Getting Your Gazebo Ready for Winter
You spent the summer dining, entertaining and relaxing under your gazebo. Memories were made and fun was had, but now the cooler weather has arrived. Although it’s only Fall, Winter is fast approaching, which means it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your gazebo.
There are a few things you’ll want to do to get your gazebo ready for winter, but even after you do, it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it year-round.
Remove Or Cover Furniture
Before the first snowfall of the season, make sure you remove and store any furniture that isn’t weatherproof. This includes couches, chairs and tables. Store all parts, including cushions and glass, in a covered space such as a garage, shed or basement.
If your furniture is weatherproof, you can choose to leave it under your gazebo, but make sure it’s covered. That will prevent any blowing snow or debris from getting on it during those winter storms.
You’ll also want to make sure your grill is covered, if you keep it under your gazebo.
Clean Your Gazebo
Once you’ve cleared it out, it’s time to clean the gazebo. Check for any pests or critters who may have made a home in the nooks and crannies of the structure, including spiders and spider webs or other bugs. Doing this now could keep you from having a bigger problem in the spring.
Remove any algae, mold or mildew with a soft-bristled brush and some warm water. Finally, rake or sweep any loose debris from under the gazebo or anything that got attached to the columns.
Check Parts and Do Maintenance
With the furniture out of the way and the cleaning complete, it’s a good time to do a once-over on your gazebo. Check the columns for any concerning wear from the season, and tighten any loose screws or bolts.
If you have a wood gazebo, you may have to do some light sanding to any surfaces that have become uneven. You’ll also want to apply a sealant to the wood at least once a year. Fall is a great time to do this to ensure your wood won’t bend, warp or rot during the harsh winter. Note that depending on the manufacturer, a yearly sealant is required to keep your warranty active on a wood gazebo.
Winterize Your Gazebo For Long-Lasting Memories
Completing the routine steps above will allow you to enjoy your gazebo, and everything you keep under it, for years to come.
Gazebos from Backyard Discovery are built to withstand the harsh winter elements. Their galvanized steel roofs can hold up to 13 pounds of snow per square foot; that’s up to 30 inches of snow! Our wood gazebos are made with naturally rot-resistant cedar, while our metal gazebos are virtually maintenance free thanks to our powder-coated steel. And all of our gazebos are PRO-TECT™ Tested and Proven to withstand up to 100 mph winds.
The best part: gazebos like that can be enjoyed year-round! With wind and snow load durability backed by an industry-leading warranty, enjoy a worry-free winter. And if you don’t have a gazebo yet, start shopping today.