How to Prepare Your Deck and Outdoor Living Space for a Major Storm

When a major storm or hurricane is on the horizon, preparing your home is a top priority. But beyond securing windows and stocking up on supplies, it’s just as important to safeguard your outdoor living spaces, especially your deck. Hurricanes like Helene can bring high winds, heavy rain, and flying debris that pose a serious threat to your deck and outdoor furniture. With some proactive steps, you can minimize potential damage and protect your deck from the elements.

Let’s walk through how to prepare your deck and outdoor living spaces for an approaching storm.

1. Secure or Store Outdoor Furniture and Accessories

When it comes to storm preparation, one of the most critical steps is securing outdoor furniture and loose items. High winds can turn chairs, tables, and decor into dangerous projectiles that can damage your home, deck, or even injure someone.

Move Furniture Indoors

Your best option is to bring outdoor furniture inside. This includes:

• Chairs and tables: Move them into your garage, basement, or storage shed.
• Grills and fire pits: Store these items in a sheltered space or cover them with a heavy-duty weatherproof tarp if they’re too large to move.

Tie Down Lighter Items

If you can’t bring everything indoors, make sure to secure lighter items:

• Planters: Stack them in a secure corner and tie them down with bungee cords or ropes.
• Outdoor rugs: Roll them up and store them indoors to prevent water damage.
• Cushions and umbrellas: Remove and store cushions and patio umbrellas to prevent them from being blown away or waterlogged.

2. Trim Trees and Shrubs Around Your Deck

Flying debris, such as branches and limbs, can cause significant damage to your deck and home during a storm. Before a hurricane hits, it’s essential to inspect the trees and shrubs around your deck and take action to minimize the risk of damage.

Prune Overhanging Branches

• Trim large branches that hang over your deck or are near your home. During high winds, even healthy branches can snap and crash down onto your deck, causing costly structural damage.

Remove Dead or Weak Limbs

• Dead or weak limbs are even more likely to fall during a storm, so clear away any dead wood or overgrown shrubs that could break off and hit your deck or outdoor furniture. Pay close attention to trees or shrubs near windows or sliding glass doors that lead to your deck, as these are vulnerable areas.

Regular pruning and tree care can prevent major damage when storms hit. Consider doing this as part of your seasonal yard maintenance to stay ahead of potential issues.

3. Inspect and Secure Your Deck’s Structure

Your deck is designed to withstand the elements, but it’s still important to ensure that it’s in good condition before a major storm arrives. Small issues, such as loose boards or weak railings, can become major problems during extreme weather.

Check for Loose Boards or Railings

Walk around your deck and check for:

• Loose boards that might lift in high winds. Secure them with screws or nails.
• Wobbly railings that could detach during the storm. Tighten any screws or brackets to make sure the railings are sturdy.

Inspect Support Beams

If your deck is elevated, inspect the support beams and posts for signs of weakness. High winds and heavy rain can put extra pressure on these areas, so it’s important that the foundation of your deck is strong enough to handle the storm.

If you notice any damage or weak spots, address them right away. In some cases, you may need to consult a professional contractor to repair your deck before the storm hits. Contact us today if you need help with pre-storm deck inspections or repairs.

4. Protect Outdoor Electrical Components

If your deck has outdoor lighting, electrical outlets, or appliances like a grill or a fire pit, it’s crucial to protect these components from water and wind damage.

Unplug and Cover Electronics

• Unplug all outdoor electronics, including string lights, patio heaters, or sound systems. Leaving these plugged in during a storm can be a fire hazard if water gets into the outlets.
• Cover outdoor outlets with weatherproof covers to prevent water from entering the electrical system. If possible, turn off the outdoor power supply to avoid electrical issues caused by water exposure.

Disconnect Gas Lines

For homes with gas grills or outdoor kitchens, disconnect any gas lines before the storm to prevent leaks or accidents if the equipment is damaged during the storm.

5. Prepare Your Deck for Heavy Rain and Flooding

In addition to wind, hurricanes bring heavy rainfall, which can lead to flooding and water damage. Your deck, especially if it’s made of wood, is susceptible to water damage if it isn’t properly prepared.

Clean Out Drainage Systems

Ensure that your deck’s drainage systems are clear and functioning:

• Clean out gutters and downspouts to prevent water from pooling on your deck. Standing water can cause wood rot, mold, and other structural issues.
• If your deck is at ground level, check that the drainage around the deck is clear of debris. Proper drainage will prevent water from pooling around the foundation of your deck, reducing the risk of flooding or damage to the structure.

Waterproof Your Deck

Applying a fresh coat of waterproof sealant before storm season can protect your deck from excessive water damage. A waterproof deck will repel water and help prevent the wood from warping, rotting, or becoming discolored. If you haven’t sealed your deck in the past year, it’s a good time to refresh it before the storm hits.

6. Install Storm-Resistant Features

For homeowners in hurricane-prone areas, it might be worth investing in more permanent solutions to protect your deck and outdoor space from future storms. Installing storm-resistant features can help safeguard your deck and make storm prep easier in the long run.

Add Wind Screens or Privacy Panels

Wind screens or privacy panels can provide extra protection against high winds. They act as a barrier, reducing the impact of strong gusts on your deck and preventing furniture or decor from being blown away.

Use Hurricane-Rated Materials

If you’re building a new deck or planning renovations, consider using hurricane-rated materials. Composite decking, for example, is more resistant to moisture and impact than traditional wood decking. You can also invest in hurricane clips or anchors to reinforce your deck’s structure.

Staying Safe

Preparing your deck for a major storm requires careful planning and attention to detail, but taking these proactive steps can significantly reduce the risk of damage. From securing furniture to inspecting the deck’s structure and protecting electrical components, getting your deck storm-ready will give you peace of mind as the storm approaches.

Need help with deck maintenance or storm prep? Contact us for expert advice and professional deck services to keep your outdoor space safe and secure.