The change of seasons is inevitable. As the colder months arrive, that is the time to consider protecting your home garden sculptures. The changing temperatures can damage concrete birdbaths and art. The concrete may expand and contract, which makes it susceptible to cracking. Severe weather and corrosion are detrimental to the finish of sculptures. The best and most cost-effective way to care for them is to focus on sculpture conservation as the colder weather rolls in.

More About Statues

Statues have a long history. They have been made and adored for generations. They are stylish and a great addition to anyone’s home. In its simplest form, a concrete statue is a combination of cement, water, and aggregate. While they may seem easy to make, it takes a true artisan to create a beautiful statue. Over time and with technology, the ability to make statues has become more accessible and more affordable. The first capitalists were able to create inexpensive but quality goods with the invention of machine tools. As a result, production has become easier, making statues more accessible. As a result, just about anyone can afford to add them to their home garden.

Placement of Statues

While it is essential to know how to care for statues during the winter months, it is also critical to understand how to care for them all year long. When determining where to place a statue around your home, consider keeping them away from the edge of your property. In 2019, there were 32,012 traffic crashes in St. Louis Country, Missouri. You do not want your statue falling victim to a car crash because of its placement in your yard. When you are considering protecting your statue during the winter, you can always wrap it in a cover and bring it inside. As long as you can move the statue and have a safe way to do so, this may be a great option. However, if you do not have the ability to move it or store it, there are some other ways to protect your statues.

Birdbaths

For your birdbaths, you can turn the bowl down upside down on the pedestal. This prevents water from collecting inside the bowl and freezing. If that happens, it can cause the bowl to crack. You can also consider buying a birdbath heater from your local store. This allows you to provide water for birds all year long.

Water Features and Fountains

If you can move your fountain, you should consider taking it inside during the winter. However, many fountains are too large to be transferred and stored in your home. In addition, it is imperative that water does not collect in the fountain. If it collects, it will freeze. You also want to ensure your fountain is not sitting in a pool of ice. The best way to do this is to invert your fountain or water feature and then cover it.

If you can, remove the pump from the item. If you are able to remove it, you want to store that inside your home. If you cannot invert the bowl of the fountain or water feature, fill it with an absorbent material, like burlap. Once you do this, you should cover the entire item with heavy-duty plastic and use twine to anchor it. The burlap helps to absorb condensation.

Many statues are made to handle the harsh winter weather. Fortunately, many statues are able to stay outside all year long. However, even those that are intended to stay outside can benefit from a little extra protection to extend their life. If all else fails, invest in Safeco home insurance just in case something happens.