Protect Your Outside Kitchen During Stormy Weather
Spring is the time that homeowners begin to plan their summer. We find ourselves planning our days around holidays, parties, barbecues, and more. If you had the foresight to plan your outdoor space, you probably envision many of summer’s gatherings to take place outdoors. It won’t take much to ruin these plans, though, if necessary precautions aren’t taken.
Spring storms can cause unexpected damage, so it’s important to prevent as much as possible. These preparations cannot take place ten minutes before the storm hits. Protecting your outdoor kitchen from storm damage starts when it’s designed, installed, and built. Many homeowners go so far as to build walls and a roof over the outdoor kitchen for good measure. While this is a great option, it may be out of your price range, or you might not have the space for such a big space. No matter the reason, there are still steps you can take to protect your investment.
Fasten, Store, and Remove Items that Might Move
Wind and water can move items across the yard (or the county) if not fastened down. While your appliances shouldn’t be a problem, it’s important to fasten-down or store items that can blow away. Furniture can be stored, tied down, and even built into the design. Cushions, should be removed and doors fastened closed. If your outdoor kitchen has walls, removable curtains or partitions, you should remove or fasten these things so that they aren’t damaged or lost during the storm.
Shut Off Electricity to Appliances
Before a storm hits be sure to disconnect electricity to the outdoor kitchen. This includes cords that might become tangled, pulled out, and damaged. Also, a bolt of lightening can damage an appliance irreparably.
Shut Off Gas and Water Connections
If a major storm sweeps through your property and tears away appliances or counters, a gas or water connection may be severed. If a gas line is broken it can result in a leak and a major fire hazard. A broken water line, though not as serious, can result in a large water bill and added damage to your space.
Invest in a Roof or Cover
If you’d like your outdoor space to have a cover, it’s not too late. You can purchase and have built a pavilion, room, or roof around your outdoor kitchen. Professional installation can take place without interrupting your use of the space. If you are not ready to invest in the property in that way, you can also cover your outdoor kitchen yourself, using tarps and rope or bungee straps.
The last thing you want is to be surprised by a storm that might ruin your dream space. Whether you created an outdoor kitchen because you wanted a relaxing space for hostessing or because you wanted to raise property value for sale or refinance, you want to protect it! Don’t let a storm ruin your day.