And so comes that time of year again. The leaves change shade, the days become shorter, and your creepy nudist neighbour Gavin at least puts some boxers on to take the wheelie bins to the street.
Winter is coming, and you’re facing a threat far greater than white walkers. You face the risk of damaging your precious outdoor furniture.
But what’s the risk?
You know all those germs, mould and bacteria that would just love to ruin your patio setting? Well, a lot of them can’t survive during summer (it’s too hot and sunny).
In winter, though, it’s game on.
Just think about how much longer it takes to dry clothes in winter vs summer. The same conditions also leave your outdoor furniture vulnerable.
The cooler weather means moisture sticks around muchlonger than we’d like it to. Mould, for example, can spread incredibly quickly at the best of times. But a cool, damp day makes it even worse.
Particularly for the proud owners of any timber furniture, your items can end up a little worse for wear, unless you take some precautions.
Please help. How do I protect my beloved outdoor furniture?
Look, just calm down. There are 3 main ways you can look after your outdoor furniture throughout the winter.
1. Put a Coat On
No, not the coat you’re wearing right now. What’s wrong with you?
Most metal or wooden pieces of outdoor furniture come coated with some sort of rust and weather-proofing paint. But throughout summer, it may have copped a beating. That’s when winter strikes, using any weaknesses in the paint to trigger rust, mould, and decay. Mother Nature, you’re a cruel mistress.
So you might want to take some time to recoat whatever looks a little worse for wear following the harsh summer sun. That’ll teach nature for trying.
2. Get a Room
Especially for plastics that are almost impossible to save from the weather, you’re best off bringing your fragile pieces inside.
The common trap people fall into is throwing a cover over the top of their item, trusting that’ll keep it out of harm’s way. It’s a good tactic in summer, when the heat is enough to reduce the overall moisture levels. But in winter, you’ve basically created an even better environment for nasties to grow.
3. Store It
Don’t have the room inside? If only there was a humidity-controlled storage facility in your area…
Well, there just might be. Check out National Storage’s locations, and find the right space to keep your outdoor furniture safe and dry through the cold months.