October 16, 2026

Four things to check on your deck before winter

Wisconsin winters are hard on decks. Snow sits on the boards for months, ice works into every crack, and freeze-thaw cycles loosen what was tight in summer. A ten-minute walk-around in the fall can catch small problems before they turn into big ones.

1. Soft or rotted boards

Walk the whole deck and press on any boards that look dark or stained, especially near the house, around planters and at the bottom of the stairs. If a screwdriver sinks in easily, the wood is rotting and should be replaced before snow load makes it worse.

2. Loose railings and stairs

Grab each railing post and give it a firm shake. Check every stair tread. Railings and stairs take the most abuse, and a loose post is a safety problem once the steps are icy.

3. The ledger board

The ledger is the board that connects the deck to your house. Look underneath for rust streaks, gaps, missing fasteners or water stains on the house wall. This connection carries a lot of weight, so any sign of trouble here is worth having looked at.

4. Clear it off and let it drain

Sweep off leaves and pine needles and pull the gunk out from between the boards. Wet debris holds moisture against the wood all winter. Move planters and furniture so the boards can dry out between storms.

If you find something that worries you, or your deck is ready to be replaced, D&D ServicesWI LLC builds and repairs decks across Southeast Wisconsin. Send us a note and we will take a look.