Weatherproofing Your Patio for Year Round Comfort

A patio is one of the best places for relaxing, entertaining, and enjoying your home’s outdoor space. However, changing seasons and unpredictable weather can make it hard to use your patio all year. Weatherproofing keeps your patio comfortable and protected so you can enjoy it rain or shine. Simple upgrades can transform your patio into a true extension of your home, ready for any season. Here’s how to do it right with guidance from Handydads.

Project Snapshot

This project focuses on sealing and protecting your patio from rain, wind, and changing temperatures. You’ll address areas prone to leaks or damage and make smart choices about covering, furnishing, and finishing surfaces. Whether your patio is concrete, stone, or wood, these steps will help protect it and keep it welcoming no matter the weather.

Tools and Materials

To weatherproof your patio, gather quality outdoor sealant, waterproof paint or stain, a good paintbrush or roller, caulk and a caulking gun, weather stripping, a utility knife, all season outdoor rugs, and weather resistant furniture covers. Consider picking up a heavy duty broom for cleaning and an outdoor tent or canopy for extra protection.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Begin by sweeping your patio thoroughly and clearing away any debris or dirt. Check all cracks and seams and apply a waterproof sealant, being sure to fill gaps along edges and between boards or stones. Use a caulking gun to apply weatherproof caulk where the patio meets your house to prevent leaks. Paint or stain any wooden surfaces with a waterproof finish for added durability. Add weather stripping to patio doors and consider a waterproof rug to protect the surface and add comfort. Use furniture covers whenever rain or cold weather hits, or add a portable outdoor heater or canopy to extend your use of the space.

From the Toolbox

One time, a client called us in early fall after she found puddles forming on her patio during storms. We found out that minor cracks near her back door allowed water to seep inside. After sealing those cracks and applying a fresh coat of waterproof paint, she was thrilled to host a family barbecue in November - her guests barely noticed the chilly wind thanks to her new patio heater and wind shields. It goes to show you that a few handyman fixes can bring big comfort all year long.

Top 5 Mistakes

Ignoring small cracks or gaps will let water and cold air sneak in, leading to more damage later. Skipping the cleaning step means poor adhesion for sealants and stains. Choosing the wrong kind of paint or sealant that isn’t meant for outdoors will wear away quickly. Overlooking the need for caulking where the patio meets walls can leave vulnerabilities. Forgetting to protect furniture or skipping weatherproof covers lets moisture ruin your investments.

Tool and Material Recommendations

We recommend using GE Silicone 2+ Outdoor Caulk, Thompson’s WaterSeal for wooden surfaces, and Rust Oleum Outdoor Fabric Spray for patio textile protection. Invest in Gorilla Waterproof Patch and Seal Tape to patch up larger areas and a Wagner paint sprayer for faster stain application. For patio heating, Dr Infrared Outdoor Heater is reliable and efficient. Look for heavy-duty furniture covers from Duck Covers for year round peace of mind.

Quick Tips and Hacks

Cover your patio furniture before every rainfall to extend its lifespan. Sweep and dry your patio as soon as possible after storms to protect the surface. Use outdoor rugs and mats that dry quickly and resist mildew. Apply sealant at least once every two years to keep cracks from forming. Hang weather resistant curtains or install retractable shades for added wind protection on breezy days.

Need a Hand?

Ready to enjoy your patio any time of year? Handydads is here to weatherproof your outdoor spaces with expert care. Contact our team for a free estimate and make your patio the favorite part of your home.