Winters are fast approaching, and you need to prepare the outdoor living space for winter to be able to enjoy outdoor activities during the colder months. Right now, investing time and effort can make a huge difference in the coming months.
It is essential to make optimum use of your garden and outer space the whole year round. It means making the right preparations for complete comfort and warmth when the cold weather hits. Outdoor space is essential to your home, so pay attention to it, even during the winter.
Tips on preparing your outdoor space for winter
Cleaning and covering
Take a good look at your outdoor garden or patio and eliminate all the items and appliances you will not need during the winter. Cover any larger pieces, such as the reclining outdoor chair and any other furniture. Remove cushions and other accessories you won’t need during the colder months. Clean all the appliances, such as grills, ovens, and cooktops, and empty the fridge and ice makers. Use a vacuum cleaner to keep the outdoor space free of any dirt and dust.
Look for any signs of damage
Inspect each and every part of the deck, or patio or outdoor space and watch out for any sign of damage and discoloration. This is the right time for the inspection, which checks for any growth of weeds and discoloration of the deck. Look closely between the joints and make sure that there are no cracks. It may be time to refresh the sealing of the patio to prevent any freeze damage.
Add light and warmth
Make sure that there is a proper source of heat outdoors so that you can gather around a nice, cozy spot to enjoy some drinks and great food. Adding an outdoor fireplace, an outdoor heater, or a firepit would be nice. The outdoor area is incomplete without lights, so add some string lights or solar lanterns to set a warm, festive mood for the evening. Solar and LED lighting fixtures are very popular with most people, and one can find a huge variety in the market.
Place a hot tub
What could be better than enjoying the warm feel of a hot tub, especially when outdoors. The toasty warm tub will always look so inviting, especially when the temperatures drop, and will keep you warm and relaxed. You can always spend some quality time outdoors in the hot tub with your friends and family. Nothing could be better than enjoying the cold outside in a hot tub!
Raise the level of fun
Maximize the potential of the outdoor space and add some fun and entertainment elements such as TV, games and grilling, and dining. Some fun ideas are cooking and serving hot dinner outside or watching a film together with friends or family. You can even enjoy a simple cup of coffee and great company and play some fun games together, even if it is snowing.
Install a waterproofing sealant
While a roof is the most common part of a home to get waterproofed, the same can be done to your patio or deck. A waterproofing sealant is a great way to protect your outdoor space from all types of weather, and it’s often cheaper than replacing your decking or patio. Before purchasing a sealant, make sure that it is approved for use on your type of decking, and that it will protect it from the elements.
Depending on the size of your deck, you may need multiple canisters for full coverage. You can also choose to power wash your deck before applying the sealant. This will reduce the amount of dirt and debris that gets trapped in the sealant, which can potentially reduce its effectiveness. Be sure that you select a high-quality sealant, as subpar sealants will break down quicker and may not protect your deck from water.
Add a drainage layer
If you have an area of your deck or patio that doesn’t drain well, you can install a drainage layer to fix this problem. This will not only help prevent your deck or patio from becoming waterlogged, but it can also reduce the risk of mold and rot.
To install a drainage layer, you can use a layer of gravel, expanded shale, or other materials that will allow water to pass through. You can also add a layer of landscaping fabric over the drainage layer to prevent weeds from sprouting up. If you’re looking to add a drainage layer to your deck or patio, it’s best to do this before winter comes. This will give the layer plenty of time to settle and allow excess water to pass through.
Add a stone covering
If your outdoor space is located on a patio or deck, or if it’s next to a walkway, a stone covering can help prevent your outdoor space from being damaged by excess moisture. A stone covering is easy to install, and it’s a great way to protect your outdoor space. A stone covering is best when you want to protect a lower-level patio or deck that’s located near a walkway.
If you want to stone coat your upper-level patio or deck, you can build a raised stone patio to give the stones something to rest on. Depending on the layout of your outdoor space, you can choose different stone types that will offer the best protection against moisture. For example, a flagstone patio will shed water better than a sandstone patio, which can hold water.
Add a layer of insulation
While stone coatings are a great way to protect your outdoor space from excess moisture, installing a layer of insulation can also help reduce moisture. Installing a layer of insulation can help prevent a buildup of moisture in your deck or patio, which can lead to mold and rot.
If you’re looking to install insulation in your deck or patio, you can use an open- or closed-cell foam board. Depending on the layout of your deck or patio, you may want to contact a contractor to find out which type of insulation is best for you. A contractor can also install the insulation for you if you don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself.
Add some greenery
If you have an area of your deck or patio that is difficult to maintain, you can install a planter to make this area more useful. Greenery also adds to the overall look of your outdoor space, making it more enjoyable to spend time in. Greenery is a great way to add color and texture to your outdoor space while also helping it to stay protected from the elements.
There are lots of different plants that are great for installing on decks and patios. Some great options include ferns, orchids, and fuchsias. Depending on the size of your planter, you can choose larger plants or smaller, more delicate plants. To install a planter on your deck or patio, you will want to choose a planter that’s made for that type of environment. This will help the plant stay protected from the elements.
Conclusion
Your outdoor space is an extension of your home and can be a great place to relax or entertain guests. It’s important to prepare your outdoor space for winter so that you can continue to enjoy it even when the weather isn’t ideal. These tips will help you get started making your outdoor space ready for winter.
By following these tips, you can ensure your outdoor space stays protected from the elements and is ready to be enjoyed all year long!