For many in the United States, summer is a time of rainfall as monsoon season descends upon various parts of the country. Those spared the summer rains usually face some kind of fall or winter storm, and heavy rains take preparation. Mild parts of the country don’t need to worry about cold rains stripping paint, soaking and warping wood, or harsh winds causing damage. For those who do, read on for tips to prepare your patio furniture for bad storms.

Cushions and Covers

Certain kinds of foam absorbs water and holds it, turning your seat cushions into giant, soppy sponges. The best kind of patio cushion is made of “dryfast” foam cushions custom-cut to fit. Dryfast is a special type of foam that is designed to let water pass through. That lack of absorbency makes a big difference in areas that do see heavy weather patterns.

Dry fast foam has a firm feel to it, and the foam is made of wide, open cells. This is the same kind of material you often find in boat cushions, and it can last up to 8 years with excellent care. Try vinyl or waterproof cargo fabrics, which are designed to wick away moisture and prevent absorbency.

Sealants?

For most wicker furniture pieces, sealants aren’t really going to do a lot of good. Aluminum doesn’t rust, but wood absorbs moisture and warps. If you have wood pieces, either drag them into a storage shed for the season, or invest in a good weather sealer and a good weekend’s worth of work.

Bio: Carlo Badalamenti, the marketing director for The Foam Factory, offers tips on how to use foam in your every day life. For dryfast foam, order from The Foam Factory.