Outdoor rugs are designed to be outside all year round and can withstand sun, rain, sleet, and snow.
However, if we take into consideration that outdoor carpet flooring experiences increased stress, both from nature and everyday use, the lifespan of indoor and outdoor carpets is about the same—15-25 years if properly maintained.
You'll basically grab the rug, place a waterproof fabric underneath, and use a waterproof fabric seal on its upper side. That way, you can leave it out in the rain as much as you'd like. You'll need a piece of waterproofing fabric, vinyl grip pads, and a fabric seal spray for waterproofing the rug.
Outdoor rugs are not often waterproof. But they are water resistant. Simply put, they absorb less water than most indoor rugs, and they dry a lot quicker after getting wet. Thanks to these characteristics outdoor rugs can be left outside and stay outside even in the rain.
If your outdoor rug gets wet, it will most likely mildew and create unhealthy conditions which could potentially cause a mold to grow. Your outdoor rug can also be ruined by mildew which would then call for a replacement.
Although outdoor rugs are typically mold and mildew resistant, the dirt and moisture that accumulates on them is where these pesky fungi can grow. When cleaning an outdoor rug with mildew, dirt, stains and general grime, some common household items that people reach for include dish soap, white vinegar and baking soda.
The carpeting installs quickly on a variety of clean, flat surfaces using carpet adhesive or double-sided tape. However, you cannot install indoor/outdoor carpeting directly on dirt because the adhesive won't harden on surfaces containing debris.
Waterproofing a rug not only protects it from moisture and humidity but ensures that any spills or pet accidents do not absorb into your area rug.
It will stay put with a quality rug pad. Rug pads provide comfort. Most outdoor rugs are fairly thin so adding a pad helps to make them more comfortable to walk on. Look for a thick rug pad to give yourself an extra soft surface to walk on.
Will an outdoor rug damage a wood deck? Yes and no. Most outdoor rugs made of synthetic fibers or polypropylene are perfect for outdoor conditions and will keep your deck in good shape. However, using other outdoor carpet materials can gradually damage your deck and patio.
Water-resistant but not waterproof, so it can have issues with mold or mildew in extremely damp climates. Less plush than indoor carpets due to dirt- and moisture-blocking low pile or flat weave.
An outdoor rug won't exactly damage your concrete patio, but it could cause the surface to darken. If moisture becomes trapped under the rug, it will seep into the porous concrete and change its appearance. There are several approaches you can take to prevent this.
Once the outdoor rug is clean and dry, it is time to roll it up for winter storage. Another rug tip is to never fold an indoor or outdoor rug for storage purposes. While folding may seem like a space-saver, it can cause permanent creases and damage. Rolling is the ideal way to store any rug.
An outdoor rug serves the same purpose as an indoor area rug: it pulls your seating area together into a single, unified space that's inviting and comfortable. It shows an attention to detail, allowing you to create a truly personalized decor for your yard.
Unlike indoor rugs, the outdoor mats are designed to withstand adverse weather elements without requiring any waterproofing. Still, you can spray the carpet with a waterproofing agent such as Scotchgard Fabric Protector that forms a super-hydrophobic protective barrier around the surface.
Almost all outdoor rugs are made of synthetic materials which are not as absorbent as natural materials. This means that outdoor rugs of synthetic material dry quickly and are fairly resistant to dirt and stains.
Most indoor/outdoor carpets are mold and mildew resistant, but mold and mildew can still pop up. It typically depends on the type of carpet backing you have. If you are going to purchase indoor/outdoor carpet and install it in an area that is typically wet, you will need to buy marine carpet backing.
A patio or driveway outside with good drainage is a great place to start. Make sure the rug can lay flat on the ground. Outdoor cleaning is the only place to clean your rug. Pressure Washer – Almost any pressure washer will work, the important selection is the type of tip you use.
This is because wet environments create the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. You'll know your outdoor rugs have mold growing on them if you see circular stains of brown, green, or black within the fibers, or if you detect a pungent, musty smell.
What is Olefin Carpet? Olefin is a synthetic (manufactured) material. It's also known as polypropylene, a type of thermoplastic used to make a wide range of household products, medical devices and more. Because it's derived from plastic, olefin carpet is best installed in places with the potential for water damage.
Don't Forget to Move Furniture and Rugs
This will keep the deck from uneven fading and also cut down on moisture-related problems such as rot and mold.