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You have just spent a glorious summer enjoying the sunshine, but as the weather cools down, it’s time to close the pool for winter and protect your outdoor furniture with winter covers.
Patio covers are designed to protect your furniture from the harsh winter elements and prolong the life of your outdoor furniture. Waterproof patio covers protect your outdoor furniture from rain, wind, sleet and snow. Even if you are planning to store your patio furniture inside, patio covers can protect your furniture against dirt and bugs.
Types of Outdoor Furniture That Need Patio Covers
Wood Furniture
Wooden furniture is prone to rot and mold if left in humid or moist areas. Extreme temperatures can also cause the wood to crack and compromise the structural integrity.
Seal the wood with a weather-resistant sealant. This is effective against mild or occasional exposure to rain or snow. However, to give your wooden furniture the best protection, it is recommended that you cover your furniture with a patio cover or store it away for the winter months.
Recycled Plastic
Recycled plastic does not absorb moisture; however, extreme cold can change the structure of the plastic causing it to become brittle and then crack.
Wrought Iron
Elaborate and decorative wrought iron outdoor furniture may look impressive in your outdoor area, but it can develop rust if exposed to snow or sleet. Precipitation weakens the metal and gradually leads to breakage. You can remove rust from wrought iron furniture, but a simple solution is to cover the furniture with patio covers during the fall and winter.
Aluminum
One of the benefits of aluminum outdoor furniture is that it is rust-proof, which means it won’t be damaged by rain or snow. However, the drawback to aluminum furniture is that it is very lightweight, which means that strong winds can blow your furniture all over the yard and risk damage. It is recommended that you store your aluminum furniture indoors over winter. Patio covers not only protect your outdoor furniture from moisture but also dust and debris in storage.
Fabric
Outdoor textiles are designed to be weather-resistant; however, the filling of cushions and pillows can develop mold and mildew if left out during the winter. Store these items indoors–and for cushions that cannot be removed from furniture, cover them with patio covers.
Features of Patio Covers
UV Protection
Even in fall and winter, the sun’s intense UV rays can bleach fabrics and dry out wooden furniture. When shopping for a patio cover to protect your furniture, look for covers that are constructed from fabrics with UV filters or have a thicker density to shield your furniture from the sun.
Waterproof Materials
There is a big difference between “weather-proof” and “waterproof.” Weather-proof covers are designed to repel water, which allows water to access the furniture underneath if the cover is not fitted properly. However, waterproof patio covers do not allow the water to penetrate the cover, keeping your furniture dry all season long.
Ventilation
Dark, damp environments with poor airflow are breeding grounds for mold and mildew, which can cause bad odors and damage your furniture. Look for patio covers that are made from breathable material or feature built-in vents to reduce the risk of mold.
Adjustable Hem or Cinch
Ensuring that your patio cover has the perfect fit is essential to keeping out the elements. An adjustable hem or cinch using an elastic or durable cord allows you to create a good seal around even the most irregularly shaped furniture items. It also allows you to cover whole table settings and outdoor suites rather than purchasing individual covers.
Durable Construction
Patio covers need to be heavy-duty to withstand the extreme temperature and weather changes over winter. Shop for patio covers that feature double-lock stitching for durability, so your patio covers won’t buckle under snow or fly off and last as long as your furniture.
Types of Patio Covers
When shopping for patio covers, avoid buying generic covers or plain tarpaulins as these do not adequately protect your items and can leave gaps where water can get in and cause mold. To find the perfect patio cover, choose a winter cover that is made specifically for the piece you want to protect such as:
- Dining Settings
- Chaise Lounge
- Outdoor Umbrellas
- High Back Chairs
- Grills
- Patio Heaters
Final Thoughts
Outdoor furniture is an investment in the style and comfort of your home. Protect your outdoor furniture with patio covers that are built to last season after season and maximize the lifespan of your patio furniture.
