Winterize your Outdoor Statues
If you are fortunate enough to be one of the many people that live in an area of the country that enjoys four seasons then you know that it takes a bit more work to get “winterized.” When the crispness in the fall air comes around it is a sure indicator that the cold is on its way. That is when most start the preparation for what lies ahead. This includes getting your garden and your yard in order. If you have outdoor statues then you do a few things if you want them to look beautiful for years to come.
Ceramic, fiberglass, and cast stone are very commonly used for outdoor statues because they are lightweight yet durable. These materials are made to withstand the elements but if it gets wet, freezes and thaws it can crack. With just a bot of effort you can get your outdoor statues ready to withstand the worst weather elements and still look radiant in the spring. Before the freeze you should purchase statue covers as they keep moisture out and are waterproof. They are available in many sizes so don’t worry about that. If you don’t plan to cover your statue then you must put some type of blankets, towels or other absorbent material at the base of your statue. This way it won’t freeze and crack.
Most statues display a reflection of your personal taste in a manner that also enhances any theme that you have going on in your yard or garden. Since tastes vary widely, you will come across statues in different materials with costs ranging from the very expensive bronze garden statues to affordable garden statues. Caring for your outdoor garden statues is necessary but doesn’t need to take all of your time. You should always follow your manufacturer’s advice. They know the materials your piece is created from and how to best care for it. If you have lost the original paperwork that came with your piece, you can usually find help online. Some new statues (especially cast stone) have salts in their materials that will leach out for a while. It will look like a whitish haze on them that will disappear over time. This is usually natural but again, check with your manufacturer.
Even though many statues are permanently built to be in the open air, it is best for them to be protected from water and freezing weather. If possible, build a little roof for protection for them if you live in extreme weather conditions. Otherwise, cover them with some type of tarp, burlap works best and keep it on until the weather stabilizes. Smaller statues can be brought inside through the worst weathers. Some cast stone statues do well having a sealant applied on a yearly basis. Be careful as there are different products and you need one that is compatible with your statue. If your statue needs cleaning, a nylon brush with some mild detergent should be all you need. Do not use strongly acidic solutions and watch out in areas where a lot of winter salt is used to clear ice. Make sure you wash it off your statue so that it doesn’t affect it.
Lydia Graham is an expert on outdoor furnishings, gardens and landscaping, and frequently helps her clients select outdoor statues for her client’s yards.
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