Curious About Snowy Decks

I have heard so much conflicting information about snow on decks.  Should snow be shoveled off the decks?  Just how much snow will cause a deck to collapse? - Barbara, Concord

Shoveling is a good idea...AFTER you take care of your roof.

According to one deck builder in Boston, if you're absolutely sure your deck was built according to code and you're just as sure it is structurally sound, you probably don't have to worry until the snow is about 3 feet deep.  But since we've gotten nearly 6 feet of snow so far this winter, you could easily have that much on your deck.  So getting it off makes sense.

If you shovel, use a plastic shovel so there's less chance of scratching the deck.  If you have any doubts about the structural soundness of your deck, definitely clear it.

How is your house weathering the winter?