Climate change-induced weather events are challenging traditional deck building methods. For instance, the National Weather Service just warned of severe thunderstorms threatening the south and southeast; unleashing flooding, destructive winds, hail and possible tornadoes. The reality is that this kind of weather forecast is not uncommon. As extreme weather events grow more frequent and intense, contractors are rethinking how to build a durable deck that can withstand the elements.

That’s where the idea of a weatherproof deck comes in. Nowadays, the smart question to ask is: How do you protect a deck from the weather? So, whether you're designing a weatherproof deck from the ground up or replacing an existing deck structure, here are three considerations for building a durable deck that stands strong season after season.

Prioritize a resilient deck framing material

Delivering a weatherproof deck starts with the deck framing material underneath the surface boards. After all, if the substructure fails, so does the entire deck structure. For any outdoor building material, moisture is the biggest enemy. So, how do you protect deck joists from moisture? For contractors who work with traditional pressure-treated lumber, delivering some level of moisture protection often means spending hours applying  joist tape to get the wood prepped for install. Still, pressure-treated wood decks will succumb to the damaging effects of moisture, typically lasting just 7-10 years. This vulnerability has caused many contractors to move away from lumber and put advanced deck framing materials like steel to test.

Strong and extremely durable, steel deck framing sidesteps common issues that wreak havoc on wooden structures left to face extreme weather conditions. This includes deterioration after long-term exposure to moisture, splitting under hurricane-force winds and warping due to extreme temperature fluctuations. In any condition, steel profiles will remain straight and true over time. This makes for an enduring, dimensionally stable deck framing solution that keeps surface boards flat and smooth underfoot. For contractors, this means faster installation, fewer callbacks and ultimate peace of mind that the deck will stand up to whatever Mother Nature throws at it.

Build a weatherproof deck that can handle snow loads

If the project is located in a region that experiences heavy or frequent snowfall, the strength of the deck framing material and its load-bearing capacity become all the more critical. Steel deck framing resolves snow-load concerns head-on. All muscle and brawn, steel has an ultimate yield strength around 10 times greater than wood and even flexes with force. This is one of the key reasons steel deck framing was used to replace a collapsed wood framed deck in Island Park, Idaho, a location that receives an average annual snowfall of 250-300 inches.

Steel’s high strength is also reflected in its load-bearing capacity. Steel profiles can shoulder heavy loads—up to 250-psf. The high load-bearing capacity of steel directly correlates with its ability to provide greater spans with fewer intermediate supports. For example, Fortress Building Products offers an engineered steel deck beam that can span as long as 20 feet between supports, which makes it possible for contractors to create more usable space underneath the deck. This is a unique selling point on projects where homeowners need to access the home’s entry points on the first-story or the walkout basement.

Extend weatherproof performance to deck railings

A truly durable deck needs every component—including the deck railing—to be weatherproof. After all, a failing deck railing can pose a safety risk to the deck users. While nostalgic wood railing may look charming initially, it requires regular upkeep and is still vulnerable to deterioration from constant exposure to the elements. But deck railings made with steel offer a low-maintenance, weather-resilient solution that can withstand today’s extreme weather events in style, year after year.

Consider Fe²⁶ steel railing from Fortress®, which combines the proven weatherproof performance of steel with a cool, sought-after contemporary design and plenty of opportunities for customization. A panelized system, it is pre-welded and pre-assembled at the factory to save valuable time. Posts with pre-attached brackets further support a quick and easy installation process. The nature of this panelized deck railing also maximizes system strength and lowers the risk of missing parts, contributing to a safer outdoor living space.

Ready to build a weatherproof deck that lasts? Fortress Building Products offers a full line of outdoor living solutions engineered to deliver strength, style and staying power— from the industry-leading steel deck framing system to panelized steel deck railings and more. Connect with your local Fortress Building Products rep or check out our Where to Buy page to locate a dealer near you.