How to Protect Your Tiverton, RI, Outdoor Kitchen in the Fall and Winter
An outdoor kitchen Tiverton, RI, is an inviting landscape element that brings family and friends together to enjoy warm days and nights. It’s just one of the many reasons a fully equipped outdoor kitchen is a worthy investment.To protect what you’ve invested and to ensure that the outdoor kitchen will last for years to come, some careful maintenance is needed. When thoughts begin to turn toward browning leaves, give consideration to how to protect your outdoor kitchen from the challenges of the pending cold weather. Here are the areas of the outdoor kitchen that need special attention for the fall and winter months.
Outdoor Kitchen Pipes
Preparing an outdoor kitchen for the colder seasons involves ensuring that there is no water in the pipes after the last warm-season meal has been served. Once persistent freezing weather moves in, any water left over in the pipes will turn to ice and could lead to burst outdoor pipes and a great deal of damage. Similar to how a garden hose needs to be drained before a big freeze, so does the faucet of an outdoor kitchen.
Kitchen Appliances
To begin winterizing outdoor kitchen appliances, they need to be unplugged and set aside for a few months. For gas grills, the natural gas or propane gas line will need to be turned off. The grill itself needs to be cleaned thoroughly so that it will be in tiptop shape once spring arrives—all that oil and grease buildup needs to be scraped and removed from all surfaces, for safety and cleanliness and to avoid attracting hungry animals. Last but not least, a quality grill cover specifically designed for your grill will protect one of your most often-used appliances from the elements.Related: 4 Essentials for a Modern Outdoor Kitchen in Barrington, RIThe fridge and ice maker also need a thorough cleaning, after their water and power supply have been turned off. All food and signs of water need to gone before the serious winter weather approaches your backyard.
Outdoor Fireplace or Fire Pit
At the end of the warm seasons, your fireplace or fire pit show the remnants of memorable nights around the flames. Ashes, wood, and any debris need to be carefully removed. Wood can be covered and set aside for when it can be brought out again. A weather-resistant cover can protect your fire pit from both weather and animals in the meantime.
Cooking Surfaces and Cabinets
Similar to the kitchen appliances, cabinets and drawers need to be emptied and cleaned up. Treatment against cold weather may be necessary. Cabinets and surfaces made of wood may need to be coated with oil. Stainless steel cabinets may require a layer of powder coat finish, while stone countertops may need special sealers to keep their finish looking good.Related: Outdoor Kitchen Designs That Stand the Test of Time in Jamestown, RI
Furniture and Other Items
Some types of outdoor furniture, umbrellas, kids’ toys, decoration items should all ideally be brought indoors to be preserved when possible. Chairs left outdoors may need to be stacked and set close to the house or other structure to withstand windy forces.