How to Winterize Your Porch with Clear Tarpaulins?

To make an outdoor sitting area warm for winter hang thick see-through plastic sheets around the sides to block the icy wind while still letting in sunlight. This method creates a bubble that keeps freezing weather out and traps heat inside. Because of this my family gets to enjoy morning tea even when December mornings drop to a chilly 30 degrees. Setting up this tarpaulin sheet takes a single weekend with a few basic tools.

Measuring Your Open Outdoor Space

Before buying anything take a tape measure to find the height and width of the gaps between the porch posts. Writing down these numbers ensures a tarpaulin will fit perfectly without leaving breezy cracks near the edges. I made a mistake once by guessing the sizes and cold air rushed through a two-inch gap all season. On top of that having correct dimensions saves money since shoppers only buy exactly what is needed.

Adding Inches For Safety

Always add about six inches to the final measurements just to be absolutely safe. Having an extra material allows the cover to wrap tightly around the wooden columns for a much better seal against the wind. If the plastic sheet ends up being slightly too big, folding the borders under is a simple fix. However, dealing with a piece that falls short by one inch is nearly impossible to correct later.

Picking Thick And Clear Plastic

Finding the see-through cover means looking for a heavy-duty option that feels thick to the touch like a diner menu. A flimsy sheet will tear apart during the big winter storm so choosing a 20-mil thickness offers true durability. Homeowners want a material that lets the sun shine through clearly so the area feels like a greenhouse. Naturally this heavy clear layer also stops rain or snow from ruining outdoor furniture.

Checking For Sun Damage Protection

Some plastics turn yellow. Crack after sitting in direct sunlight for just three months. To prevent this problem read the package closely to ensure the product has a special coating that blocks harmful sun rays. In the dead of winter bright afternoon light can slowly bake untreated materials until they become brittle. Therefore spending a few dollars on sun-blocking gear keeps everything looking glass-clear for several years.

Hanging The Sheets Up Tight

Once the supplies arrive, start by attaching the edge of the clear tarpaulin firmly to the roof beam with heavy screws. Securing the point first lets the heavy plastic hang down smoothly making it much easier to pull out any messy wrinkles. My neighbor prefers using metal hooks spaced every twelve inches for a perfectly straight line along his roof. Additionally keeping the material pulled tight stops it from making a slapping noise when strong gusts blow through.

Fastening Down The Side Edges

With the ceiling section secured carefully pull the sides against the wooden posts and tie them tightly through the reinforced metal rings. Using cords instead of stiff rope gives the setup a little bit of bouncy stretch when wild weather hits. If the wind blows a 40-mile-per-hour gust those stretchy bands absorb the shock instead of ripping the plastic. As a result the whole barrier stays perfectly in place without putting much strain on the corners.

Stopping Drafts At The Bottom

Even a hung tarpaulin will feel freezing cold if chilly air slips underneath the lower edge right by the floor. Leaving a four inches of material resting flat on the deck boards blocks out that sneaky ground chill completely. Anyone can lay a piece of wood or a heavy rug over this bottom flap to hold it down securely. Consequently icy drafts stay outside leaving the room warm for those walking around in soft socks.

Overlapping Panels For Better Seals

When the space is too wide for one single cover make sure the two separate pieces overlap each other by at least a foot. Creating this overlap forces the wind to change directions entirely, stopping it from sneaking through the middle crack. I like sticking the crossing edges with a strip of double-sided heavy tape to make it completely airtight. In doing so, builders create a solid invisible wall that blocks every single bit of bitter winter weather.

Making The Space Feel Cozy

After the wind is entirely blocked out, bringing a bit of warmth inside turns the enclosed area into a magical retreat. Setting up a 1500-watt electric space heater in a safe corner quickly warms up the newly sealed room. Since the tarpaulin traps all that generated heat so well the temperature inside often feels like a pleasant spring afternoon. Furthermore, adding blankets to the chairs makes this spot perfect for reading a good book while the snow falls.

Adding Soft Lights And Rugs

Cold concrete floors can still feel chilly so throwing down a thick area rug makes a difference underfoot. Stringing up some yellow fairy lights along the ceiling beams adds a soft glow that reflects beautifully off the clear plastic walls at night. Are you planning to host friends here? If so, placing a side table for hot cocoa mugs finishes off the inviting setup beautifully. Ultimately building this heated bubble lets anyone enjoy the beauty of winter without actually freezing.

Building a winter bubble using this see-through shield is the perfect way to enjoy the snowy outdoors while staying totally warm. Simply measuring carefully, hanging the material tightly and blocking out the drafts will completely change how families use their open living spaces. Now that beautiful spot, for four chilly months a clear view of the frosty yard is right there waiting for a relaxing afternoon.