How to Keep Decks from Freezing

Use salt to help minimize ice on decks. Buy bags of ice salt from the hardware store and keep them on hand during the winter. Before freezing rain, a snowfall or an overnight frost, sprinkle ice salt on your deck to prevent freezing.

Cover the deck with a tarp. Purchase a large waterproof tarp from the hardware store. Spread the tarp over your deck and position a heavy item on the corners to keep the tarp in place. Water and moisture will settle on the tarp and protect your from freezing deck.

Clean off snow before it turns to ice. Don't let snow accumulate on your wood deck. A tarp also protects the deck from snow. But if snow falls before you can cover the deck, use a snow shovel or broom to clear the deck.