Texas weather makes Dallas outdoor living both enjoyable and challenging. Heat, moisture, storms, and the occasional freeze can all place a strain on your outdoor furnishings. As the seasons change, you will need to take steps to preserve and protect these features.
Wood Surfaces
Wood such as that used on your deck, fences, pergola, or gazebo should be
sealed every two or three years to keep out moisture. Always scrub down wood surfaces to remove dirt and oily substances before applying a sealant. Choose a UV resistant finish if your deck has a southern exposure and receives lots of sunlight.
Keep an eye out in the early spring through early summer for signs of insects swarming. If you see hundreds of winged termites and
carpenter ants concentrated in one place, this usually indicates a nest is nearby. If your deck is made from pressure treated wood, it may ward off these pests - but this material isn’t foolproof. Call an exterminator immediately if you suspect your wood structures are infested.
Natural Stone, Ceramics, & Stucco
Seal any granite and marble
countertops in your open air cooking space every year using a penetrating sealer. Grout on tiled counters should also be treated annually using a weather resistant sealant. Cover the counters and island when you aren’t using your outdoor kitchen. This will reduce the chances of staining, excessive weathering, and contamination from bird droppings.
Stucco facades are sometimes used in Southwest style Dallas outdoor living spaces. Stucco doesn’t need to be sealed. Just don’t allow items that may rust to come into contact with it. For example, wrought iron decorations should be hung where they will not stain the underlying surface. Slate flooring should be similarly protected from exposure to oxidized metal from patio furniture.
Severe Weather Precautions
High quality outdoor appliances are usually made from
304 stainless steel. This material is resistant to corrosion but not completely rust proof when exposed to rain. It may also be dented by hail. That’s one good reason to install an awning or other covering over your entire patio area. An awning also provides protection from the sun during the summer months.
The DFW area lies at the southern end of “
tornado alley”. Storms can arise very suddenly here. If you have a free standing grill, store it in your garage or shed when you aren’t using it. Ensure all lighter accessories and furnishings are either secured or placed in storage whenever there is an extreme weather alert.
Freeze Warning
The average winter temperatures in Dallas range between 34-38 degrees at night. However, freezes occur frequently enough to cause serious damage. You should winterize your outdoor water features - especially those that have pipes and pumps close to the surface.
Drain the water from fountains and waterfalls. Remove and clean the pumps then store them away for the winter. If you have a pond, the
specific steps required for winterization will depend on what types of plants and/or fish it contains.