Colder temperatures, snow, and ice can do some damage on the exterior of your home, especially to wooden decks. Harsh winter weather can deteriorate the wood, ruin the look, and depreciate the value of your deck. Take extra care of it now so that your deck is in tip-top shape for backyard BBQs in the spring. There are three steps to winterizing your deck: First, you should give your deck a good wash. There are a number of substances that can get on your deck during the summer that could cause problems during the winter. For example, mold and mildew can cause erosion on various types of wood. Cleaning the deck can also prevent dry rot, which is wood decay caused by fungi. Start by removing furniture and planters for storage. Moisture between caught between the deck and planters or furniture can seep into the wood during the winter and stain the surface. Sweep off dirt and debris while making sure to clear the space between the planks for ventilation. A leaf blower can help you clear the surface quickly. Then wash your deck with deck soap - you can find specific formulas for each type of wood. After washing, give it a good rinse with the hose. The next thing you want to do is restore the deck by stripping and refinishing the wood. It is important to strip and refinish the deck before staining to ensure sealants adhere to the wood and cover evenly. Power washing the deck is recommended to remove old paint and stains. Make sure to maintain a consistent distance from the surface of the deck at all times to produce a smooth surface. The last and most important step is protecting the deck with water repellant stain. Stains or sealants prevent water, snow, etc., from penetrating the wood and causing decay. Ask your hardware or home improvement store about the best high-quality stain for your type of deck. Using a paint sprayer, such as the new Wagner Power Painter with EZ Tilt Technology, can make staining faster and provide a professional finish. A paint sprayer can also help you cover those hard to reach areas like railings, posts and underneath the deck. Spray on a non-windy day to prevent overspray, keep a consistent distance away from the surface, and maintain a steady speed while spraying. The deck is one of your home's greatest assets. Prolong the life of your investment by winterizing it each year. For more project tips and information about what tools to use, visit www.wagnerspraytech.com, www.wagnereztilt.com or follow @WagnerSprayTech on Twitter.