As a deck pro, I know how much joy a beautiful composite deck brings throughout the year. But winter comes with its own set of challenges, including ice that can make composite decking slippery. A common question I get as colder temperatures approach is: “Can I use salt or ice melt on my composite decking?”
Composite decking offers several advantages, including resistance to rot, warping, insect damage and minimal maintenance needs. However, the surface can be susceptible to damage from certain chemicals, including some de-icing products.
But the short answer is yes, you can use ice melt on composite decking (I don’t recommend salt; more on that soon). Even when using ice melt, there are important considerations to ensure you do it safely and effectively. Here, I’ll share best practices for removing ice from composite decking for a well-maintained deck throughout the winter months.
Effects of Salt on Composite Decking
In the context of de-icing, salt refers to rock salt, or sodium chloride. While commonly used for ice removal, salt can be harsh on some composite materials. Here’s why I tell my deck owners to avoid it:
- Unsightly Residue: Salt can leave a white residue on your deck surface, detracting from its appearance.
- Surface Damage: Over time, salt can break down the composite material, leading to cracking, fading, and a rough texture.
- Potential Staining: In some cases, salt can cause permanent deck staining.
I recommend using ice melt instead. Calcium chloride or magnesium chloride ice melts are the best choices for your composite deck: They’re milder on decking and work at lower temperatures than plain rock salt.
Ice Removal from Composite Decking
Here are my top recommendations for removing ice from your composite deck:
Calcium Chloride or Magnesium Chloride
As I already mentioned, opt for a calcium chloride or magnesium chloride ice melt. These will be gentler to your composite deck surface than rock salt, and some formulations also include additives to improve spreading and prevent clumping.
Pro Tip: Skip colored ice melt. While it aids visibility, the dye may stain your deck.
Ice melt works by lowering the freezing point of water. When applied to ice, the granules dissolve in the moisture, creating a saltwater solution with a lower freezing point to melt existing ice.
Here’s how to use ice melt effectively:
Application
Follow the manufacturer’s recommended application rate for your product. Spread the granules evenly over the icy surface using a gloved hand or a plastic spreader, avoiding piles.
Pro Tip: Don’t overdo it. Spreading too much ice melt is wasteful and won’t necessarily melt the ice faster.
Duration
Ice melts work quickly, so you don’t need to leave them on your deck for extended periods. Once the ice has melted, I encourage homeowners to sweep away any undissolved granules to avoid residue. Rinsing with water is usually unnecessary, but if you notice a white film, a light rinse will remove it.
Safety Precautions
While ice melts are less corrosive than salt, they still require careful use. Keep the following in mind:
- Store ice melt safely: Choose a secure location to prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets.
- Protect paws: After application, keep pets off the deck until the ice melts and granules are swept. Wipe paws if contact occurs, as ice melt can cause irritation.
- Mind your plants: Avoid overspreading ice melt onto your landscaping, and dispose of leftover granules responsibly, away from plants.
Optionally, look for “Safe Paw” ice melt products that are specifically formulated to be safe for children, pets, and vegetation.
Use a Plastic Shovel to Remove Ice from a Deck
While ice melt is effective, you may need to remove snow or break up accumulated ice before applying it.
Avoid using metal shovels that can scratch and gouge your deck surface. Instead, grab a plastic shovel to gently remove snow or loosen ice. To remove a small area of ice manually, I find a plastic ice scraper is handy.
Pro Tip: Push, don’t pry, to minimize the risk of deck damage.
Warm Water Rinse
For small patches or low ice volume, a warm water rinse can be an effective way to melt the ice. Be sure the water is not too hot, as extreme temperatures can damage composite materials.
Keep Your Composite Deck Ice-Free
I’ve shared my best advice to tackle ice on your composite deck, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure! By routinely shoveling or sweeping snow before it accumulates, you can often minimize ice buildup and avoid the need for ice melt altogether.
If ice does form, address it safely by following the tips I’ve outlined here and keep your composite deck beautiful and functional, even when the temperatures drop.
