A rare red weather warning has been issued ahead of the arrival of Storm Eowyn. Strong winds and rain were forecast, leading to school closures and travel warnings.
Winter storms can have drastic and dire consequences for Brits' gardens. A new survey from Ronseal found that almost half (46 percent) of Brits neglect to put their garden furniture away, leading to the same amount damaging their garden after a storm or heavy rain.
When asked where the damage hit the most specific areas in the garden, over four in 10 (42 per cent) said most of the damage was to their fences. And with spells of rain and showers expected to take over Britain, the storm is set to take over.
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He says: “As time consuming as getting sheds in and out of sheds is, it is necessary to protect it from strong winds and rain. Although some outdoor furniture can withstand extreme weather, it can be worse if left out. So it's always best to knock it away before a big storm.
“Rain can affect furniture in different ways depending on the material. Metal garden furniture is susceptible to rust and corrosion, resulting in a discolored, flaky orange-brown appearance. Corrosion can also cause it to look blue or green. Some signs of water damage in wooden furniture include discoloration, mold growth, distortion and a damp, musty smell. “
Five top tips for protecting gardens from extreme weather:
1. Safe Flight Risk Items – Wheely bins and wash lines are all common victims in extreme weather. Larger items such as shed roofs and trampolines should be nailed down or moved to an area of the garden that has more protection to avoid damage.
2. Scrub wooden furniture with hot, soapy water – Before storing, wipe wooden furniture with a stiff brush and hot soapy water as it can collect fungal spores. Let this dry and further protect it, oil it with a garden furniture protector. This waterproofs the wood and helps reduce cracking, peeling and discoloration. Choose a warmer day to do this as it should be applied when temperatures are above 10°C with no forecast frost or precipitation.
3. Pack away all garden furniture – When moving, focus on the lighter items such as deck and seating chairs that can be picked up in the wind, as these can cause more significant problems if they pass through a window in extreme weather. Before storing it in a shed or garage, it is important that it is dry, otherwise mold may form on wooden furniture. Storage is preferred however if this is not an option, use a bungee cord to tie furniture pieces together and secure them in the garden so they cannot fly away. If there are objects on the decking, put them away so they don't damage the wood.
4. Fix all the broken fences – Fences can be particularly vulnerable in extreme weather, and unsecured fences are at massive risk of being damaged or blown away. To avoid this, perform fence maintenance checks before severe weather and look for posts that are wobbly or unsecured. Make sure these are removed or replaced. Poke some decorative holes in the fence, such as: B. Use a diamond pattern to cut the wind and put less load and place hedges or tall trees on the upwind side of the fence to create a windbreak.
5. Use a weatherproof sealant or stain on decking Sealing the deck with a liquid sealant or deck stain is crucial to protecting the wood from harsh weather because it prevents moisture from entering the wood. Before applying to the decking, be sure to sweep it with a stiff broom to remove debris, leaves, and dirt so it can work into the grooves. Be sure to choose a clear day with temperatures above 10°C and make sure old treatments have been cleared away to make the stain as effective as possible.