After putting a lot of effort and time getting our patios looking great to enjoy the outdoor space in the summer and early autumn, now the barbeque days are over. With the winter just around the corner, it is the time to start prepping our patios for the colder temperatures. Whether the winter is mild or not, here are a few tips to make sure everything survives the upcoming season before the first snow is here.
Below we have summarized our Patio Winterization Guide to keep your beautiful outdoor area intact.
Clean it All
Start your patio winterization by cleaning well your outdoor furniture. Use mild soap and warm water to clean the fabrics. Allow them air-dry. Clean flower pots, fountains, and all your patio décor.
Revitalise your patio surface with Jet Washing. Use natural, environmentally friendly detergents. Do not let that grime, dirt, moss, weeds and algae to build-up. Please remember, that different surfaces require a specialised approach to pressure washing services and need a professional assessment.
Always choose carefully the most suitable products and solutions for each treatment for maximum impact and durability. If you are not sure how to carry out the perfect pressure washing safely without harming plants or grass, get in touch with the pressure washing experts, like Yew Tree Landscapes, that know how to make your property spotless with the premium jet washing services. To read more about Hampshire, West Sussex and Surrey Pressure Washing Services, click here.
Do not forget to clean your drain pipes and gutters, so they won’t overflow onto your deck or patio when the rain is pouring down, or snow is melting.
Please remember to keep your patio clear of leaves, and snow throughout the winter.
Repair, reseal and repaint
If the surface of your patio is made of wood, stone or brick, it needs special pre-winter care. Start with checking for any cracks, chips or rotten boards, and if you find any, fix them or replace broken pieces. Do not miss spaces between stones and slabs. Every weak spot needs repairing. It is a good practice to administer a long-season weed killer to prevent encroaching weeds in early spring.
Once everything is restored to the former glory, your next patio winterization job is to apply a water-repellent sealer to stones, bricks, and wood surfaces to keep them safe from the cold rain, sleet, or snow.
Use a soft-bristled brush to loosen any rust on metal furniture and then touch up the spots with appliance paint.
Store and protect
Bringing patio furniture indoors for the winter is the best way of preventing damage to upholstery and rust from forming on metal furniture. Unfortunately, not everyone is that lucky to have space to store it in a dry place. If you choose to leave the furniture outdoors, protect it with waterproof and UV-resistant tarpaulin furniture covers, to extend the lifespan of it. Make sure you choose good quality ones with the have heavy-duty ties, cord locks, and brass-coated grommets to keep the covers in place.
Try to store your furniture under a canopy if possible. Use a rope to hold it in place, and weigh it down with planters or heavy garden ornaments. Keep in mind that any furniture left on wooden decking can cause damage over the winter months.
Protective plant covers are a good option, as not every plant can withstand the sub-zero temperatures.