The Washington, D.C. area is known for fluctuating temperatures, and summertime is no exception. With its sweltering heat and high humidity, the conditions can become perfect for severe electrical storms. While owners of historic brick homes frequently take steps to protect their interior spaces, it’s essential to take stock of your patio and ensure you protect it and the surrounding areas from potential storm damage.
Securing Patio Items Before an Electrical Storm
Focusing on storm preparedness is an important part of any emergency plan. Preplanning how to secure patio items means you can quickly adjust to changing conditions and ensure items like loose furniture, potted plants, umbrellas and decorative items don’t turn into dangerous projectiles that can easily be swept up and thrown around. By assessing your patio before storms roll in, you can decide which items need to be moved to a sheltered location and which items need to be anchored to prevent injury to both people and property.
Effective Ways to Anchor Patio Items
There are several methods you can use to secure your patio items, including anchors, sandbags and tie-downs. Anchors can be particularly useful for tables, chairs, umbrellas and other large items. Anchors can either be screwed into the ground or permanently embedded in the brick patio. Even with anchors, never leave your patio umbrella open in D.C. storms.
If anchors are not an option, tie-down ratchet straps can effectively secure items to fixed points on the patio, such as railings, provided they are in good condition. Sandbags can also be used to keep small potted plants in place and stacked over the bases of larger objects to help prevent them from toppling over. It’s a good idea to regularly inspect and maintain your anchors, tie-downs or other securing methods to ensure they remain effective and reliable.
Protecting Your Historic Brick Patio from Damage
Brick and stone patios may also be vulnerable to storm damage. Electrical storms bring heavy rain, which can exacerbate existing problems on your patio’s surface. If your patio is already showing signs of cracking, crumbling, or heaving, these issues can quickly worsen with the added stress of rainwater. In addition to being unsightly, uneven surfaces can lead to trips and falls, and correcting these concerns as soon as possible will keep your patio and the surrounding walkways safe for your family and your guests.
Consult with the Experts for Proper Repairs
Addressing these issues early is key to maintaining the integrity and appearance of your historic brick patio. Working with a historic home expert, you can maintain a safe and enjoyable outdoor space, even with the unpredictable weather of Washington, D.C. A professional understands the historic value of your property and can repair previous damage the right way. They can also inspect your brickwork and take preventative measures to help you avoid potential problems, ensuring that your patio and other outdoor spaces remain functional and beautiful.
Whether you need patio restoration, stair repair, railing installation or tuckpointing, a historic brick expert can keep your home looking great for many summers to come.
Contact Renaissance Development to arrange an expert consultation for restoration and repair of brick or ironwork, both outside and inside your historic brick home.
