The holiday season is always upon us, and nothing brings more joy and festivity to a neighborhood than a yard full of bright, cheerful holiday inflatables. From Santa Claus and his reindeer to giant turkeys or goblins, these decorations bring smiles to faces young and old. However, the unpredictable weather can pose a challenge to maintaining these inflatables in tip-top condition throughout the season. In this blog post, we'll explore various weather protection accessories that can help keep your holiday inflatables safe from rain, wind, snow, and even curious pets.

Rain Protection

One of the biggest threats to your holiday inflatables is the rain. Water can seep into the fabric and motor, causing damage and potentially ruining your decorations.

Waterproof Covers: These are specially designed to fit over your inflatables, providing a shield against rain. They are usually made from durable, waterproof materials that can withstand heavy downpours.

Water-Repellent Sprays: Applying a water-repellent spray to your inflatables can help make the fabric resistant to water. These sprays create a protective barrier that prevents water from soaking in.

Proper Drainage: Ensure that your inflatables are set up in an area with good drainage. This will help prevent puddles from forming and water from pooling around the base of your decorations.

Don’t place your inflatables where runoff from downspouts will drain. If you need to place the inflatables in these areas, try to divert the downspout discharge using a downspout splash guard or similar.

Wind Protection

Strong winds can easily topple or damage your inflatables. Here are some accessories to keep them secure:

Anchoring Stakes and Tethers: Most inflatables come with stakes and tethers, but adding extra ones can provide additional stability. Make sure they are securely fastened to the ground.

Sandbags or Weights: Placing sandbags or weights at the base of your inflatables can help keep them grounded. This is especially useful for larger decorations that are more susceptible to wind.

Windbreaks: Setting up a windbreak using fences, hedges, or any other barrier can help reduce the impact of strong winds on your inflatables. You can actually use snow once it has fallen to create a discreet wind barrier.

Snow Protection

Snow can accumulate on your inflatables, weighing them down and causing damage. Here’s how to protect them:

Snow Covers: Similar to rain covers, snow covers are designed to shield your inflatables from snow accumulation. They are made from heavy-duty materials that can handle the weight of the snow.

Regular Snow Removal: Make it a habit to regularly remove snow from your inflatables. Use a soft brush or broom to gently clear off any snow buildup. This will likely be the most effect even though it involves the most effort.

Heated Cables: For those living in particularly snowy areas, heated cables can be placed around the inflatables to melt the snow, preventing accumulation and reducing the risk of damage.

Pet Protection

Curious pets can sometimes see holiday inflatables as their new favorite playthings, leading to unwanted punctures and tears. Here are some ways to keep your decorations safe from your furry friends:

Pet Barriers: Set up barriers around your inflatables to keep pets at a distance. This can be done with small fences or other obstacles that create a physical boundary.

Pet-Repellent Sprays: There are sprays available that deter pets from approaching certain areas. These can be sprayed around the inflatables to keep pets away.

Supervision and Training: Whenever possible, supervise your pets when they are outside near the inflatables. Training them to stay away from the decorations can also be effective in preventing damage.

Conclusion

Holiday inflatables add a magical touch to any festive display, and with the right weather protection accessories, you can ensure they remain in perfect condition throughout the season. By investing in waterproof covers, anchoring stakes, snow removal tools, and pet barriers, you can enjoy a worry-free holiday season with decorations that stand up to the elements.