During the holiday season, most people are focused on staying warm, traveling, or preparing meals, not thinking about their decks. But this slower time of year is actually useful for catching up on projects that often get pushed aside. While snow and ice can bring some parts of outdoor work to a stop, many deck companies in Ann Harbor are still hard at work in late December. Cold weather does not mean the entire deck season has to be on hold. In fact, there are a few things we can still take care of before Michigan’s deep freeze sets in.
Some repairs are easier now when the wood is dry and clear of foot traffic. Planning ahead during this quieter time also gives spring projects a stronger start. Here are ways we keep making progress on decks during the winter holidays and why this part of the season should not be ignored.
Winter Maintenance That Prevents Bigger Problems Later
Ignoring your deck for an entire season can lead to more serious damage by the time spring comes around. Michigan winters bring freezing rain, snow, and shifting temperatures that can wear on wood fast.
• When boards are not sealed well, water seeps in and freezes, causing cracks and warping.
• Metal fasteners and nails can get loose as wood contracts and expands.
• If old leaves or dirt are still sitting on your deck, they trap moisture and speed up decay.
Maintenance at the end of the year helps keep all that in check. Clearing debris, cleaning off stains, and resealing exposed sections keep the structure stronger through winter storms. Late December can be a good time to schedule this kind of work, too. Many people have a few extra days off, making it easier to plan a quick job without the stress of spring scheduling.
Holiday Inspections Keep Spring Projects On Track
A full structural check might not sound festive, but winter is actually a great time to spot trouble before it grows into costly repairs. Many issues are easier to see when trees are bare and there is less sunlight shading the deck surface. And since you are probably not using the deck much at this time of year, we can poke around without worrying about being in the way.
• Loose railings or cracked supports often go unnoticed while a deck is in heavy use.
• Winter inspections help flag damage caused by aging, weather, or insects.
• Catching problems early means you have more time to line up repairs properly.
By finding these concerns in December or January, we give ourselves more flexibility to plan ahead. It can take weeks to line up designs, permits, or materials, especially for bigger jobs. That can all run more smoothly if we already know what we are working with before things get busy in early spring.
Minor Repairs Are Still Doable Even in Cold Months
Some fixes just cannot wait until it is warm again. The good news is that many small repairs can still be finished in cold weather, especially during a clear stretch between snowfalls. These quick jobs help stop small problems from growing into bigger ones, and they are often easier when foot traffic is low and the deck is clear of lawn furniture.
• Replacing a broken step or rail can prevent injury, even if the deck is not being used daily.
• Swapping out warped boards or rusted brackets keeps the deck stable.
• Tightening loose hardware can extend the life of the structure through the freeze-thaw cycle.
Another thing we appreciate this time of year is the quieter schedule. Spring and summer are usually busy with new builds and large updates. By taking advantage of the winter lull, there is more flexibility for fitting in helpful touchups without long delays.
Planning or Designing Your Spring Build Starts Now
If you are dreaming up a new build or major update, late December and early January give you the space to make smart choices. Instead of rushing decisions in the middle of spring, we can slow down and talk through everything now.
• Many deck companies in Ann Harbor begin building out their spring calendars before the year officially ends.
• Winter is a good time for sketching ideas, deciding on materials, and confirming permits.
• Getting plans locked down now can make it easier to place early orders and avoid spring shipping delays.
It might feel early, but spring storms, longer lead times on materials, and busy calendars all show up faster than expected. Starting the planning work while snow is on the ground makes a noticeable difference once it is time to break out the tools. Even just getting a layout or estimate going now helps us hit the ground running when warm weather returns.
Deck Detail’s Holiday Services and Maintenance
Deck Detail has served Metro Detroit since 1994, offering deck maintenance, inspections, cleaning, and repair services throughout winter. We use premium, weather-resistant materials to help prevent damage from Michigan’s harsh winter weather. Our advanced sealing and cleaning services keep decks strong and safe for when the snow melts and the busy season returns.
A Head Start Makes All the Difference
While other people might push off deck work until the spring thaw, we have learned there is plenty that still makes sense before the year closes out. Winter may slow some parts of construction, but it also opens up time for maintenance, evaluation, and planning.
Tackling these now avoids delays later. Whether it is checking for damage, sealing up boards, or sketching a fresh design, we use the holidays to get ahead, so when the snow melts, everything is already in motion.
Now is a great opportunity to get ahead on your deck plans before schedules fill up and the weather changes again. We have seen how winter work can prevent bigger issues later and how starting early leads to smoother spring builds. Many homeowners are surprised by how much progress is possible before the snow clears. To see what deck companies in Ann Harbor can achieve during the holidays and how Deck Detail can help you, contact us today.