Many of us fork out for a robust patio cover that can protect our outdoor furniture from the elements. Rain is one of the most important types of weather to shield our furniture from. Whether it’s an outdoor table cover or BBQ cover, these simple yet effective products have the ability to save you a fortune in the long run.
As we’ll explore below, leaving patio furniture exposed to the rain can see it fall into disrepair in a short space of time. The best patio cover for rain protection is designed to add to the lifespan of your outdoor furniture or amenities.
Let’s dive in.
Key Takeaways On The Best Patio Cover For Rain
Consider the dimensions of your patio furnishings before making any purchase. If you don’t completely cover your furniture, they may still suffer damage.
Understand the severity of the rain in your climate before deciding on the material you think will do the trick.
Speak to an expert if you’re unsure about specifics and what is the best patio cover for rain.
Aesthetics are important—ensure you opt for a patio cover for rainy weather that matches the overall style, feel, and colour of your outdoor lounge area.
Shop within your budget - balancing cost and effective materials are the foundation of any purchase.
What Is A Patio Cover And How Do They Work?
In a nutshell, a patio cover is a material product designed to fit over your outdoor furniture, protecting it not only from the weather but also from rodents and other common issues such as rust.
One of the best features of fabric patio covers is how easy they are to use. Simply fit the cover over your unit and tie it down to ensure that it doesn’t come loose during heavy wind and rain and you’re all set.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to cover your chaise lounge, or an extra large wide grill cover, patio covers are designed to come in all shapes and sizes. Let’s take a look at their benefits when it comes to rainproofing.
Are Patio Covers Rain-Resistant?
The material used in many modern-day fabric patio covers all have the ability to keep out the rain. Polyester is the leading material used in these products and is well known for its rain-resistant properties.
Even lower-cost materials like polypropylene offer excellent protection from the rain. These materials keep out the rain so that the water runs off of it rather than soaks through, even in the heaviest downpours.
Why Is It Important To Protect Patio Furniture From The Rain?
A patio cover for rainy weather is essential if you live in a particularly wet climate. If patio furniture or other amenities are regularly exposed to the rain, they will deteriorate more rapidly.
For example, wooden furniture can suffer damage caused by persistent dampness, which can weaken the structure, impact its appearance, and cause it to warp and lose shape. If the wood becomes damp, it can also develop mold and moss which can encourage insect infestation. Particularly long bouts of heavy rain can cause serious issues for the mechanics inside air conditioners and outdoor BBQ units too.
If you live in an area that suffers from heavy rain and cold conditions, you could experience frost damage too. This can be especially damaging to fire pits, BBQ grills and outdoor tables that may have a glass top.
The issue underpinning all of these examples is that a failure to protect your furniture from the rain can see you needing to spend even more money replacing them.
What Is The Best Patio Cover For Rain?
Below, we’ve listed the materials that are often considered the best patio cover for rain. This is based on our experience, the advice of experts, and customers who have purchased these covers to protect their outdoor furniture from the rain.
Polyester
Not only is polyester quick to dry and easy to clean, but you can select from a range of different levels of thicknesses. For example, in our store we sell both 300 denier and 600 denier polyester.
While 600 denier is considered the higher end of patio cover material costs, for those who live in harsh or wetter conditions with lots of tropical rain or thunderstorms, this is often the material of choice.
Polypropylene
Non-woven polypropylene is another strong candidate for the best patio cover for rainy weather. It’s durable, cost-effective, and is easy to clean. While it might not be as robust as the 300 or 600 denier polyester, many people will opt for it as it is economical, durable and flexible under a number of other wet conditions.
Again, it’s best to take a tailored approach and consult an expert before you decide which material is the most suitable waterproof patio cover for you and your property, but non-woven polypropylene continues to be one of the most popular because of its combination of great price and effectiveness.
Structural Patio Covers
Some people opt for structural patio covers, which are permanent fixtures, instead of physical protective covers that are easy to remove and add. The two most common materials, and the ones many people consider the best patio covers for rain, are aluminum and polycarbonate.
Polycarbonate is known for its strong structural integrity and rarely falters, even under intense weather conditions. It can withstand hot temperatures without obtaining damage, and it can also handle heavy rain without chipping or rusting. However, polycarbonate can exhibit wear when exposed to certain chemical cleaning agents and can ramp up in cost if it’s a big surface area covered.
Aluminum, on the other hand, is incredibly heat resistant, flexible, lightweight, and recyclable. However, some people believe it is suited to a particular aesthetic and can be scratched more easily than other materials, so there are several things to consider.
Important Factors To Keep In Mind When Choosing A Patio Cover For Rainy Weather
When you’re looking at buying a rain-resistant patio cover, you want to ensure you tick two important boxes: the right material and the right size. You don’t want to settle for a patio cover that is a little big too big and can get caught up in the wind. Likewise, you want to ensure you have the most impermeable material that can adequately keep the rain away.
With so many potential different items to protect from the rain, it’s vital that the design you choose is the best patio cover for rain. Another crucial factor is to weigh up the severity of the rain your furnishings are likely to encounter.
If you live in humid terrain, which is more susceptible to torrential downpours or acid rain, you’ll want to find the most durable material, like 600 denier polyester. Whether you need to protect an outdoor sofa or a large outdoor seat cover, the more expensive materials are usually more expensive for a reason—but balancing your budget is also a huge component.
Even if you are buying a loveseat, for instance, there are many considerations; it’s not just about how it protects against rain—there are other elements, too, and wider components such as aesthetics and overall cost.
Buy Rainproof Patio Covers Today
Although our patio covers come with a lifetime guarantee and free shipping, it’s always a good idea to speak to a customer service agent who can guide you through the process of ordering the best patio cover for rain.
A waterproof patio rain cover can come in many forms, and ensuring that you don’t have to deal with the hindrance of potentially sending back one that doesn’t fit properly should be the foundation of any purchase.
We’ve also compiled a guide on how to measure your furnishings too which you can find here. No question is too big or small, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Learn More About Patio Covers
If you'd like to learn more about patio covers and how they can help you, check out these guides below:
Jan Craig
Writer
PatioCover.com
