing the area allows you to work more efficiently and minimises the risk of tripping or damaging items buried under the snow. It also enables you to spot and remove any debris that might have accumulated over time, reducing the likelihood of scratching your deck when using snow removal tools.
Applying a Protective Coating to the Deck Surface
To safeguard your composite deck from the harsh elements of winter, consider applying a protective coating. This coating acts as a barrier between the deck surface and environmental factors like moisture and freezing temperatures.
- Enhances durability against the harsh winter climate
- Prolongs the life of your deck
- Prevents moisture penetration and ice formation
Products designed for composite decking can help repel water and provide UV protection, preserving the colour and structural integrity of the material. It’s critical to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when applying any protective coating. Allow it to cure completely before snowfall begins. With a protective layer in place, you’re better equipped to handle snow and ice without causing undue stress to your deck’s surface. Regular maintenance, coupled with adequate preparation for snow removal, will keep your deck in pristine condition throughout winter and beyond.
Alternative Snow Removal Methods for Your Deck
When winter blankets your deck with snow, you’ll need efficient methods to clear the snow without causing damage. Exploring alternative snow removal techniques is vital, particularly for composite deck owners.
Using a Shovel to Remove Snow Manually
Manually shovelling snow off your deck is a common method that gives you full control over the process. It’s imperative to use the right type of shovel to prevent scratches or gouging—choose a shovel with a plastic or rubber edge for optimal results. The benefits of this method are significant:
- Precision: You can clear snow with accuracy, protecting your deck’s surface.
- No Noise Pollution: Shovelling is a quiet activity, causing minimum disturbance to your surroundings.
- Cost-Effective: Unlike snow blowers, shovels do not require fuel, making them cheaper to use.
However, remember that using a shovel is labour-intensive and may pose a challenge during extreme weather conditions or heavy snowfall.
Investing in a Snow Pusher or Broom
Alternatively, investing in a snow pusher or broom designed specifically for snow removal on delicate surfaces can be a game-changer. These tools are gentle on your composite deck and can swiftly move large volumes of snow with ease. Their benefits include:
- Protective: They’re less abrasive than metal shovels and won’t scratch your deck.
- Efficiency: Snow pushers are wider than regular shovels, allowing you to clear snow more quickly.
- Ease of Use: These tools require less effort than traditional shovelling, minimizing physical strain.
Given these advantages, using a snow pusher or broom stands out as a favourable method for removing snow without damaging your deck’s integrity.
Conclusion
You’ve now got the know-how to keep your composite deck in top condition during the snowy months. Opting for a shovel with a plastic or rubber edge or a specially designed snow pusher or broom can save you the worry of damaging your deck. These methods are not only gentle on surfaces but also easy on your wallet. Remember, the right tools make all the difference in preserving your deck’s longevity and appearance. So before the next snowfall hits, make sure you’re prepared to protect your outdoor investment with the perfect snow removal strategy.
Colin Macmillan is a seasoned entrepreneur and the CEO of Riverwood Landscape, a leading landscaping company based in Canada. He has been at the helm of the company since leaving high school, demonstrating his strong leadership skills and business acumen.
Colin’s expertise lies in various aspects of landscaping, including lawn care, interlocking, sod installation, and commercial maintenance. His hands-on approach and dedication to the craft have been instrumental in building Riverwood Landscape into a reputable brand.
One of his most notable achievements is the creation of a successful landscape franchise that services multiple locations. This accomplishment underscores his strategic thinking and ability to scale operations effectively.
Colin has also had the privilege of working with Guelph Hospital for landscaping and maintenance, a testament to the trust and reliability that his company has earned over the years.
His professional mission is to offer the best services and experiences for customers, a goal that he tirelessly pursues. Colin’s commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction continues to drive the growth and success of Riverwood Landscape.
