Winterize the climbing frame

When the trees lose their foliage and winter is slowly approaching, it is important to make the garden and children's play equipment winter-proof. This is because the influence of snow and ice puts a particular strain on the playground equipment. In order for the climbing frame to offer a safe environment for the little ones again in spring, certain preparations are required.

What measures protect my climbing frame from the weather outside?

Climbing Frames are the attraction in the home garden and therefore well attended in the summer months. Wood is a natural product, which is why the climbing frame is exposed to additional stresses. This is because the material expands in high humidity, while it contracts again in dry weather. To optimally protect your climbing frame from adverse weather conditions such as cold, snow and ice, dismantle all accessories such as the swing and slide and clean the climbing frame. You can use a broom or even the vacuum cleaner for this. Then apply a care product such as wax, outer oil or glaze. This prevents moisture from penetrating the wood and has the side effect of preserving the beautiful wood grain.

Typical winter damage to a climbing frame

The influence of snow and ice on the climbing frame can cause damage. Since the wood glaze disappears due to the increased moisture and cold, cracks on the climbing frame can be the result. This is an unpleasant effect of the white winter splendour, which considerably endangers the safety of the little ones in the coming play season. Strong winds can loosen screws on the climbing frame or cause damage to the roof. Therefore, make sure that your climbing frame is properly wintered so that it is a lot of fun to play with even after winter.

How to hibernate the climbing frame properly

To ensure that the climbing frame is a safe play environment for the little ones next spring, it is important that you prepare your climbing frame for winter and that your climbing frame is properly winterized. Buildings made of wood, such as the play tower, should therefore be checked before winter. If tears and protruding splinters can be seen, it is best to remove them and smooth the area with sandpaper. To prevent water from penetrating the wood, treat the areas with wood glaze afterwards. This is how you can prevent damage. Swings and slides have a longer lifespan if you dismantle them and keep them dry in the basement. If you have a climbing frame with a sandpit in your garden, the sand can be taken out of the box before winter. Or you can cover the box with a waterproof tarpaulin. Then it is optimally protected against snow and the formation of mould can be prevented. So winter can come!

Influence of ice and snow on the climbing frame

Especially in winter, the climbing frame is exposed to heavy loads. This is because the influence of snow and ice on the climbing frame can cause damage. The snow allows moisture to penetrate the wood, causing it to expand. If the temperature is low, the material contracts again. This not only damages the wood glaze, but can also cause cracks to form, which in turn promote the growth of mould. It is therefore very important that you winterize your climbing frame and check it for damage after the cold season - learn more about this here.