Chicagoans have a love-hate relationship with many things: our sports teams, our lake, and, perhaps most prominently, winter itself. On one hand, winter offers a welcomed respite from the incessant activity and socializing of summer. It’s a cozy time of year that evokes hangouts by the fireplace and the skyline glistening in the snow.

On the other hand, winter also implies some inconveniences like additional traffic and higher gas bills. If you’re a condo owner, increased use of your (hopefully indoor!) parking facility and need to winterize your outdoor areas are highly-important to-dos once the cold weather rolls around.

How to Prep Your Condo Patio for Winter

If you’re lucky enough to have a patio as part of your condo space, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to ensure your outdoor area “hibernates” properly and is ready for spring. We recommend:

• Removing any leaves or debris from the patio floor. This step will keep that debris from freezing to the ground and impacting the integrity of the cement, wood or other material that forms the floor.
• Adding sealant to any stone ground work. Sealants are designed to protect against salt and other harsh winter conditions, which will keep your area safe and looking beautiful come springtime.
• Storing your patio furniture, if possible. If your condo building comes with a storage space, allocating that area to your furniture is well worth-it to keep it out of the elements and cold.
• Cleaning and covering your furniture if storage isn’t possible. If storage isn’t possible, the next-best option is to clean debris from your patio furniture and cover it, ideally with covers or tarps that are as fitting to the furniture as possible.
• Remove plants or bring them inside. While greenery adds a beautiful touch to an outdoor space during non-winter months, keeping your plants inside when it’s cold will keep them (and you!) happier.
• Check on the area periodically throughout the season. As tempting as it is to stay indoors throughout the winter, check on your patio throughout the season to make sure all of your winterization efforts are still intact.

Interesting in learning more ways to prepare your home for the winter months? Click the button below!