One of the biggest advantages of vinyl decking is how little it asks of you. There's no annual staining, no sanding, no sealing, and no pressure washing required. But a little seasonal attention goes a long way toward keeping your deck looking like new — and it's a requirement of your Tufdek warranty, too. Here's what to do and when.
Spring Cleaning
April – May: Post-Winter Refresh
Spring is the most important cleaning time. Calgary winters leave behind salt residue, grit, and organic debris that should be removed once the snow is gone.
- Sweep away all leaves, dirt, and loose debris
- Wash the entire surface with lukewarm water and mild dish soap
- Rinse thoroughly with a garden hose to remove soap and salt residue
- Check drains and scuppers — clear any blockages so water flows freely
- Visually inspect seams and edges — look for any lifting or separation
Summer Care
June – August: Enjoy Your Deck
This is the easy season. Your deck is built for summer. Just a few common-sense practices will keep it in top shape.
- Place a protective mat under your BBQ — hot grease can stain vinyl permanently
- Use furniture pads under heavy items to prevent indentation marks
- Clean up spills promptly — especially food, wine, and sunscreen
- Move planters occasionally so moisture doesn't sit in one spot all season
Fall Prep
September – October: Winter-Ready
A quick cleanup before the snow flies prevents organic material from sitting on your deck all winter, which can cause staining.
- Remove all leaves and organic debris — wet leaves left over winter will stain
- Do a final wash with warm soapy water
- Store or cover patio furniture
- Confirm drains are clear before freeze-up
Winter & Snow Removal
November – March: Handle with Care
Tufdek is engineered to remain flexible down to –40°C, so Calgary's winters won't damage the membrane itself. The key is being smart about snow removal.
- Use a plastic snow shovel — always check that edges are smooth and free of sharp nicks
- Rock salt is generally safe for ice on vinyl — rinse residue off in spring
- Never use a metal shovel, ice pick, or sharp-edged scraper on the vinyl surface
- Don't use calcium chloride or chemical de-icers other than standard rock salt
What to Avoid — Always
Never use harsh chemicals on your vinyl deck. This includes bleach, acetone, paint thinner, rust removers, and any solvent-based cleaners. These can permanently damage and discolour the vinyl surface. Stick to mild dish soap and water — it's all you need.
Avoid dragging heavy furniture directly across the surface. Lift and place rather than pushing or dragging. Use felt or rubber pads on furniture legs. This is especially important in cold weather when the surface is firmer.
Maintenance & Your Warranty
Tufdek's 15-year product warranty does require that you follow their recommended maintenance guidelines. The good news is that the requirements are minimal — essentially what we've outlined above. The key points are keeping the surface clean, removing organic material that could trap moisture, and avoiding chemicals or abrasive tools that could damage the top coating.
If you ever notice a seam lifting, a bubble forming, or anything that looks off about your deck surface, don't wait — give us a call. Small issues caught early are almost always simple to fix. Left unaddressed, they can let moisture underneath and cause bigger problems. That's what your warranty is for.
Total time per year: Most homeowners spend about 2–3 hours total on vinyl deck maintenance across the entire year. Compare that to the 10–15+ hours a wood deck demands every spring for sanding, staining, and sealing. That's time you get back to actually enjoy your deck.