How to Melt Snow on a Wooden Deck
Removing snow from areas with heavy foot traffic is important for safety reasons. However, removing snow from your wooden deck can be difficult. While melting snow with rock salt is the easiest way to remove it from concrete, salt can corrode and dry out wood, leaving it brittle and unstable. Though some natural ice melters exist, the best way to keep your deck clear of snow is the old fashioned way. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Use a large outdoor broom with thick bristles to push and sweep the snow off the deck. This is especially effective on newly fallen snow, or light snow that is only a few inches deep.
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Use a plastic shovel if you have four or more inches of snow. Do not use a metal shovel as it can scrape up and ruin the finish on your deck. Run your shovel lengthwise over the deck boards. If you shovel cross-wise you can scratch the wood.
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Sweep the remaining snow off the deck with the broom once you finish shoveling.
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Shovel as frequently as possible and avoid walking on the snow to keep from packing it down. Frequent shoveling will make removing the snow much easier.
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Use a pet safe ice melter if shoveling and sweeping is out of the question. Although not as powerful as rock salt, these products are environmentally safe. Check the label on how to use and whether or not it is safe for wood.
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References
Resources
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