As winter encroaches upon us, many people resign themselves to the fact that this means they have to pack up all their outdoor furniture until spring dawns. Pergolas especially are an outdoor fixture that people assume can only be used during the warmer months. While it’s understandable why one would think that – pergolas have less covering than gazebos, you can winterize your pergola. 

When you winterize your pergola, you provide a cozy refuge in your yard, an additional place for people to gather, and a way to enjoy the outdoors in more comfort. Here are some of the things that you can do in order to winterize your pergola. 

Add A Heat Source 

Winters are cold, but that doesn’t mean your pergola has to be too. Adding a heat source to your pergola will make it more cozy and comfortable and encourage usage. There’s nothing quite like bundling up in the cold and gathering around a source of heat that says winter bonding and cozy chatter. You may add a patio heater or have a firepit installed. These are beneficial not just to winterize your pergola, but in other seasons too. Summer or fall s’mores, anyone?

Use Patio Furniture That Can Take Winter Weather

Many people use patio furniture that they either have to cover up or put into storage come winter to preserve it and prevent damages. Investing in patio furniture that can withstand the weather is an excellent way to winterize your pergola and ensure optimal usage of your investment. 

Having patio furniture that you don’t need to worry about getting ruined by the rain or snow or that won’t leave puddles for you to sit on and get your clothes all wet will make your pergola more usable and comfortable. Plus, if you have a heat source in your pergola, it can make your furniture warmer and more comfortable too.

Consider Your Pergola’s Roof Type

Pergolas come in a range of roof options. Some offer more shade and coverage than others. Some have lattice roofs that ventilate. When you winterize your pergola, you’ll want to account for the kind of roof your pergola has. Perhaps you’ll add a cover to it, to help shield it from the snow and rain. Your local expert can advise you on how to optimize your pergola for winter, based on the kind of roof that it has.

Cover Outdoor Products

The last thing that you want is for products that aren’t made to withstand the elements to be damaged. If you can’t bring them inside or put them into storage, when you winterize your pergola, you’ll want to ensure that you cover any outdoor products that could be damaged by winter weather. If you have a Traeger grill, you don’t want the metal to rust. Covering such items will keep them in good condition and help them to last longer.

Clean It

Keeping your pergola clean is an excellent way to keep it in good shape, regardless of the season. But cleaning it before and during the winter will prevent potential damages from snow, as well as keep the area clear of debris and fallen leaves. If your pergola is attached to your home, then snowbuild can cause it to collapse. Cleaning the snow off of your pergola will help it stay strong.

Make It Cozy

So, you’ve potentially added a heating source, you’ve potentially got furniture that can take the weather, so another way to winterize your pergola is to make it more cozy through adding fluffy blankets and throw pillows that people can curl up with or against. You may consider stringing up some fairy lights to enhance a homey atmosphere. Another thing that you can do to enhance the comfort of your pergola is to add a rug. 

Add Covers

We mentioned how you should consider the roof type of your pergola when winterizing it. Another way you can protect its interior from the elements is through adding covers, like outdoor blinds or shades, to keep the cold out and the warmth in.

Do You Need Advice On How To Winterize Your Pergola?

Kool Breeze offers a range of pergolas to best suit your personal tastes and your needs. We take pride in the quality of our products and of our services. When you work with Kool Breeze, you’ll know that you are working with experts that you can trust. We’re happy to help you find the pergola of your dreams, as well as provide any additional information you may need on how to winterize your pergola. For any questions, please contact us at Kool Breeze today!