Although it happens every year, heavy snowfall can often take us by surprise. And when it comes to clearing your outdoor space, like after Winter Storm Fern, you may not have access to the ideal tools to clear the snow from your yard or decking. But if there's one thing most homeowners have on hand, it's a trusty metal shovel.
But before you break out the shovel, you should check that it won't damage your property first. While metal shovels won't damage most wooden decks, composite decking can be permanently damaged by the sharp edges or rust that often features on snow shovels.
Here's what you need to know before you use a metal shovel on your composite decking, and what to use instead.
Snow shovels can damage composite decking
Composite decking offers a range of benefits. Made from a blend of recycled wood fibers and plastic, it's usually a low-maintenance alternative to conventional wooden decking. But while it doesn't need to be sanded or stained, composite decking is particularly susceptible to surface gouging.
This means the sharp edge of your metal snow shovel could cut right into the surface of your decking, which can in turn damage the protective layer that protects your deck from sun damage and warping.
Once exposed to moisture, the inner levels of the decking will be vulnerable to mold and discoloration. If your shovel has rust on it, it could also leave rust particles behind within this broken upper layer, which will lead to further tarnishing over time.
Another big thing to be aware of is that, depending on your specific deck, you also may invalidate your warranty by using a metal shovel.
What to use instead
Although metal snow shovels are often the hardiest, opting for a plastic model will be a smarter choice for those with composite decking. This is because they're able to scrape snow away from your surface without cutting into the protective layer.
Better yet, if you want to combine the perks of metal shovels with the reassurance of plastic, you could pick a rubber-edged shovel that uses a sealed edge to not only scrape surface water away from decking, but also protect decks from chipping.
If you're seriously stuck for snow removal techniques, a smart alternative could be to use a leaf blower. This will remove surface level snow with zero risk of cutting into decking boards.
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