How to Winterize Your Vinyl Deck in 3 Steps

There’s no more denying it. The days are shorter. The temperature is colder. Winter is on its way.

If you’ve got a covered deck, you might use it all year round, but decks exposed to the rain and snow tend to get neglected through the winter months.

There’s a few things you can do to keep your vinyl sundeck in top shape to survive the harsher winter weather and be ready for a simple cleaning come spring.

#1 – First, if you have not already done so, pack away any seasonal furniture or planters stored on your deck. When you are not using your deck frequently, you may not notice the debris or dirt that can accumulate around the edges of temporary furniture or fixtures of your deck, making for a tougher scrubbing in the spring.

#2 – Clear any organic debris that has accumulated. If you are lucky enough to have a lot of trees around your deck, that good fortune is often is accompanied by leaves and twigs that autumn weather can send to your deck in wet, mucky piles. Be sure to remove organic matter before it starts to decompose as this can lead to stains on your vinyl deck that can be difficult to remove.

#3 – Wash your deck with a mild cleaner and rinse thoroughly. While it is easy to brush this one off the list until spring, you can make your spring clean a little easier if you perform once before winter. You can use a vinyl deck cleaner for a gentle clean but if you would like to substitute for a more common household cleaner we have found that diluted Cascade powdered dish detergent works well also. Simply scrub with a soft bristled brush or broom. No matter what product you use to clean, make sure it is safe for use on vinyl and be sure to rinse well so there is no chemical residue remaining.

Now your deck is ready for winter, and probably looks so great that you will still want to use it every chance you get.

If you do access your vinyl deck through the winter months, have some rock salt or other snow melting chemicals on hand to deal with slippery ice and snow. Just remember that as soon as the spring weather arrives, you must rinse those chemicals off your deck to get keep your vinyl from premature aging.

Depending on the amount of snow accumulation you get, you may also want to be sure to have a plastic edged snow shovel on hand. Avoid the use of metal edged shovels on your vinyl deck so there is no chance of puncturing the membrane.

If you have been considering a deck renovation, don’t wait until spring or summer when deck builders are at their busiest. Start the conversation now to get an estimate on your decking project.

In many areas, Duradek installers can take care of re-surfacing your deck with Duradek vinyl all year round.  

Duradek installers are a very talented and creative bunch of contractors. Communicate with your Duradek contractor and don’t be afraid to ask him to make use of any scrap bits of left over vinyl (if there are any). Little, left-over vinyl remnants work well to place under metal planters to stop rust from developing on your permanent deck; and creative uses like this mini snow slide protects the landing of a patio stairway from snow accumulation.

In the fall and winter months, deck contractors have a little more time than they do in the summer to accommodate extra requests.

Clean Your Deck Before Winter for Best Appearance in Spring

Now that winter is nearly upon us and we are spending more time indoors, you might not have your sundeck on your mind...but now is the time to be sure to give your deck a little TLC to ensure it stays in its best condition.

While some people use their decks and balconies all year round, many of us don't spend much time on our decks when the cold weather hits so be sure to consider your deck before it is out of sight, out of mind. When you are doing your annual winterizing, make sure your deck is on the list. Most people will put away the lawnmower, outdoor furniture and summer sporting equipment. Those with a boat or RV will tend to take the time to store it in a garage or at least tarp it up for the winter; but many times people will neglect their decks.

Remember, even your low maintenance deck needs a little attention. Anything that is permanently outside exposed to the elements 24 hours a day, 7 days a week is going to accumulate some dirt. You can make your spring cleaning job a whole lot easier if you take the time to clean your deck before winter too.

At Duradek, we love that our vinyl deck membranes are such a low maintenance deck surface that they never needing re-coating to keep doing its waterproofing job, but to keep it looking great, we recommend that you give it a cleaning 4 times a year. The change of seasons is a good reminder that it might be time to clean your deck. Here are some quick tips to keep your deck looking great....

The 3-C's of Deck TLC

• Clear
• Clean
• Consider

Clear Your Duradek Deck

First thing to do when winterizing your deck is to clear away any seasonal items that need to be protected or will not be needed through the winter. Take away metal furniture or planters that can encourage the development of rust on your deck's surface. Remove any organic debris as soon as possible. Rust, leaves and other organic matter can stain your deck surface and the longer it remains and is allowed to settle into the membrane, the harder it will be to clean off.

Cleaning Your Duradek Deck

Your vinyl deck should be cleaned at least 4 times a year with the Duradek vinyl cleaner available from your local Duradek dealer. This cleaner is designed specifically for vinyl and will NOT leave harmful chemical residue like many household cleaners may. Use warm water and a stiff broom, scrubbing in a circular motion to loosen the dirt. Then simply spray with a garden hose (under pressure) to wash away the loose dirt and flush thoroughly with clean water.

If you choose to use a household cleaning product, we would recommend Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent or Simple Green as reasonable options, however we do not recommend the use of household cleaners in general as certain types of cleaners, powdered abrasives, steel wool and industrial cleaners can cause damage and discoloration. Dry cleaning fluids should not be used as they will remove the printed pattern and glass. Waxes should not be used as they may contain dyes or solvents that can permanently damage the protective coating.

Your best choice of cleaning products will state that it is safe to use on vinyl. While all cleaning methods require a thorough rinse with water, using any household product dramatically increases the need to flush the deck thoroughly with clean water to ensure all residues are removed. The residue may not be obviously visible to the eye, but if any remains, the sun can bake the harmful chemicals into your vinyl and it may affect its appearance.

If your vinyl pattern is one of the more textured surfaces that offers a more effective non-slip characteristic, it will likely require a little more cleaning effort than a vinyl pattern with a smoother surface. Power washing is an effective method of removing dirt and debris, although it is not intended for removing embedded stains. Set your power washer at 1500 psi (max.) and hold nozzle 12 inches from the surface and be careful to avoid seams, railing attachments, caulking or house trims.

Consider Your Duradek Vinyl Deck

Deck inspections are an important part of your home maintenance and should be completed at least once a year. Before the really heavy rain or snow takes over for the chilly winter months is a good time to inspect the details around your deck, particularly at the critical inside perimeters that protects your building envelope. By ensuring your perimeter details are still securely in place will provide peace of mind that your Duradek vinyl deck is still performing as expected and will protect your home from potential water damage. When inspecting your deck, remember to:

• Check the caulking seals around posts and pillars
• Check corner details
• Check the caulking seals around vents and drains

Check the perimeter of your deck along the houseto ensure it remains sealed securely.

Be sure to check seals around posts and pillars and
that the flashing on the edges is securely in place.

Be sure to check seals around posts and pillars and that the flashing on the edges is securely in place. Over time, your home may shift and settle and these annual deck inspections will uncover any potential problems with broken seals. If you discover some caulking has pulled away from the wood or a seal has cracked, contact your Duradek dealer who will recommend the proper sealant to correct it. It is much better to check for these little details before the heavy rains come and you find out water has found a way to get through to your home.

Cleaned and Cared For…Now Enjoy!

Though no exterior surface is completely impervious to the elements, by taking the small amount of time required to properly clean your deck at the change of the seasons, you will help to ensure that your deck appearance lasts as long as the guaranteed waterproofing performance of your Duradek vinyl deck. No matter what the season, Duradek protects your outdoor living space all year, every year. To find a local Duradek Dealer, visit the Duradek website’s Dealer Locator.

Duradek Winter Deck Care Reminders

While we are inching our way through winter, many regions have had heavier than normal snowfall this year and dreams of barbecues on the deck still seem so far away. But dealing with the maintenance required to survive snow this winter is not as difficult as you might think on your Duradek vinyl deck.

Those of you who have a deck protected with Duradek’s Walkable Rooftop Deck and Waterproofing Vinyl have an attractive and low maintenance decking solution throughout the year and winter is no exception.

Duradek vinyl allows for easy and worry-free winter deck care. PLUS - if your Duradek vinyl is on a second level deck....you've got a protected, dry area underneath and can still enjoy a little outdoor living space when the snow has covered everything else.

Even with a heavy snow, Duradek keeps the
lower decks clear for use.

Duradek vinyl is strong and you can use a variety of snow and ice melting solutions on it without concern.

• Rock Salt - OK!
• Snow Melting Chemicals - OK!
• Kitty Litter (for non-slip traction) - OK!

That being said, I'd like to take this moment to stress that if you choose to use kitty litter for non-slip traction, be sure to use the old-fashioned traditional kitty litter that is coarse and non-clumping. If you mistakenly use the fine-sand clumping cat litter, you will wind up with a heavy, muddy mess to clean up.

Get the Most Longevity in Your Deck’s Appearance

All you have to do to ensure your deck is unaffected by brutal winter conditions is to remember a couple of simple tips:

Only use a plastic shovel to remove snow and ice from your deck surface.

• Driving a metal shovel down through the snow and ice to your deck surface risks puncturing the vinyl and sacrificing your waterproof security.

Clean your deck with soap and water, and rinse before the spring and summer sunshine returns.

• While the chemicals from de-icers do not damage the vinyl surface when applied, if a chemical film is left on the surface, direct sun can bake those chemicals into the vinyl which is harmful and will affect your deck’s appearance.

That’s all there is to it! Now you can rest assured that you can take all precautions available to keep your deck clear of ice and snow through the remaining winter months and look forward to the return of the warm weather to get back to really enjoying your deck again.

If you do not yet have a Duradek waterproof deck and you would like to talk to a Duradek dealer about your decking needs, contact a Duradek dealer in your area for a free estimate.

Dealing with Snow and Ice on Your Vinyl Deck

Winter is here and in many regions snow has already blanketed the landscape. After a moment of appreciation of the pristine beauty of a fresh snowfall, your spirits may be dampened by the anticipation of the realities of dealing with the snow and of the maintenance required to survive the winter.

Those of you who have a deck protected with Duradek’s Walkable Rooftop Deck and Waterproofing Vinyl have an attractive and low maintenance decking solution throughout the year and winter is no exception. Duradek vinyl allows for easy and worry-free winter deck care.

Duradek vinyl is strong and you can use a variety of snow and ice melting solutions on it without concern.

• Rock Salt - OK!
• Kitty Litter (for non-slip traction) - OK!
• Snow Melting Chemicals - OK!

Luckily, for the Duradek homeowner, Duradek’s superior vinyl strength and durability is not threatened by Mother Nature.


Duradek can handle the snow and the ice-melters to get rid of it.

Duradek patterns and colors are beautiful all year round, but how does a homeowner ensure that they are going to get the most longevity in their deck’s appearance when the wicked winter weather attempts to cover our decks with ice and snow?

All you have to do to ensure your deck is unaffected by brutal winter conditions is to remember a couple of simple tips:

Only use a plastic shovel to remove snow and ice from your deck surface.

• Driving a metal shovel down through the snow and ice to your deck surface risks puncturing the vinyl and sacrificing your waterproof security.

Clean your deck with soap and water, and rinse before the spring and summer sunshine returns.

• While the chemicals from de-icers do not damage the vinyl surface when applied, if its film is left on the surface, direct sun can bake the chemicals into the vinyl which is harmful and will affect your deck’s appearance.

That’s all there is to it! Now you can rest assured that you can take all precautions available to keep your deck clear of ice and snow through the cold winter months and look forward to the return of the warm weather to get back to enjoying your deck again.

If you do not yet have a Duradek waterproof deck and you would like to talk to a Duradek dealer about your decking needs, contact a Duradek dealer in your area for a free estimate.

Is Your Deck Still Buried in Late Winter Snow?

While there is only a week left of winter and we are all anticipating getting out on our decks this spring, many North American communities are still covered in a blanket of white. If your deck is protected with Duradek vinyl, you've got an advantage with how easy it is to remove snow from your Duradek and prepare for the spring.

Duradek vinyl membranes protect your deck and your home from melting snow and ice that has the potential to cause water damage, and once you get all that snow removed you will see that your Duradek has survived the winter very well. Just be sure to use a snow shovel that does not have a metal edge so that you don't risk damaging the vinyl surface.

Check Out How This Duradek Homeowner Feels About Snow Removal From a Duradek Deck

Once you are free from winter, remember to give your Duradek deck or balcony a cleaning to remove any chemical residue from de-icers that you may have used throughout the winter. The chemicals in de-icers themselves will not harm your vinyl deck surface, but if the sun has a chance to 'bake' the chemicals into your deck it may age your deck's appearance faster than normal UV exposure would.

That's it for maintenance! Decks protected with Duradek need no other maintenance besides a seasonal cleaning and annual inspection. So when the spring weather arrives and your neighbors are busy slaving away with sanding and staining, you can invite them over for a relaxing beverage on your beautiful, low maintenance Duradek deck. And you might want to share with them that they can contact a Duradek Dealer in your area for a free estimate for their own decks too.

How to Deal with Heavy Snow on Your Duradek Deck

Mother Nature has not been kind to everyone this winter. From the east coast to the Midwest, decks have accumulated much more than average snowfall.

While in the midst of brutal winter storms, your deck is probably not your first priority but it still will need to be made passable and safe until the spring weather and warmer temperatures make it your favorite place once again.

To get the longest life from your Duradek vinyl deck, we wanted to take a moment to remind you of how to best use and care for your deck with heavy snow conditions.

Duradek can handle heavy snow.

Winter Deck Care with Heavy Snow Fall

Duradek’s Walkable Rooftop Deck and Waterproofing Vinyl allows for easy and worry-free winter deck care. Duradek patterns and colors are beautiful all year round, but to ensure that you get the most longevity in your deck’s appearance when the wicked winter weather attempts to bury your deck under a mountain of ice and snow, we’ve got a couple of simple tips for you to follow.

#1 – Use Only a Plastic Snow Shovel

The use of metal snow shovels or metal edged snow shovels may risk puncturing your vinyl when you are digging into the snow...particularly with deep snow or thick ice that requires the use of extra force. Be safe, not sorry, and use only a plastic snow shovel on your vinyl deck.

#2 – Be Sure to Use a De-icer if You Walk on Your Deck in the Winter Conditions

While Duradek has some slip resistance built in to the vinyl, when covered in snow or ice it is going to be as slippery as any other surface covered with snow or ice. If your Duradek is at an entranceway or other area where you will traverse it during the winter months, please do not be hesitant to use a de-icing agent. Your Duradek can handle it and your safety always comes first.

#3 – If you Use A De-Icer, Be Sure to Clean it Off Before Spring

Though it is totally fine to use a de-icer on your Duradek vinyl deck, it is very important to clean your deck with soap and water, and rinse it off thoroughly before the spring and summer sunshine returns. The sun can actually ‘bake’ the chemicals into the vinyl surface and compromise its appearance, so be sure to clean and rinse off any de-icing agents used through the winter.

(Whether using de-icing agents or not, we would recommend a light seasonal cleaning to keep your deck looking fresh and to avoid heavy accumulation of dirt over time.)

So for all of the folks out there that have decks buried under snow…let’s hope the groundhog was right and winter is almost over!

Duradek Winter Deck Care And Maintenance Tips

Duradek’s Walkable Rooftop Deck and Waterproofing Vinyl allows for easy and worry-free winter deck care. Duradek patterns and colors are beautiful all year round, but how does a homeowner ensure that they are going to get the most longevity in their deck’s appearance when the wicked winter weather attempts to cover our decks with ice and snow. Luckily, for the Duradek homeowner, Duradek’s superior vinyl strength and durability is no match for Mother Nature.

All you have to do to ensure your deck is unaffected by brutal winter conditions is to remember a couple of simple tips:

#1 – Only use a plastic shovel to remove snow and ice from your deck surface.

#2 – Clean your deck with soap and water, and rinse before the spring and summer sunshine returns.

That’s all there is to it!

Duradek vinyl is very strong and you can use a variety of snow and ice melting solutions on it without concern.

·         Rock Salt  -  OK!

·         Kitty Litter (for non-slip traction)  -  OK!

·         Snow Melting Chemicals  -  OK!

As long as you clean your deck thoroughly before the sun can bake any chemicals into your deck surface, rest assured that you can take all precautions available to keep your deck clear of ice and snow through the cold winter months.

Deck Care For The Fall

After several months of enjoying your outdoor deck, there is no more denying that patio season is over.  Autumn deck care may not be the first thing on your mind, but if you are the proud owner of a Duradek, your PVC Vinyl Membrane Waterproofing Solution, you are more likely to enjoy your patio year round with its durable and slip-resistant finish. Duradek treated surfaces have a proven history in maintaining their functionality and often enjoy a life span of up 20-25 years. Like anything that is made to last, proper care and maintenance is important in keeping your Duradek’s appearance looking like new.

While Duradek membranes are manufactured in such a way that they discourage the growth of mildew, moss and algae, it is the organic debris (such as leaves, cedar planters, etc.) that can settle on your deck surface and that may cause some discoloration. Leaves in particular are a nasty culprit, and are best dealt with sooner rather than later. In addition to being a breeding ground for moss and mildew, wet leaves contain dyes that can permanently stain the surface of your beautiful Duradek finish.

For best results in your fall deck care, follow these steps:

·         It is always best to clean your Duradek surface with a diluted amount of our carefully formulated Duradek Cleaner. First clear any residue from your deck, and with warm water diluted Duradek Cleaner solution and a stiff broom, scrub in a circular motion to loosen the dirt and follow with a good rinse.

·         If leaves have stained an area, you may also wish to try applying a bit of Fantastik Spray Cleaner or Cascade Powdered Dishwasher Detergent for just a few minutes, scrub in a circular motion with a soft brush and rinse thoroughly. 

·         Another option would be to use a dilution of 1 tablespoon ammonia with 1 quart of water. 

·         Regardless of which method you use, be sure to rinse off the area thoroughly with lots of fresh water to ensure no cleaning residue remains, and the performance of your Duradek vinyl membrane will continue to serve you well.

We recommend a proper cleaning of your deck surface at least 4 times a year, with best results provided by Duradek Cleaner - specifically formulated for vinyl, it will not leave harmful chemicals like many household cleaners may. This is very important as any chemical residue left on your deck can bake into the vinyl deck surface and cause it to age prematurely or cause discoloration.

It is also a good idea to inspect the caulking at all junctions and joints to ensure your protective membrane is still water-tight and no shifting has taken place under the surface. Remember to check:

·         Posts, Pillars, Corners, Vents, Drains etc.

Once you are satisfied that your vinyl deck has been properly cared for, remember to schedule another routine maintenance cleaning and inspection in the next 3 months, and continue to enjoy your Duradek!