Why It’s Important To Keep Leaves Off Your Deck

The beauty of the changing leaves is one of the best parts of fall—but they’re not so great when they pile on your deck. Even though it can be a pain to sweep leaves off your deck as winter approaches, doing so can prevent your deck from being damaged. Learn why it’s important to keep leaves off your deck.

Creates Stains

You might notice leaves staining your deck after they’ve sat there for a few days. They might come off, but sometimes these stains aren’t temporary. All leaves contain oils, and as they begin to decay, their acidity breaks down your deck’s sealant, staining the wood and composite.

The more porous your deck material is, the more the stains will seep in. And the longer the leaves remain on your deck, the harder it will be to remove the stains.

Cause Rotting

Leaves piling up on your deck can make your deck more susceptible to rotting. Decaying leaves trap mold and water, and leaving moisture on your deck for long periods of time can destroy the wood (unless you have composite decking.) One of the advantages of composite decking is its inability to rot.

But even composite decking isn’t impervious to stains.

Adds Weight

Snow is heavy—and winter in Denver means a lot of it. A cubic foot of snow can weigh tens of pounds, which is a significant amount of weight for your deck to hold.

Even though some leaves might not seem like they’ll affect your deck’s structure, weight can add up quickly. The added weight of wet leaves and heavy piles of snow could be too much for your deck to handle.

Deck Repair in Denver

Knowing why it’s important to keep leaves off your deck before the first snowfall can keep you from needing deck repair in Denver. If you’d like to learn tips on winterizing your deck before the snow comes, check out the blogs at Kona Contractors.