Winterizing the terrace

With the exception of a few warm rays of sunshine, autumn is now mostly showing its uncomfortable side. Rain, cold, wind, falling leaves… it’s high time to winterize the patio before November arrives. This will not only ensure that your outdoor space remains protected, but will also make it easier for spring to return. Here are some tips on how to prepare your patio for the cold season.

Stow away the furniture

The first step in winterizing your patio is to store your garden furniture. Wooden and metal furniture should be stored in a dry place to prevent damage from frost and moisture. Upholstered furniture and cushions should be stored in suitable storage boxes or indoors to protect them from mold and discoloration.

Gartenmöbel geschützt verstauen

Protect plants and flower pots

Your plants and flower pots should be winterized to prevent frost damage. Delicate plants can be brought indoors, while hardy plants should be covered with a thick layer of mulch. Clay or ceramic flower pots should be stored in a dry place as they can easily crack in frost.

Pflanzen und Töpfe vor Frost schützen

Nicht winterharte Pflanzen und Töpfe vor Frost schützen

Cleaning and care of the floor covering

Depending on the material, the floor covering of your patio also requires attention. For wooden decking, it is important to remove moss and algae to minimize the risk of slipping. If necessary, you can also clean and reseal your wooden decking to protect it from moisture and mold. If possible, however, wooden decking boards should only be oiled once a year after spring cleaning, as otherwise an increased patina can develop, which contributes to the higher degree of slipperiness. With WPC planks or ceramic tiles, you are fine for the time being; sweeping or cleaning off coarse dirt is sufficient here. In general, however, you should make sure that the floor drain is clear to avoid standing water.

Terrasse von grobem Schmutz befreien

Plattenreinigung bei Moos oder Grünbelag

Protection from snow and ice

As winter approaches, you should make sure that your patio is also protected from snow and ice. Salt or chemical melting agents, for example, can damage the wooden floor, so it is advisable to lay mats or grids to reduce snow and ice and ensure protection. However, our WPC decking or ceramic tiles are largely insensitive in this respect and can be carefully cleared of snow and ice with salt, a broom and a plastic shovel. However, sharp edges of metal garden tools should always be avoided in order to prevent scratches and damage to the surfaces.

Roofing and awnings

Roofing and any awnings also need maintenance or at least a quick check before winter approaches. Remove leaves and dirt from the gutter and make sure that water can drain away unhindered. Also clean the fabric of your on-roof awning carefully and make sure it is dry before rolling it up for the winter. Under-roof awnings are less affected by soiling in a glazed cold conservatory and can be used all year round. Finally, check the fixings and material to rule out any weak points in the glass or similar.

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