Cold weather can put outdoor living spaces to the test. When temperatures fluctuate, the constant expansion-contraction cycles can quickly wear down traditional deck framing materials. But the real challenge isn't just the cold- it's what comes with it. Snow can pile up and sit on a deck for weeks, adding serious weight to the deck framing. Then, when it melts, the water can soak into the substructure and leave it battling prolonged moisture absorption.

So, how can you protect a deck during winter? It actually comes down to the deck framing material you’re working with. After all, the deck substructure is the backbone of any long-lasting outdoor living space. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you’re looking to build a deck that lasts through winter— year after year.  

Choose a deck framing material that can handle additional snow loads

In snowy regions, a deck framing system’s strength isn’t just a “nice” quality to have, it’s essential. Here, steel deck framing gives old-school wood framing a run for its money. All muscle and brawn, steel has an ultimate yield strength that is 10 times greater than wood and even flexes with force. In fact, steel deck framing can take on loads up to 250 psf, so when the snow piles up, you know the structure is engineered to handle the additional load.

The high load-bearing capacity of steel directly correlates with its ability to provide greater spans with fewer intermediate supports. For example, Fortress® offers an engineered steel deck beam that can span as long as 20 feet between supports. This makes it possible to create more usable space underneath the deck, leaving plenty of room for users to access the home's entry points. Using fewer vertical supports also "unclutters" the lower-level space for a cleaner appearance.

The deck framing material should be weather-resistant

Strength is only half the story when it comes to building a deck that can last year after year. The other half of the equation is weatherability. As mentioned earlier, snow melt can leave deck framing exposed to moisture for a long period of time- a recipe for eventual deterioration if you're working with lumber.

For example, take a look at this project in Idaho, where a 25-year wooden deck worn down by years of exposure to harsh winter conditions actually collapsed. For the deck replacement, the contractor turned to steel deck framing to deliver an outdoor living space that is built to last. After all, a steel deck framing system is weatherproof. With steel, there is no reason to worry about splitting, twisting or warping. For enhanced durability and protection, leading manufacturers hot-dip galvanize steel profiles to G60 standards (0.90 ounces of zinc coating per square foot of steel sheet) or higher. In application, steel frame profiles will remain straight and true year after year. This makes for an enduring, dimensionally stable deck framing solution that keeps surface boards flat and smooth underfoot.

Comprehensive steel deck framing system makes installation a breeze

At the end of the day, steel deck framing makes it possible to build a bigger and better deck (including multi-level decks) in regions that experience heavy and frequent snowfall during the winter months.

Worried about the learning curve? That’s totally understandable. But with ready-to-assemble solutions like Evolution steel deck framing system from Fortress Building Products, the switch is less painful than you think. In fact, plenty of contractors will tell you that framing a deck with steel is easier than working with wood. The interlocking joist and ledger system provides a straightforward installation process that looks and feels like working with lumber. Plus, engineered steel profiles eliminate the hassle of planing or applying joist tape, both of which add a significant amount of time and labor on a job.

So why not give Evolution a shot on your next project? Your clients will thank you. Reach out to your local Fortress Building Products rep today or check out our Where to Buy page to locate a dealer near you.