Living in an urban area doesn't make your balcony or rooftop patio immune to strong winds. Securing your outdoor furniture is crucial to prevent damage to your property and others. Here are effective strategies to anchor everything down.
First, assess the weight and design of your furniture. Heavy pieces like wooden dining sets are less prone to lifting, but lighter chairs, side tables, and umbrellas are major flight risks. For these, consider adding mass. Use specially designed furniture weight bags that can be filled with sand or water and discreetly placed under seats or table bases. Alternatively, use concrete blocks or large decorative planters as anchors.
Direct anchoring is the most secure method. If you have a solid floor (concrete, wood decking), use furniture straps, bungee cords, or durable rope to tie legs or frames to sturdy railings, dedicated ground anchors, or heavy permanent structures. For softer ground like rooftop gravel, use spiral ground anchors screwed into the substrate, then attach your furniture with cables.
Strategic placement also helps. Arrange furniture in sheltered corners, close to walls or windbreaks, rather than in open, exposed areas. Grouping pieces together can create mutual stability. For umbrellas, always close and secure them with a heavy base or a through-table locking mechanism before a storm.
Finally, don't wait for the weather report. Make securing your furniture part of your regular routine when not in use, especially during windy seasons. A few minutes of preparation can save you from costly replacements and hazardous flying objects.