How to Protect Your Outdoor Sauna as Winter Approaches

Cooler temperatures are approaching, which means that harsher weather conditions are on their way as well. Snow, ice and strong winds are all characteristic of winter in Canada and the northern USA. If you own an outdoor sauna, you may be concerned about how it will hold up in the winter or wondering if it can be used throughout the winter. The truth is that outdoor barrel saunas are quite durable and are often used year-round, regardless of the snow. However, adequate preparation is required in order to effectively protect your sauna from the elements. Taking the right measures will help increase the longevity of your sauna and will also make it more accessible in the winter. If you have been wanting to invest in a sauna for your backyard, look no further than SaunaFin. Our outdoor cabin and barrel saunas are durable, spacious and beautiful, making them a great addition to any space. Contact us today for a free quote!

How SaunaFin Outdoor Saunas are Crafted

At SaunaFin, we take pride in our saunas and only design outdoor saunas that are high-quality and durable. Every one of our outdoor saunas is made of a variety of cedar wood due to its durability and versatility. Cedar saunas are excellent for locations with harsh winters because:

• Natural Insulation: Cedarwood has an excellent ability to retain heat, allowing the sauna to warm up quickly and stay cozy, which helps to reduce energy costs during cold winter months.
• Moisture Resistance: The natural oils in cedar make it resistant to moisture, reducing the risk of mold growth, which is especially important in winter when humidity levels can vary significantly.
• Durability: Cedar is a strong and resilient wood that can endure harsh weather conditions, including heavy snowfall and icy temperatures, ensuring that your sauna remains in excellent condition throughout the winter.
• Low Thermal Conductivity: Because cedar has low thermal conductivity, it doesn’t become excessively hot to the touch, making it comfortable to sit on, even when the sauna is heated to high temperatures during chilly weather.
• Stability: Cedar maintains its shape and structural integrity despite the extreme temperature fluctuations that occur in winter, which is crucial for ensuring the longevity of the sauna.

Although cedar saunas have excellent qualities, winter preparation is still important to improve your sauna experience and enhance the longevity of your sauna.

How to Prepare Your Sauna for the Winter

Taking some measures to inspect and prepare your sauna for the winter will help ensure that your sauna remains in excellent condition throughout the colder months.

Inspect

Before winter begins, you’ll want to inspect your sauna for any wear and tear or wood rot. Typically, cedar wood does not rot; however, if it has suffered from a break or crack, water can enter more freely, allowing for rot. Addressing these issues prior to the winter can help prevent cracks from expanding and can also prevent moisture damage.

Clean 

Remove any dirt, debris or leaves that may have accumulated in or on your sauna. Foliage can retain moisture and can cause mold when left in or on your sauna. Wood acts as a food source for mold, so it is essential to minimize both moisture and foliage by thoroughly cleaning your outdoor sauna. 

Seal

Applying a high-quality sauna-approved wood sealant to the outer portion of your sauna can help protect the wood against rain, snow or UV rays. Since snow and/or high levels of precipitation are expected in the winter, you must seal your sauna to prevent wood rot and mold.  

Cover

If you do not plan on using your sauna very often in the winter, it is recommended that you cover it with some kind of weatherproof tarp. This will prevent any rain or snow from making contact with your sauna, keeping it is excellent condition.

Keep Your Sauna Safe this Winter

Outdoor saunas are very resilient, especially those made of cedar wood; however, now that winter is approaching, extra measures must be taken to protect your sauna from moisture. Inspecting your sauna for damage can help prevent water from seeping in. In addition, cleaning, sealing, and covering your sauna with a protective layer can all help extend its lifespan while reducing the risk of mold or wood rot. If you are interested in purchasing an outdoor barrel sauna, contact SaunaFin today!

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