Does Your Deck Need to Be Shoveled?

ROCKVILLE, MD — County building codes require decks to support more snow than most roofs, so residents shouldn’t have to shovel their deck if it was properly built and maintained.

Officials said a deck is not likely to collapse from the weight of the two-plus feet of snow Montgomery County received this weekend.

But, there are a couple of exceptions the require shoveling: When you need to create an exit route from your back door and when the snow gets higher than your deck rails.

Rule of Thumb for Deck Shoveling: Most deck rails are about 36” high. Don’t worry until the snow is above the rails (deeper than 3 feet). If you can see the rail tops, you’re probably OK – even with a little rain added in.

When snow is deeper than 3 feet, it’s time to re-evaluate. When snow is deeper than 3 ½ feet, it’s time to shovel.

To avoid damage to your deck, always shovel in a path parallel to the deck boards, not perpendicular, and don’t use a shovel with a metal blade or ice pick on your deck. When shoveling, experts recommend that you push snow off the deck using a broom, leaf blower or proper shovel that won’t damage your deck. Be especially careful on any deck stairs and railings, which are likely to be slick.

Clearing a Path to Exit House: Clear the snow to provide an exit path from your home. You should always have two separate exit paths from your house for safety.

If clearing a second exit path will require you to shovel snow from your deck, all you need to clear is a path 3 feet wide --- no need to shovel the entire deck unless the snow is above the rails (or you just love to shovel).

Be careful walking on the deck after you’ve cleared off snow because it is likely to be slick and once the snow is gone – re-inspect your deck for any storm damage.

»Photos of when snow should be shoveled from your deck, courtesy of Montgomery County