Weather Factors to Consider When Choosing Covers for Your Patio Chairs

When investing in outdoor furniture, there is no denying the fact that you are going to look for similar characteristics, which you would look for in your indoor furniture, like sofas, chairs, and tables, like style, durability, and comfort. However, one difference that you cannot miss is that patio furniture needs to endure the outside weather. No furniture is indeed 100% waterproof. However, it is always a good idea to consider covering them. It is important to make your home look beautiful without doing a lot. Below is a list of the factors that you should consider when you are buying the right patio chair covers for the weather conditions in your area. 

Moisture and rain

If you are living in an area, which is responsible for frequent rainstorms or even has high humidity, you have to make sure that your furniture is capable of withstanding the damage that can be caused as a result of these water-related issues. Retaining moisture and standing water is not only capable of degrading the material physically, but it can also be responsible for several health risks. Given below is a list of the problems associated with moisture. 

Rot, mold, and mildew: Humid weather conditions are responsible for creating the perfect environment for fungi to thrive. Materials, which are capable of retaining water, are susceptible to mildew and mold, which will be responsible for several respiratory problems. Rot is responsible for the decomposition and bio-degradation of materials. 

Corrosion and rust: Metals that are responsible for containing steel, as well as iron, are undoubtedly vulnerable to corrosion, especially when they are going to be exposed to oxygen and water. The corrosive process of oxidation has the capability of weakening metals, and this can lead to discoloration and rust. If there is salt present in both water as well as air, this process can be boosted. Therefore, rust is prevalent in coastal regions. 

Warping: Materials, which are responsible for allowing water to penetrate, can result in warping. This might not be noticeable, but in the long run, your furniture is going to be ruined completely. 

Buying Patio Chair Covers that are designed to last for years in harsh weather conditions is your best bet unless you don’t mind buying new further every year or two.

Sun and temperature

If you are living in a sunny area, you need to make sure that you are looking for cover materials, which are capable of withstanding damage from the ultraviolet rays of the sun as well as fluctuations because of extreme cold and extreme heat. Continued sun exposure sun can lead to:

Fading:

Patio Chairs will start losing their luster if they are constantly exposed to the sun. 

Cracking:

Materials expand as well as a contract when they are cooled and heated. This can lead to cracking of the patio chairs. 

Wind

You might also live in an extremely windy area. In this case, the material that you are choosing should be capable of binding your furniture to the ground, thereby protecting it from being blown away. 

Size:

Getting the covers of the right size is half the battle of keeping outdoor furniture safe from the elements. Not making sure of the right size of furniture covers for your patio set is a very common mistake because generally covers are made specifically for certain sizes. If the covers are too small, they will not fit, and if they are too big, they will tend to catch water and dirt because they drag on the floor. Over-sized furniture covers also tend to look very unsightly, and you end up spending more than necessary. 

Waterproof:

Among the most important requirements of outdoor furniture covers is that they should be waterproof. The best outdoor furniture covers will keep your furniture completely dry with the water rolling off them without wetting them. These covers will also be robust enough to keep the furniture protected against dust, dirt, and debris that can easily spoil your patio furniture. The best way of cleaning removable canvas covers is to put them in the washing machine.

Breathable cover design:

When the furniture cover is made from a strong and waterproof material like canvas, polyester, nylon, etc. it can lead to a situation where the air between the furniture and the cover cannot circulate. This can allow mold and mildew to develop, causing damage to your valuable furniture.  This is especially true when the covers remain in place for months. One way of preventing this is to select a cover with a breathable fabric; however, this will also allow the ingress of moisture.  So the best way is to have a waterproof cover fitted with vents on the sides that will allow the trapped moisture to escape keeping the furniture dry.

Soft backing cloth:

When choosing a cover for your outdoor furniture, be sure to buy one that has a soft backing cloth.  This will help to prevent your furniture from being scratched. This is especially important if your furniture has a deep polish or it is made out of stained wood. In the long months when the covers are in place, they can rub against the furniture and create unsightly spots on the polish or paint in case the soft backing cloth is absent.

Buying Patio Chair Covers – Conclusion

When you are buying patio chair covers, it is your responsibility to ensure that the materials are not only durable but also capable of protecting your furniture from any unwanted damage. Make sure the material on the covers will withstand the weather conditions in your area for years to come. 

Now that you have picked out the material for your chair covers, it is important to know how to properly clean them as this can increase their lifetime

Guide created by Fabric Guru, an online retailer where you can buy upholstery fabric online.