Washington, D.C.’s rainy, snowy, and windy winters can take a toll on your home and outdoor spaces. Preparing your historic brick home for the colder months means making sure your outdoor furniture, walkways, and exteriors are ready to face whatever winter throws your way. Completing these tasks now will ensure you’ll easily transition back into spring once the nicer weather rolls back in.
Protecting and Storing Outdoor Furniture
Winterizing your outdoor furniture is key to extending its life and keeping it in top shape for spring. Winter weather can easily damage uncovered furniture left outside, so it is important to keep the patio furniture and other outdoor accessories well-protected.
Store Indoors When Possible
Storing items inside is the best option, but it isn’t always practical. If you have little space, try disassembling parts like table legs to save space which will enable you to fit more items in. However, if there simply isn’t enough room in your garage, basement or shed, there are other steps that can keep your furniture safe even as it remains outside.
Invest in Covers
High-quality, waterproof covers are a good investment when it comes to protecting furniture that will stay outside during the winter months. Covers should be fitted to keep out rain and snow and of course they must be securely fastened to prevent the wind from blowing them off.
Lift Items Off the Ground
Placing a one-inch patio block underneath your outdoor furniture or decorative items prone to rust can help keep damage at bay. While it won’t stop snow accumulation from building up around the furniture, it can help keep the items drier during freeze-thaw cycles and spring melts. A single block will do; any higher, and you risk the furniture toppling over in windy weather which could create a safety hazard.
Don’t Forget to Anchor Your Outdoor Furniture
Speaking of windy weather, it is important to anchor your historic brick home’s outdoor items. Winter storms can pack a punch, and high winds can turn unsecured outdoor furniture into projectiles. It's best to weigh your outdoor furniture down with sandbags, anchor them to sturdy fixtures or consider having in-ground anchors installed. Not only does this protect your furniture, but it also protects your home’s exterior and your neighbors’ property.
Preventing Moisture Issues In Historic Brick
Take a few minutes to inspect your historic brick for cracks or gaps in the brickwork. When mortar joints begin to deteriorate, moisture can easily seep into the walls, causing interior water damage and structural concerns. The solution to damaged brick and mortar is exterior tuckpointing, which restores the original mortar, sealing out water and maintaining the stability of your exterior walls.
Combat Historic Window Heat Loss
Inspect the weatherstripping around windows and doors and replace any of it that may be worn out. Caulking to small gaps can be an extra quick fix for drafts that sneak in around frames, but consider adding storm windows if you have single-pane windows. The extra layer helps keep warm air inside, making your rooms more comfortable. You can also add thick curtains or blinds to create an additional barrier against the cold without sacrificing aesthetics or style.
Focusing on these areas will protect the beauty of your historic brick home while providing you with a safe and energy-efficient space for the colder months. This early preparation will keep you cozy and secure no matter what the D.C. weather brings your way.
Contact Renaissance Development to arrange an expert consultation for restoration and repair of brick, both outside and inside your historic brick home.
