How To Prepare Your Playset For The Winter
As the crisp winter air begins to creep in, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your backyard playset. Proper care during the cold winter months can significantly extend the life of your playset and ensure it’s in tip-top condition when spring comes.
Why Winterize Your Playset?
Winter can be hard on outdoor structures; snow, ice and freezing temperatures can cause damage to some of the components. By taking the time to winterize your playset, you can protect it from the elements and prevent costly repairs.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Winterizing Your Playset
- Thorough Cleaning
- Debris removal: Clear away leaves, twigs and other debris that may have accumulated on the playset.
- Deep cleaning: Use a mild soap and water solution to clean all surfaces, including wood, metal and plastic. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry completely before use.
- Wood Care: In case you own a wooden playset, do the following:
- Sanding and sealing: Lightly sand any rough or splintered areas of the wood and apply a high-quality wood sealant to protect wood from moisture, rot and insect damage.
- Painting or staining: If necessary, repaint or stain the wood to maintain its appearance and provide additional protection.
- Secure Loose Parts
- Tighten hardware: Check all bolts, screws and other hardware to make sure that they are tight.
- Repair damage: Fix or replace any damaged components such as broken or cracked boards or loose chains.
- Rust Prevention
- Apply a rust-preventative spray or lubricant to any metal components.
- Cover The Playset
- Protective cover: Invest in a high-quality playset cover to shield it from snow, ice and other harsh weather conditions.
- Secure the cover: Make sure that the cover is securely fastened to prevent it from blowing away in strong winds.
- Indoor Storage
- In very extreme weather, remove smaller accessories such as swings, steering wheels, binoculars and the like, and store them indoors to protect them from the elements.
Additional Tips:
- Monitor snow accumulation: remove heavy snow from the playset regularly to prevent structural damage.
- Inspect regularly: Check your playset periodically for any signs of damage and wear and tear, especially after heavy snowfalls and strong winds.
By following these winterization tips, you can help ensure your playset remains in excellent condition for many years.
If you are thinking of purchasing a playset as a Christmas present for your kids, take a look at our models on our online catalog and remember that AWP are made from pressure-treated wood and they are snuggly covered in a sheath of vinyl which fully protects them from the elements and make for easy cleaning and maintenance. Our stainless steel bolts and chains won’t rust, as well as our powder-coated brackets, and our roofs are not made of canvas, but poly-lumber wood that resists high winds. Additionally, you can design your own playset and give your kids an amazing custom-made set for Christmas!