Also known as the summer, it is usually uncomfortable with high summer temperatures and humidity in the Middle East residential city of Dubai. Such extreme heat brings with it other climatic features such as sand, and dust and occasionally rain which over the years takes a toll on outdoor furniture. In wood, metal, plastic or wicker, all outdoor furniture requires some form of protection from America’s coastal climate. Outdoor furniture covers are one of the inexpensive and however effective measures to increase longevity of the investment. This article discusses the need of these covers, the suitable materials to choose, and how best to cover outdoor furniture considering the heat of the Dubai region.
Why Outdoor Furniture Covers Are Essential in Dubai
Due to the extreme weather, specifically hot summers and pouring rain, as well as humidity and sandstorms, outdoor furniture pieces available in the Dubai market are as short-lived as a single season. Therefore here are some of the reasons why outdoor furniture covers are important in these conditions. The sun brings glaring conditions. Prolonged sun exposure, especially the UV rays, is not good for the furniture. It makes the wood or any of the furniture material fade. It makes the wood warp or cracks or doesn’t crack. The wood or wicker can dry out and splinter or the plastic can decompose and break under stress. Well-made and consistent furniture covers are able to block UV rays and hence wear and tear from the sun, the damages caused during furniture use.
Shield from Sand and Dust: Being situated in a desert like Dubai, there is the tendency of continuous sand loaded winds and hence sand storms, which settles on the furniture, causing friction and scratch. It is easy for the dust that settles on the furniture, over time, to build up and give the outdoor furniture covers dubai a dilapidated appearance. Furniture coverings act as a barrier against dust apparently and shields the surfaces from dust.
Protection from Rain and Humidity: Rain attendance in Dubai is an exotic occurrence, however, humidity during some months is bearable though it still affects outdoor furniture. Metal tables would ruin by rust formation while wood and wicker would be distorted or damp unwantedly. Water or moisture retaining covers can avoid soaking carpets, allowing all furnishings to be dry.
Materials to Consider for Outdoor Furniture Covers
Choosing the right material is key to enabling your furniture to endure Dubai’s extremely harsh climatic conditions. The commonly used materials for the outdoor furniture covering include the following:
Polyester: For outdoor furniture covers, polyester is always the most preferred fabric concerning its quality and because of its great ability to dry off. It is light in weight making it easier to manoeuvre with and most of the time has some water-proof properties. Due to Heavy type poly cloth these covers do not wear & tear even under heavy sun exposure and also prevents dust from settling. Therefore, these are best suited to the dry hot dusty weather of Dubai.
Vinyl: Vinyl has gained prominence as waterproof furniture covers making it suitable for even wet weather. They can also block UV and are easy to clean. The only drawback is that PVC can become hard and brittle in very high temperatures, so it is important to use good quality vinyl which is UV coated because over time the coating helps prevent cracking.
Canvas: Canvas is a hot, durable, comfortable and relatively cheap material that is specialized in blocking dust, sun and moisture. It is often coated with a water-proof layer so it is appropriate for Dubai weather conditions. Canvas weight is usually more than polyester or vinyl so they last longer under windy conditions and act more stable especially on windy days.
Olefin: This fabric is made in the form of olefin which is capable of withstanding wear and tear. It is a very useful material that withstands high temperatures making it appropriate in the Dubai climate. Olefin is often also mould and mildew resistant and is even water resistant which is very helpful in preventing both sun and moisture.
Key Features to Note in Outdoor Furniture Covers
Dubai has one of the most intense weathers, and hence when choosing appropriate outdoor furniture covers for this environment, some important aspects should be taken into consideration:
UV Resistance: Considering the high level of UV radiation in Dubai, get covers that are specially made to offer cover against UV rays. Such covers will assist in preventing damage such as cracking and fading that may be brought about by the sun, hence extending the useful life of the more expensive furniture.
Waterproofing: More often than not rain may not be an issue in Dubai, however humidity is. Choose covers with waterproof or waterproof coatings even if high humidity or rains are expected for some days.
Breathability: Moist air can also be another reason where proper ventilation is imperative because stagnant moist air will encourage the development of mold and mildew growth. Try to find covers, which have vents or made of vents that still allow air circulation while keeping the weather out.
Secure Fastenings: The winds in Dubai, especially during sandstorms, can be vigorous. Consider getting furniture covers that have very strong fastening options such as adjustable drawstrings, buckles, or Velcro straps. This will ensure that the covers remain in place in the event that there is strong wind.
CustomShooting: The best protection is offered by a cover that is designed to match the shape of the furniture exactly. Loose-fitting covers tend to allow accumulation of sand and dust or moisture inside and are very susceptible to being blown off when there are strong winds. It is always important to get the size of your furniture correct and search for covers that are made for a particular size or shape.
Amber Rizik – Safety Tips And Care Of Outdoor Furniture Covers In Dubai
It is also necessary to properly take care of outdoor furniture covers themselves so that they provide useful cover. Here are some pointers to assist in looking after your covers in the extreme conditions of Dubai.
Regular Cleaning: Covers are as prone to dust and sand accumulation as any other surface and as such, need to be presented for regular cleaning. Using a cloth with warm water and mild detergent is the best way for cleaning these cages. Most important, avoid using any chemicals that are abrasive which will only include the future use of these covers.
As the Weather Permits – When It is Not Recommended to Use the Covers: Ideally, during cold weather or when the furniture covers are not in use, it is a good practice to keep them in a tidy cool place. This will help to prevent unnecessary damage and therefore enhance the longevity of the covers.
Inspect for Damage: Make sure you regularly check your covers for any damage, for the case of vinyl covers, look for tears and cracks on the cover materials. Repairing damages when they are small can avoid further damage to the extent that it will not be effective in the protection of the furniture.
Ensure Proper Airflow: There would be no problems even if your covers allow the air to pass through, but it is advisable to take them off for some time so that the furniture and the covers dry well. This is useful because it helps check accumulation of moisture which can encourage growth of moulds and mildew.
Conclusion
The outdoor furniture covers in Dubai are very crucial for outdoor furniture owing to the very hot, dusty climatic conditions in Dubai. It is important to get the right material and a good fitting cover while maintaining these covers to ensure they protect your furniture thereby enabling the outdoor space to be used comfortably for many years. There are outdoor furniture covers that will give you peace of mind knowing that your priceless pieces are protected from the damage caused by the sun, the sand and even during the rains, wherever these may originate from. Improve your wishes of making the right choice by including factors such as UV protection, water repellency, breathable materials and proper attachment in the selection of the covers best suitable for Dubai.