How To Clean And Maintain Your Patio During Harsh Winter Weather

With winter on its way, how you use your outdoor space may change. For some people, colder weather means shuttering time spent on the patio in favor of the warmth of indoors. For others, an outside heater makes enjoying time spent in your favorite spot as easy as it is comfortable. However, regardless of how you choose to use your patio during the colder months, it's essential to know how to maintain and clean your patio during that harsh winter weather.

The colder months of the year can take a real toll on your patio. Freezing temperatures can cause cracks in your brick or stone, while salt used to keep ice at bay also causes damage. Any excess water from melted snow or ice may cause wood rot. Not to mention, fears of damage aside, months of fallen leaves and piles of snow can lead to a mess, which makes getting your patio ready to use come spring a hassle. By learning the proper way to clean your patio, as well as maintain it periodically, you can prevent common winter patio damage and preserve your outdoor space's lifespan — as well as make transitioning back into spring and summer a breeze.

One of the best ways to keep your patio in good shape during the winter is by starting in the fall. Before cold weather ever hits, take the time to inspect your patio and repair any existing damage. If you already have cracks in your concrete or masonry, these can worsen with cold weather, leading to bigger problems down the road. As a result, addressing these concerns early is essential for saving yourself trouble in the future. You can also spend autumn inspecting other areas around your patio that could lead to standing or pooling water that will freeze once the temperature drops. This means looking over the edge of your yard for any holes that might hold water and ensuring your gutters and downspouts are in good shape. This can help prevent melting snow from wreaking havoc on your home and patio.

You always want to keep debris from building up. This task might come naturally if you're still using your outdoor space, but it can be easily forgotten if you're not regularly spending time on your patio. If autumn leaves are left on your patio throughout the winter, they can lead to staining. Leaving debris and grime to pile up for several months also makes cleaning for spring more challenging. Instead, on warm days, move your furniture out of the way — this can be a great time to move it into storage if desired — and tackle your patio for a deep clean. After sweeping, use a patio-safe cleaning solution to mop for a spotless finish, so long as there's no worry of freezing.

If you live in an area that frequently experiences freezing weather or ample snow, there are a few additional steps you can take as well. These steps are designed not only for keeping your patio usable but in tip-top shape. For example, you can keep using a deicer on your patio, but opt for a patio-safe alternative. Excessive amounts of salt or calcium chloride can erode your concrete or masonry, eating away from its lifespan. Instead, use a light hand when applying deicers or even choose a different option altogether. One hack to take care of snow or ice outside is to use coffee grounds or sand to add friction to your icy patio.

Along with keeping ice at bay, you may want to remove snow from your patio, especially if you want to enjoy your outdoor space despite the weather. As a result, your first instinct may be to reach for your handle metal snow shovel. While a metal snow shovel can be useful in other areas of your yard, when it comes to cleaning and maintaining your patio, you may want to choose a plastic shovel instead, or even a snow blower. This is because a metal shovel head can scratch the patio surface. When cleaning your patio during slippery conditions, make sure to practice caution and use the right safety techniques. After all, the last thing you want is to fall while handling snow or ice.