Avoid expensive blunders amidst heatwave, advises outdoor specialist warns
As temperatures soar this week, reaching a scorching 33°C, it's time to ensure our outdoor spaces are well-prepared. Andrew White, an outdoor expert from Harbour Lifestyle, has a warning about a common mistake that could lead to thousands of pounds worth of damage in just a few hours.
Leaving outdoor furniture covers on during sunny weather, even after a brief shower, can be a costly mistake. When covers are left on, they trap moisture beneath them, creating a damp environment that encourages the growth of mildew and mold, potentially causing unpleasant odors, allergic reactions, and damage to fabrics and cushions[1][3][4].
Moreover, this trapped moisture may lead to wood swelling, cracking, and joint loosening as wood fibers absorb water and then dry unevenly[1]. For metal furniture, water trapped under covers can accelerate rusting and corrosion, damaging structural integrity[5]. Bacteria and fungal growth can also flourish on porous cushions and untreated surfaces, shortening furniture lifespan and risking health issues[3].
To minimize these dangers, it is essential to remove covers during sunny weather after rain, allowing furniture to dry quickly and thoroughly. Covers can be used to protect furniture during rain or when not in use, but leaving them on in sunny, moist conditions will trap water and increase damage risk[1][2].
Ventilation, such as using covers that breathe or removing covers for drying, and ensuring water drains away from frames (use of weeping holes on aluminum frames, for example) help protect outdoor furniture from moisture-related problems[2]. Choosing designs with fade-resistant materials can also help prevent damage to outdoor furniture in high temperatures.
So, remember to take off your outdoor furniture covers when the sun is strong and temperatures climb. A few minutes of effort now can save you from costly repairs later. After all, the last thing you want is to find your outdoor furniture damaged when you need it most.
[1] Positioning outdoor furniture under shade when temperatures rise can also help prevent damage. [2] Ventilation (such as using covers that breathe or removing covers for drying) and ensuring water drains away from frames help protect outdoor furniture from moisture-related problems. [3] Moisture that cannot evaporate may also lead to wood swelling, cracking, and joint loosening as wood fibers absorb water and then dry unevenly. For metal furniture, water trapped under covers can accelerate rusting and corrosion, damaging structural integrity. Moreover, if furniture is not dried properly, bacteria and fungal growth can flourish on porous cushions and untreated surfaces, shortening furniture lifespan and risking health issues. [4] The trapped damp environment encourages mildew and mold growth, potentially causing unpleasant odors, allergic reactions, and damage to fabrics and cushions. [5] Lower quality plastics used in outdoor furniture can become brittle in direct sunlight.
Removing outdoor furniture covers during sunny weather after a rain shower is crucial to prevent mildew and mold growth, allergy triggers, and long-term damage to furniture materials. In sunny, moist conditions, covers can trap water that leads to wood swelling, metal corrosion, and bacteria growth, shortening the lifespan of your outdoor furniture and potentially impacting your health.
