How to prepare your outdoor tiles for winter 2022

How can winter affect your outdoor tiles?

Protecting your outdoor tiles during winter is an important factor in their lifespan. If you don’t prepare them properly, they could crack and break, which means you’ll have to replace them much sooner than you’d like to. With proper installation materials, you can have your outdoor tiles withstand the freeze-thaw cycle much longer with little to no trouble. As the ground freezes and thaws, moisture levels change, which causes subfloors and tiles to expand and contract. This can lead to cracking, but with the right materials, you can avoid this problem.

Don’t avoid using your patio area during the winter!

Although most of us will prepare our gardens for winter by putting everything away, protecting the plants and laying salt on our outdoor tiles before locking the doors until the summertime, there is much to be said about spending quality time outside in your garden during the chiller months! Let’s take a look at some tips for getting your patio winter ready.

Blocking off that bitter wind

One way to achieve more protection from the winter winds is to strategize the planting of trees around your patio area. By creating a blockade of trees, you will be reducing the amount of wind that hits that particular area. Additionally, coniferous trees are known to be more effective in blocking wind than other types of trees. Not to mention, evergreens can also help reduce moisture in the air – another plus for those cold winter months!

Make sure your outdoor tiles are non-slip

If you have not opted for naturally anti-slip tiles for your garden, you may be wondering how to make sure they stay safe during the wet and icy winter months. Although it’s readily available, we recommend avoiding the use of gritting salt on natural stone tiles. Instead, why not look into a deck or polish grip? Both are great sealants that offer protection for natural stone surfaces without damaging the tile.

Protecting your patio furniture

If you are planning on spending some time in your garden this winter, it doesn’t make sense to pack away your patio furniture. But you should be prepared to keep the cushions and pillows inside to avoid them getting wet and mouldy during rainy days. Try to keep your furniture as protected as you can on the outdoor tiles, and take out your cushions when you want to sit outside.

Add a patio heater for a winter warmer

Finally, if you are planning on spending some time on your patio this winter, we recommend you invest in something that is likely to keep you a little warmer! If you have the space, why not consider getting a fire pit or a chiminea? For smaller patio areas or for those with a lot of surrounding trees, a patio heater could be the perfect addition.

Top tips to prepare your outdoor tiles and garden safely

To get your outdoor tiles ready for the winter months, we have some top tips for you:

Remove any mould or moss

If your garden is quite sheltered and it’s been a wet summer, algae and mould may appear on your patio tiles. This is why it’s important to have a regular sweep to prevent this build-up from forming, but this is easier said than done when you’re busy with life. We recommend using a mould remover that is suitable for natural stone.

Give your outdoor tiles a good clean

Now that your outdoor tiles are free of mould and algae, it’s time to give them the winter clean they deserve. Different tile choices require different cleaning products, so if you are unsure what to use on your outdoor tiles, give the Aylesbury Tile Centre team a call. Avoid using a jetwash, as this could damage softer stones.

Reseal your outdoor tiles if needed

Once you have cleaned your outdoor tiles, you should apply a stone sealer to materials like sandstone or slate. This will penetrate the stone and prevent stains while protecting your patio from erosion by harsh weather. This overall process of cleaning and sealing will also help to remove a build-up of rain that can remain on tiles until it turns into ice. By taking these extra steps, you can be sure that your patio will stay looking great for years to come!

Use a shovel with care and avoid gritting salt

After a heavy snowfall, you’ll need to shovel the excess snow off your patio tiles. Be careful not to damage the natural stone with the shovel, as this could lead to cracks. Use a shovel with a plastic or silicone head to reduce this risk. We’d also suggest avoiding using rock salt as the solution can seep into patio cracks and refreeze.

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Upgrade your outside area with Aylesbury Tile Centre

Many of us spend a lot of time and money on our gardens, getting them just right so we can enjoy them all year around. But every year, we have to worry about winter rearing its head. Fortunately, there are plenty of things you can do to ensure your garden is ready for winter, so you can still sit out and enjoy your garden, even in the colder months. Aylesbury Tile Centre offer a wide range of outdoor tiles and accessories, which will help you to make the most of your garden year-round.

Our premium range of tiles and accessories, available in our expansive Aylesbury showroom, will help prevent water seepage and drainage while also keeping your home protected from the elements. Our products are all competitively priced, so you can be sure you’re getting the best value for money. Get in touch today or pay our Chamberlain Road showroom a visit.