Midwestern winters are severe, with belting sleet, snow, and hail. Protecting the patio from harsh conditions is an important step in preparing for the cold season. Homeowners who winterize their patio ensure it endures throughout the seasons. Follow these practical steps to protect the patio this winter.
How does cold weather affect patios?
The unprotected brick or stone on an outdoor patio are affected by winter weather. Freeze-thaw cycles occur, where moisture in the mortar joints freezes and expands in subfreezing temperatures, then thaws. During thaws, it contracts—leading to cracks in the brick or stone.
Patio doors also contract on cold days without adequate protection. This happens whether the doors are contemporary sliding glass doors or French doors. Hinged French doors are susceptible to paint colors fading when winter fluctuations occur, leading to an unsightly appearance.
How do homeowners winterize the patio?
1. Install Tarp
A patio can be winterized in numerous affordable ways. Tarps are especially useful for protecting the outdoor patio. Wind-blocker tarps can be used during the winter months as well as year-round. The durable tarps hold up against fierce winter winds and efficiently winterize patios.
It’s also essential to winterize the patio screen door. A screen door winter cover, being clear to let light into the enclosure, is ideal. The visually attractive cover keeps out wind, snow, and rain. Installation is quick and easy with options, such as snap-on or stick-on fasteners.
While the patio is appealing in spring and summer, it can also be enjoyed in winter by installing an insulated patio enclosure. Designed as porch curtains, it is customized to match the patio dimensions. Affordable, easy to install, and quick to take down, patio enclosures are handy in low temperatures.
Tarps with clear windows are another option for winterizing the patio. The tarp allows natural light inside, is UV rated, and withstands direct sunlight. The panel blocks’ opaque areas are made of heavy-duty vinyl, providing a sturdiness in harsh weather conditions while also offering privacy.
Outdoor patios benefit from retractable tarp enclosures. They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and vision panels. Once the ice-cold winter is over, simply pull them back and secure to the post. The enclosure is convenient as they do not need to be taken down when not in use.
2. Protect Outdoor Furniture
Wicker patio furniture should be brought inside during the winter months or stored in a garage or shed. Move weather-resistant furniture to a sheltered area, like behind the garage or a spot safe from wind gusts. Furniture covers may be used to protect the items from the elements.
3. Clean the Pavers
Mold, mildew, or moss may have grown on the patio pavers during the summer season. Prior to winter, clean the pavers. This step prevents dirt and debris from accumulating and discoloring or cracking the pavers during the freeze-thaw cycles (moisture can become trapped under debris and expand).
4. Apply a Sealer
Once the patio has been cleaned with a pressure washer, seal the surface. Choose a sealer intended for outdoor use, as they protect the pavers far better than those meant for indoor use. Apply more than one coat, if residue still remains on the patio after washing it with water.
5. Protect Planters
Some planters, like terra cotta, are not weatherproof and crack in cold conditions. Bring fragile planters inside. If they are not weatherproof but too big to bring indoors, invert them to prevent snowmelt or sleet from collecting inside. Elevate the planters so the rims don’t freeze against the ground.
6. Shut Off Water Supply
Outdoor kitchens require winterizing, too. Frozen pipes are as much a risk for outdoor appliances as indoor plumbing. Prepare for the winter by turning off the water supply to outdoor sinks and drain pipes. Cover the sink to prevent leaves and ice from getting inside and staining it.
7. Disconnect Electricity
Disconnect the electricity to the outdoor appliances, such as warming drawers, ice making machines, side burners, smokers, grills, and refrigerators. Be careful to avoid covering these appliances, as winter moisture can collect underneath on the wiring and damage the equipment.
8. Shovel Snow Frequently
Winterizing the patio requires ongoing maintenance to ensure it endures and remains visually attractive. Shovel the paver patio whenever it snows to clear it. Once the snow is removed with either a shovel or broom, rinse the patio to prevent salt residue from forming.
9. Backfill Patio Edges
Soil erosion can be damaging. Backfill the patio edges to keep snowmelt from pooling and freezing. If water does pool and freeze under the patio, it can cause the stone or pavers to lift. Also fill in any gaps in between the pavers with polymeric sand to prepare for winter.
Taking care of the patio extends its lifespan and keeps it looking stunning after each winter season. When you need help winterizing your patio, Pavestone Brick Paving, Inc, is prepared with a comprehensive range of well-rated patio maintenance and repair services.
Our skilled crews are available to reset pavers that have become loose, replace broken pavers, and relevel uneven surfaces. If you prefer to delegate the seal coating, we can apply several coats to preserve the natural color of the pavers. We also power wash patios to remove dirt buildup.
Homeowners who desire a larger patio find our patio building and installation services ideal. Our design team discusses your vision for its shape, style, and pattern, then prepares a 3D model for you to approve. Once finalized, we move on to the exciting professional build.
Homeowners are presented with stunning material options, such as brick pavers or natural stone slabs. Each comes with its own advantages to ensure the patio endures. Brick pavers withstand heavy loads from grills, while natural stone slabs offer versatility, durability, and beauty.
Pavestone Brick Paving, Inc, is the preferred patio installation company for homeowners in Des Plaines, Illinois, and the surrounding suburbs. Our quality workmanship, use of durable materials and customer-focused approach position us as the best.
Call us today at 847-895-7004 to build your outdoor patio.
