Storm-Proof Your Patio

January 1, 2019

For outdoor entertaining, your patio can provide the perfect place to grill food, play games or simply relax and enjoy conversations with your friends and family. Whether you have a complete outdoor kitchen or a comfortable sitting area, it is important to keep your patio equipment free from storm damage. Here, are several easy tips for keeping your patio furniture in top condition so that you can enjoy many years of entertainment.

Cover It Up

If you will be storing any equipment or furniture on your patio, then the most important thing you can do to keep it protected is install a covering. This can take the form of a pergola or other roof-style structure. Awnings offer a flexible form of coverage that can be retracted on a sunny day and put back when the skies turn grey. The right cover should protect your patio equipment from all types of weather damage including fading from the sun, rain and high winds.

Secure Loose Objects

According to FEMA, securing loose objects is an important part of any emergency-preparedness plan. In severe storms, high winds can toss heavy equipment and branches through the air and cause serious injuries. Grills and patio furniture can be secured to the ground or nearby posts and walls. This way, neither your property nor your personal safety will be compromised when storm winds begin to blow.

Choose Waterproof Fabrics

Whenever possible, choose fabrics and other materials that are waterproof. For equipment that is not already waterproof, you can use special sealant sprays and paints to keep water from soaking into porous surfaces. Then, after the storm is over, all you will need to do is wipe your patio equipment down to remove any excess water before it dries.

Storm-proofing your patio is essential for keeping your equipment in top condition no matter what the weather may bring your way. Therefore, you should always start with a quality cover that can shade your patio while helping to keep surfaces dry in the rain. Then, be sure to secure loose objects before a storm so that you can enjoy your patio when the weather turns sunny again.