High winds and heavy rain are expected to hit this week
14:57, 22 Oct 2025Updated 14:59, 22 Oct 2025
The UK is bracing itself for high winds and rain
With Storm Benjamin set to batter the nation this week, bringing fierce winds and torrential downpours, gardens across the country face potential devastation. Meteorologists have warned of heavy rainfall accompanied by gusts reaching up to 75mph, making it crucial to shield your outdoor sanctuary from the approaching tempest.
The storm is expected to arrive on Wednesday evening (October 22) and could continue wreaking havoc until late on Thursday, the Met Office has indicated.
As British homeowners seek to safeguard the outdoor retreats they have lovingly cultivated, Harbour Lifestyle specialist Andrew White shares his essential guidance for weatherproofing gardens ahead of the brutal conditions, ensuring they emerge unscathed and ready for spring’s return.
Andrew commented: “As we have all invested in our garden spaces over the past few years, ensuring your furniture remains protected from the elements during storms is important.”
Securing outdoor installations
“If you have outdoor structures like sheds or pergolas, it’s important to ensure they are properly installed and regularly maintained to keep them safe during periods of high winds and rain.
“A good-quality pergola that’s properly attached to its foundation shouldn’t blow away. However, if it’s not attached correctly, it’s possible that it can move or be damaged by strong winds during storms and bouts of bad weather.
“A well-maintained pergola is a safe pergola. When pergolas are damaged or collapse, it is usually because of rot, mould or structural damage caused by rain and wind. Carrying out regular inspections to the tethering floor bolts, and repairs where necessary, can prevent this from happening.”
Preserving your garden furniture
“If your outdoor furniture is high-quality, you don’t actually need to protect it in mild weather such as light rain. However, during periods of more severe downpours, it is a good idea to ensure it is sheltered.
“So, to store your outdoor sofa safely during the storm, you’re going to want to source a pair of breathable, water-resistant covers. One to store your seat cushions, and one to protect the seat frame.
“Take all of your seat cushions and neatly place them in the storage bag or box for safe keeping until they are next needed. Then, simply place the frame cover onto your sofa, and attach it to one of the legs to ensure it isn’t blown away in strong winds.
“When the wintery weather has passed, furniture covers can actually do more harm than good. If the temperature outdoors is particularly high, heat can get trapped under your furniture covers, damaging the cushion fabric and filling. So, when the balmy weather returns, always be sure to remove your cover and store it away for the next rainy day!”.
Safeguarding outdoor wooden furniture and accessories
“If you are looking to protect your hardwood outdoor furniture, I recommend treating it with a protector and shield product kit as soon as possible. Simply use the cleaning solution supplied within the kit to prep your wood, and then apply the protector and shield products as instructed by the manufacturer. This will ensure your wood retains its colour and becomes water resistant.
“Over the winter months when your wooden furniture is not in use, I recommend covering it with a breathable cover for optimum protection from the elements.
“Here’s a little-known hack – if your wooden furniture is brand-new, you should leave it outdoors for around two weeks to ensure all of the natural oils have been removed before applying any protective products. This will ensure the best, longest lasting results possible.”
Safeguarding exterior timber furnishings and accessories
“Should you wish to safeguard your hardwood garden furniture, I suggest treating it with a protective and shield product kit at the earliest opportunity. Simply utilise the cleaning solution provided within the kit to prepare your timber, then apply the protective and shield products following the manufacturer’s guidelines. This will guarantee your wood maintains its hue and achieves water resistance.
“During the winter period when your timber furniture remains unused, I advise covering it with a breathable protective cover for maximum defence against the weather.
“Here’s a little-known hack – if your wooden furniture is brand-new, you should leave it outdoors for around two weeks to ensure all of the natural oils have been removed before applying any protective products. This will ensure the best, longest lasting results possible.”
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