Garden furniture Experts are warning homeowners to always clear their gardens Furniture Covers in sunny weather – even if you are not using your garden furniture.
If you have invested in The best garden furnitureYou’ll probably also have a cover to make sure your seat is protected against the elements. This is especially true in the winter when the weather is even less predictable, and if you have a A small shed or lack of storage space.
However, in sunny weather, experts want you to remove the covers even if you are not using your furniture. This is because covers can trap heat and moisture, and can also strain in sunny weather, eventually damaging your furniture. Here’s what you need to know.
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Warning
I imagine your garden furniture cover is not something you pay much attention to, especially if you have a weatherproof cover, such as Argos Home’s Deluxe Patio Cover (£47). However, some covers, especially PVC, can have a negative effect on your furniture in sunny weather.
(Image credit: Future plc/Darren Chung)
‘Garden furniture covers should be removed in sunny weather as they can trap heat and moisture underneath and turn it into a mini greenhouse. While modern covers won’t melt in normal sunlight, cheap plastic and PVC-based materials can degrade, warp and even stick to surfaces if the temperature is hot enough,’ explains Reilly Gray, co-founder Sun lifestyle.
‘This build-up in heat and humidity can damage your furniture, causing wood to dry out and crack, metal to sweat and potentially rust (especially if not made from high-quality, weather-resistant materials) and any upholstery to develop mold and mildew.’
For this reason, if sunny weather is forecast, remove the covers from your furniture. That being said though, on the rare occasion that the UK does have lovely sunny weather, we often want to enjoy our garden seating areas!
For best protection, place your garden furniture in partial shade when it’s really sunny or you can use a UV-resistant finish such as Ronsell’s Garden Clear Mat Furniture Protector, £20On wooden garden furniture.
When to use garden furniture covers
This does not mean that your garden furniture covers are unnecessary. In fact, they can be very useful when used properly, especially during wet weather.
(Image credit: Future plc/ David Giles)
In practice, I always recommend using cover more selectively. They are useful overnight, during heavy rain, or when the furniture is not being used for a period of time. On bright, dry days, it’s better to keep the furniture covered so it can breathe properly,” advises Mirela Bajic, Senior Garden Designer. House Designer.
‘Cushion is an exception. I always recommend storing them separately in a dry, ventilated place rather than outside under a cover. Despite the cover, they retain moisture and can quickly develop a musty smell if not properly ventilated.
‘If you’re using a cover, it’s worth investing in a breathable, well-fitted one rather than a completely sealed plastic style. Those little details make a big difference in preventing heat and moisture build-up.’
Argos Home
Argos Home Deluxe Rectangular Patio Set Cover
This furniture cover is designed to fit a standard patio dining set, and is designed to protect it from both sun and rain.
Bramblecrest
Bramblecrest Bistro Set Water Repellent Garden Furniture Cover, Khaki
This bistro set cover is UV and frost-resistant with mesh air vents to prevent trapped moisture. It is best for that Bramblecrest Bistro Set.
VonHaas
Vonhos Waterproof Garden Furniture Set Cover
Protect your furniture from sun and rain with this cover. It also has special vents to prevent mold and mildew build-up.
As we move into summer, the possibility of sunny days is more viable. So, if you don’t use your garden furniture on sunny days, remove the cover anyway and let it breathe.
