Outdoor living spaces require special care throughout the year, especially before winter. Taking steps to winterize your outdoor living spaces can help keep your home and property in good condition. In Connecticut, some of the most common outdoor living spaces are decks, patios, and gazebos. Each type of structure is unique and has distinct winterization requirements.
Some homeowners do their own winterizing, while others hire professionals. If you're hiring a contractor to help with your fall and winterizing, Litchfield Builder's guide to hiring a residential contractor can help. Our guide to hiring a residential contractor can provide you with the information you need to find the best contractor for your job.
Natural wood can deteriorate quickly in winter as freeze/thaw cycles take their toll. Composite wood is less vulnerable but still needs maintenance to look its best and last a long time. Taking steps in the fall to weatherize your deck helps ensure that your deck will endure the winter and look great when spring comes.
Start the weatherizing process by cleaning your deck, removing dirt, debris, and leaves. This helps prevent mold from developing on your deck boards and can prevent stains from accumulating. Mold and algae can build up beneath leaves. Use a power washer or a scrub brush to remove the deck cleaner. Remove furniture and place it somewhere for winter storage. If you must leave your furniture on the deck for the winter, apply a breathable cover that will not trap moisture.
Wear and tear can take its toll on decks. Check for loose boards. Tighten or replace boards as needed. Older decks may not be up to code. Some repairs may require your deck to be remodeled to ensure it meets modern building codes.
Natural wood needs periodic sealing for moisture protection. Apply a water-repellant sealant, stain, or paint to protect your wood deck. If your deck was previously sealed or stained, test the seal by spraying it with water. If the water beads up on the deck, this indicates the seal is still good. If the deck absorbs the water, the seal is wearing thin and needs replacement.
Gazebos (especially older ones) need a lot of care to maintain their beauty and functionality. From the roof to the railing, gazebos need annual attention from a homeowner (and sometimes a professional).
Start by inspecting your gazebo for signs of deterioration. Look for:
Clean your gazebo by removing debris, sweeping the floor, and removing mold or mildew. Wash wood gently with soap and water. Remove furniture and store it for the winter, or if necessary, protect furniture outdoors with a breathable cover.
Remove string lights, plug-in heaters, and speakers, and store these items. If there's a grill on your gazebo, store it indoors or protect it with a waterproof cover. Disconnect the propane tank and store it. If your gazebo has a canvas roof, remove the canvas, fold it, and store it indoors.
Make gazebo repairs before snow begins to fall; snow weight puts a lot of stress on your gazebo's roof and structure. Repairs will depend on any problems identified during the inspection, including loose floorboards, wear and tear on the roof, loose railing, or more.
Whether your gazebo is made from natural wood, metal, or a combination of materials, it's important to seal and protect it as needed. Old-fashioned wooden gazebos need periodic painting to protect the wood from rot. If your gazebo is made of metal, you may need to use rust-preventative protective enamel. Sealing your gazebo can help it last for decades or longer.
Patios are highly durable, but even pavers and concrete need care throughout the winter. Like gazebos and decks, patio maintenance depends on the material it's made from. Your Connecticut contractor can help.
Sweep and remove debris from your patio, as well as the area around your patio. Remove all furniture during winterizing.
If you can, store furniture indoors over the winter. If you can't place furniture in storage, remove cushions and cover furniture with breathable covers. Remove planters while winterizing your patio. If possible, store planters indoors throughout the winter. If left outdoors, terra cotta planters will absorb water and crack during freeze/thaw cycles. Plastic planters may fade and become brittle.
Use a pressure washer or soapy water and a stiff-bristle brush to clean your patio. Wire brushes can leave wires in small cracks in your patio, which in turn can lead to rust stains. Avoid using wire brushes on concrete.
Seal cracks in concrete and pavers to prevent water from causing further damage during freeze/thaw cycles. If you haven't sealed your patio in the last few years, apply concrete or paver sealant to prevent your concrete from absorbing water.
Winterizing outdoor structures can be more challenging than you might think. Hire a professional to handle difficult tasks like repairing the roof of your gazebo or repainting your old deck. Litchfield Builders has created a free guide to help you find the right Connecticut contractor for your job. Download our guide or contact us to learn more about how we can help with your home remodeling and repair projects.