Patios can provide a lot of enjoyment, and winterizing them can go a long way in keeping them in tip-top condition for years to come. That’s why we want to share five ways on how to winterize a patio. These tips are perfect for new homeowners, and a great refresher for long-time homeowners.
Without further adieu, let’s dive into our winterizing tips …
1. Weather-Proof Furniture
If you plan on using your patio during the colder Wisconsin months, weatherproofing your furniture, or simply purchasing furniture that’s weatherproofed is a good idea.
- Use waterproof fabrics for outdoor cushions, so water is easy to wipe away.
- Use coated/weatherproof tables and chairs, so wood does not rot and metal does not rust.
- Clean your cushions before that nasty weather sets in, as it helps prevent staining and discoloration.
- Invest in winter furniture covers to keep the elements at bay — be sure to cover each piece of furniture tightly for a better seal.
- If you’re NOT planning on using your patio during late fall and winter — store it (you’ll still want to clean it first, though).
- Store planters in the garage.
- Winterize your patio umbrella by folding it up, and wiping it down with a clean cloth to remove debris to ensure it looks fresh and clean next season.
2. Deep Clean Your Barbecue
Next spring, you’ll be glad you took the time to perform a good cleaning of your barbecue now …
- Carefully remove stuck-on grease and food from the grill.
- Although there are many grill cleaners on the market, we suggest simply soaking them in our sink for a while with hot soapy water to get all the build up off … It’s safer, and often easier
- When cleaning a gas grill, double check that the gas is fully turned off an that gas lines are properly disconnected.
- Store propane tanks in a cool, dry place.
Note: Please refer to your grill’s instructions for exact details on how to store unused fuel safely. - Once it’s clean, be sure to get your grill off the patio and store it in a safe place. If you choose to leave your grill outside, be sure to use a quality all-weather grill cover and make sure it’s nice and snug to protect the grill from the elements — and from wildlife.
3. Waterproof Your Patio
Following this advice can save you headaches and money down the road.
- Seal up wood decks with a quality sealant. This will prevent moisture from seeping into your wood deck, and can protect your deck boards for up to 10 years!
- Before applying sealant, be sure to sand your deck to bare wood and seal exposed grain with epoxy before applying the waterproofing coating.
- If your patio is made of masonry, be sure to seal it, too! Ice, snow and rock salt can damage this type of material by getting into cracks and crevices
4. General Cleaning & Precautions
Whether or not your patio is due for a waterproofing, it’s always a good idea to do some basic cleaning.
- Remove dirt, leaves, and anything else that’s made its way onto your patio.
- And do the same for the gutters around your patio (in addition to the rest of the gutters around your home). If gutters are not clean and clear, unwanted water can spill off onto the patio floor and cause damage.
- Turn off outdoor water valves and run the water out of them so pipes don’t freeze
5. Winterize a Patio Door
Since sliding doors can allow unwanted cold air into your home, follow these suggestions to keep out the cold.
- Maintain your sliding doors. To do this, examine the doors (both inside and out) to ensure there isn’t dirt, debris or pebbles in the tracks. Also check to make sure silicone glass seals look good and that the wood frame that surrounds the glass is not damaged or rotted (this can happen over time due to condensation)
- Add weather stripping if it’s not already present
- Insulated drapes or vertical blinds can also help keep drafts at bay
We hope these tips on how to winterize a patio help.
Stay warm this winter!