Outdoor decorations can add charm and personality to your home’s exterior. However, keeping them in place can be a challenge, especially on windy days. Here are some tips to help keep your outdoor decorations securely in their spots all season long.
Use Weights and Stakes
Weighing down outdoor decor is one of the simplest and most effective solutions. For lighter items like flags and windsocks, clip on metal washers or fishing weights to the bottom. Heavier objects like planters and statues may need tent stakes driven into the ground underneath to anchor them.
For staking:
- Use heavy duty metal or plastic stakes at least 8-12 inches long. Avoid flimsy bamboo skewers which can snap.
- Hammer stakes all the way into the ground at an angle underneath the object if possible.
- Use 2-4 stakes per item spaced evenly around the base for optimal stability.
- Check stakes frequently and pound them back in if the ground loosens over time.
Secure With Adhesives
For decorations on vertical surfaces, adhesive products can create a strong bond:
- Outdoor mounting tape – Look for exterior-rated foam tapes which are ultra sticky on both sides. Clean the surface then press decor firmly into place.
- Exterior adhesive dots – Transparent gel dots can securely hold lightweight objects while still allowing you to reposition.
- Command hooks – These hooks use velcro-like strips to mount without tools or holes. Use the large sized ones rated for outdoor use.
Check adhesive mounts periodically since sun exposure and temperature changes can weaken the bond over time.
Choose Wind-Resistant Materials
Selecting decorations made from durable, weather-proof materials can help them withstand gusty conditions:
- Metal – Items made of wrought iron, aluminum, or galvanized steel tend to be quite sturdy. Opt for powder-coated finishes.
- Stone – Concrete, cement, or heavy resin statues and planters have excellent wind resistance.
- Wood – Use exterior-rated woods like cedar and avoid lightweight pieces prone to blowing over.
- Plastic – Thicker, molded plastic pieces hold up better than thin flexible ones. Look for UV-resistant plastic.
- Fabric – For flags, windsocks, and other fabric decor, choose tightly woven, reinforced materials less likely to fray. Remove during storms.
Use Proper Hanging Methods
There are some effective ways to hang outdoor decor while keeping it secure:
- Use S-hooks through a stabilizing base like a stone or block of wood. This prevents spinning and swinging.
- Hang using nylon cable ties looped through eye hooks screwed into surfaces. The ties won’t rust like wire or string.
- For hanging on siding or beams, install sturdy o-ring or c-ring hangers with nails or screws.
- Use wall anchors rated for exterior use when hanging heavier items on facades.
- Check hardware frequently as vibrations can loosen hooks and nails over time.
Shelter in a Protected Spot
Position decorations in areas less prone to high winds:
- Inside porch overhangs or covered patios.
- Against the house wall rather than fully exposed.
- Behind larger objects like trees or shrubs to block wind.
- In sheltered courtyard or alcove spaces.
- Avoid open areas and high locations like roofs.
Also angle pieces so the narrowest side faces into the wind.
Add Supports and Braces
Extra supports can add stability:
- Place tall narrow decorations like shepherd’s hooks in concrete-filled buckets.
- Stake and tie tall top-heavy objects to prevent tipping.
- Install permanent backing plates, braces, or L-brackets on signs and wall hangings.
- Use clear Museum Gel to temporarily secure loose parts and hold items in place.
Check Weather Forecasts
Keep an eye on upcoming weather and secure or stow decorations in advance of storms or high winds. It’s also smart to take down any lightweight or fragile items at the end of the season as winds pick up. With some clever solutions, you can ensure your outdoor decor stays safely and securely where it belongs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you keep outdoor string lights from blowing?
- Use clip-on weights or wraps at regular intervals along the strand.
- Run strands through PVC pipes mounted to surfaces to add wind protection.
- Stake down light strands at several points.
- Install in sheltered areas and avoid high or open locations.
Should wind chimes be brought inside during wind storms?
Yes, it’s best to take wind chimes down ahead of extremely windy conditions. The repeated banging against the hanger can damage or break the chimes in strong gusts. Hang them in a protected spot or bring them inside temporarily until winds die down.
How do I keep my flag from wrapping around the pole?
- Make sure the flag fits the pole snugly and use a quality swivel mount.
- Add a stabilizing finial piece on the end of the pole.
- Install stops on the pole to keep the flag from sliding down.
- Take the flag down during windstorms to prevent pole wraps.
What can I use to weigh down outdoor cushions?
- Place a brick, rock, or bag of sand on each cushion when not in use.
- Sew pockets on the backside to insert weighted bags into.
- Secure Velcro strips to the cushions and deck to hold in place.
- Store cushions indoors or in protected areas if winds exceed 25 mph.
How do I keep my flower pots from blowing over on the patio?
- Use heavy pots made of materials like concrete, stone, or thick resin.
- Fill plastic pots with sand or pebbles to add weight in the base.
- Place pots in sheltered corners away from open edges.
- Secure pots to the ground with landscape stakes and ties.
- Group together and anchor with discreet hooks and ties.
Conclusion
Preventing outdoor decorations from blowing away in the wind can take some trial and error. With the right combination of weighting, anchoring, and proper placement, you can keep your outdoor accents securely where you want them. Check all decorations frequently as seasons and weather change to ensure everything stays sturdily in place. With some clever solutions, your outdoor decor can maintain its curb appeal regardless of brisk winds.