Keep snow off your deck with any of these smart strategies!
If you are reading this in January 2026, you will know that Maryland has experienced a partial ice storm with another round of light snow on the way. Maryland has its milder and harsher winters, moderated by our humid summers. Whether you love or hate snow, it is a lot easier to deal with when you have smart strategies in place. Let’s talk about the best ways to clear snow from a deck.
Use a Tarp, Oil Cloth, or Plastic Sheet
You might have seen a video or two showing people removing snow from their driveway or deck by lifting up a tarp or plastic sheet and walking backwards to reveal a perfectly dry pavement or deck beneath it. This method will only work if the snow is not too deep and doesn’t include a layer of ice.
Use Outdoor Heated Mats
Outdoor heated mats are relatively affordable and can save you some time and energy creating a pathway from your back door to your deck stairs. It is well worth maintaining at least two exit points from your home at all times; in fact, it is illegal to have only one entry point to your home. Electric heated mats can be an easy way to prevent snow and ice from blocking your path on your deck.
Look at the Weather Forecast to Judge Ice and Snowfall
Clearing snow from your deck or your driveway, for that matter, can be an art form. It’s best to check the weather forecast for your specific area to see how much snow or ice you might expect. If you shovel snow too early, you might end up with a layer of ice on your deck instead of fluffy snow with ice on top.
Shovel in Increments or All at Once with the Best Tool
Whether you decide to space out your snow shoveling or do it all at once, it is best to use a plastic shovel to remove snow from your backyard deck to avoid damaging it with the sharp metal. Of course, it could be necessary to use a metal tool to break through the ice on top. Snowblowers can also help remove light, fluffy snow.
Apply a Deicer on Stubbornly Icy Decks
If you have a layer of ice on your deck, you could use calcium chloride, magnesium chloride, or another safe deicing product to gently melt it over the course of a few hours or more. It is best to use a deicing agent if direct sunlight and daytime temperatures fail to melt the ice right away.
Upgrade Your Home and Reach Out to Freedom Fence Today
Whether you want a brand new patio in the spring or want to install a beautiful new wood fence, Freedom Fence and Home has the expertise, competitive prices, and professional service you need. Freedom Fence and Home has over 50 years of fencing experience in the Baltimore County area, Harford County, Essex, White Marsh, and Bel Air area and we pride ourselves on giving our customers the best customer service experience possible. To see examples of our work and pick the right fence for your home, visit us online. To get started on planning your project, give us a call at (443) 271-6841, or visit us online. For more information, tips, and updates about Freedom Fence and Home, follow us on Twitter, Pinterest, and Facebook.