It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached this point, but winter is right around the corner. Kansas City can see some significant snowfall and cold temperatures, so it’s important that you do what you can to prepare your patio for the season ahead.
What steps do you need to take to make sure your patio is winterized? Here’s a quick overview from our team specializing in patio construction in Kansas City:
- Put away your furniture: Put any items like chairs, tables and plants in an area that will be protected from the weather all winter long. It can be a good idea to hose that furniture off and let it dry before you store it away, just so that it’s clean when you pull it out again in the spring. And to keep it clean while it’s in storage, use either furniture covers or garbage bags. It can be quite a buzzkill to have to spend the first nice day of the year cleaning your patio furniture rather than enjoying it!
- Consider weatherproof furniture: If you don’t want to have to put away your furniture for the season, or if you still intend to spend some time outside, you might consider investing in some weatherproof furniture, such as benches or chairs made out of plastic. You could also purchase weatherproof covers for your patio chairs that you can leave out all year long.
- Clean your grill: You probably used your grill a lot during the summer months. If you intend to put it away for the winter, now is a good time to perform some deep cleaning. Scrub down the entire grill thoroughly before you put it away, and just like your furniture, you’ll be able to pull it out sparkling clean in the spring. It can be difficult to remove some of the stuck-on grease or charring, but an oven cleaner or degreaser should be able to help you out. Rinse off the cleaner before putting the grill in storage. If you have a gas grill, make sure the gas is turned off and you’ve disconnected al the lines safely, then store the unused fuel in a safe spot.
- Clean your patio: Stay on top of brushing leaves and debris off the patio, and consider using a pressure washer to get rid of some of the more stubborn dirt. This will cut down on the size of the mess you’ll need to worry about in the spring.
- Cover up your hot tub: If you own a hot tub or spa, you’ll need to properly winterize it as well. Make sure you have a high-quality cover, and ensure it’s secured in place. Even if you intend to use the hot tub during some of the coldest parts of the winter, the cover will help you keep the spa in good condition.
For more information about winterizing your patio this year, contact MSE Hardscape Design and Installation. We specialize in patio construction in Kansas City, and would be glad to provide you with additional tips!