Are you looking to give your property a major upgrade?
Adding a patio is a home improvement project that adds value to any home. A patio can increase your home’s resale value by 12%. Moreover, it adds to the beauty and functionality of your property.
However, having a patio at home requires proper care and maintenance. Thus, learning how to protect your patio from outdoor elements is paramount.
Continue reading below for a guide on how to build a weatherproof patio.
Install an Overhead Cover
One of the main goals of weatherproofing is to make a rain-resistant patio. Thus, install an overhead cover for your patio. A huge umbrella can work for relatively smaller areas.
You can install the umbrella in the middle of your patio table. When choosing the right umbrella, find one that comes with UV protection. Ensure it’s mold, mildew, and water-resistant.
Invest in an easy-to-clean umbrella. Regardless, they’re great because they’re detachable. You can move them to a different spot if necessary.
Alternatively, make a retractable DIY retractable canopy. It will give more flexibility in case you want to enjoy the full glory and health benefits of the morning sun.
If you don’t have time for DIY, invest in quality options like the Butte Fence patio covers.
A Tin Roof Can Do the Trick
If you want something more durable than a large umbrella, a tin roof is a good alternative. Though it will cost you more compared to a big umbrella, you can’t go wrong with performance and longevity.
A tin roof can give your patio an industrial look. Also, it is a perfect match if your patio sports an eclectic décor. The best way to install a tin roof is to position it on a slant.
It ensures rainwater won’t pool on your patio’s roof. If you want to add more life to it, go for the more colorful galvanized steel roof panels. Not only can you mix different colors, but you can also choose different patterns to add more character to your patio.
In case you don’t want sunlight to come in, a solid roof is your best bet. However, leave some small openings to get ample ventilation.
Try Roof Panels and Wood Planks
If you’re not a fan of tin or metal roofing, plastic panels can work. These roof panels give decent protection against both sun and rain. Moreover, they’re easy to install like tin roofs.
Also, they provide a level of flexibility. If you don’t mind the sunlight coming inside the patio, go for clear plastic roof panels.
Give wood planks a shot if plastic won’t do. What’s nice about them is that they’re easy as a DIY project. Installing them is similar to building a deck.
The key, however, is using the right wooden boards. Pressure-treated wood or cedar are good options to consider. Much like the metal or plastic roofs, position the wooden planks at an angle.
It will help keep water from pooling. It will also prolong the life of the planks since they won’t rot fast.
Vines Over the Top Works
If you live in a place where it rarely rains, adding some vines can boost your weatherproofed patio. Pick a vine that grows a lot of flowers. A good choice is the Wisteria vine.
It grows lush, purple flowers that provide a majestic shade, especially during spring. Don’t expect the Wisteria to keep your patio dry during heavy rains. However, they can keep minor drizzle away.
A Weatherproof Patio Features Proper Finishing
A patio is one of the key additions homebuyers look for in a property. Part of your patio’s presentation is the furniture.
Thus, learning how to protect your patio from the weather through proper furniture finishing is non-negotiable. Clean your patio furniture at least twice a month to complement the finish. It will help keep dust and dirt buildup at bay.
Take note, there’s a proper way of cleaning your furniture. The methods depend on your furniture materials.
For wooden furniture, spray them with water. Wipe clean and let the sunlight and air dry them up.
Meanwhile, use warm and soapy water for plastic, metal, or vinyl furniture. To scrub pesky stains, use a soft cloth.
If your furniture features upholstery, invest in upholstery cleaner. Be sure to pick one that matches your upholstery fabrics. Otherwise, it might be too harsh and cause the colors to fade.
Invest in Waterproof Fabrics
Speaking of fabrics, invest in waterproof variants for your outdoor cushions. Your pillows can cause a headache if rainwater gets to them. Not only do you have to clean and dry them up, but they can also lose their shape faster.
Also, traditional fabrics can be home to different kinds of contaminants. When water seeps through the fabric, the cushion can trap the moisture inside. In turn, molds can grow and multiply inside your pillows.
By using waterproof fabrics, you can easily wipe the moisture away. You can also clean spills from drinks faster without worrying if they’ll reach the cushioning.
Cover Your Patio Furniture
Last but not least, invest in quality furniture covering. The same applies to your grill and other patio accessories.
Slipcovers are excellent for covering your patio items. They can keep the dirt from accumulating and the grime from building up.
Also, throw in some natural or washable rugs to add protection to your patio flooring.
Weatherproof Your Home Now!
By building a weatherproof patio, you can enjoy its many benefits all year long. You can prolong its beauty and increase your property’s value in the process.
However, learning how to make a patio weatherproof is only the start.
Protect your home from inclement weather by checking out our other blog posts. We share articles that teach how to weatherproof different parts of the house.