Wondering how to shield your outdoor TV from rain, dust, or sun? The answer lies in choosing the right outdoor TV cover. In this guide, we’ll show you how to select a cover that offers reliable protection, fits your TV perfectly, and matches your outdoor setting. Expect to learn about size, material, design, and other essential features that make for an effective outdoor TV cover.
Key Takeaways
- Choosing the right outdoor TV cover is essential for protection and hinges on correct size, material quality, and functional design to defend against weather and wear.
- Outdoor TV covers come in various types offering different levels of protection – full covers for all-around protection, half covers for convenience, and flip covers for easy accessibility while viewing.
- Proper maintenance, storage, and timely replacement of outdoor TV covers are crucial to extend their lifecycle and preserve the longevity and quality of your outdoor television setup.
Choosing the Right Outdoor TV Cover
Like a well-tailored suit, an outdoor TV cover needs to fit your TV just right. Too loose, and it may not provide optimal protection. Too tight, and it could strain the TV. What’s the method to select a cover that pairs flawlessly with your TV?
The key lies in focusing on three crucial aspects: size, material, and design. Each of these aspects plays a vital role in how well the cover can shield your TV from the outdoor elements. We’ll now dissect and scrutinize each of these factors more thoroughly.
Sizing Your Outdoor TV Cover
We’ll focus initially on the size. Just as Cinderella’s shoe fit her perfectly, so should the cover fit your outdoor TV. But how can you ensure a snug fit? It starts with accurate measurements of your TV’s length, width, and depth, including any protrusions like knobs, inputs, or wall mount brackets that could affect the fit.
Remember to add 1-2 inches to these dimensions to allow for the best fit. A well-fitted cover not only provides better protection against elements like dust, water, and sunshine, but it also ensures the longevity of your outdoor TV. Don’t forget to cart add the perfect cover for your TV.
What happens if you’re uncertain about achieving a precise fit? Opt for a cover that is slightly larger than your TV’s dimensions to prevent a too-tight fit and ensure easy application and removal.
Material Matters: Waterproof and Weatherproof Features
Now, we turn our attention to materials. Outdoor TV covers are typically made of durable materials like polyester or Oxford fabric known for their heavy-duty properties and suitability for outdoor use. But that’s not all. These materials often include a PVC coating, which enhances the cover’s ability to protect the television from water and other outdoor elements.
What happens if the cover causes scratches during placement or removal? That’s where a soft inner lining comes to the rescue, providing protection against scratches. And let’s not forget the weatherproof features such as protective flaps over zippers and mount slots, as well as double-stitched seams, which help in preventing moisture ingress and add to the overall durability against harsh weather conditions.
Design Elements to Consider
Lastly, the cover’s design can also significantly impact its effectiveness. Design elements are not just about aesthetics; they’re about enhancing protection and functionality. For instance, built-in ventilation systems in outdoor TV covers prevent condensation and overheating to protect the TV. Also, features like Velcro or zippers at the bottom ensure a secure fit, accommodating various TV mounts.
That’s not all! Some outdoor TV covers come with a remote-control pocket and a transparent front panel. These design features not only protect remote controls but also allow their use without exposing the TV. Also, watch out for protective design features, like drawcord cinching for wind resistance and double-stitched seams for enhanced durability. These little details can significantly contribute to the cover’s longevity.
Types of Outdoor TV Covers
Having discussed the fundamentals of picking an appropriate outdoor TV cover, let’s now examine the various types on the market. Each type of cover provides a different level of protection and ease of use, catering to individual needs and preferences. So, whether you want a cover that offers full protection or one that allows easy access, there’s something for everyone.
We’ll now scrutinize these categories more closely:
- Full coverage: Provides comprehensive protection for your device.
- Half coverage: Offers partial protection while still allowing easy access to certain features.
- Flip covers: Provide convenience and added functionality, such as a built-in stand or card slots.
Each of these types has its unique features, advantages, and use cases. From comprehensive protection with full covers to the convenience of flip covers, you’re sure to find a type that fits your needs like a glove, available in various sizes.
Complete Coverage: Full TV Covers
When it comes to all-encompassing protection, full TV covers are the champions. They safeguard outdoor televisions from a myriad of elements, ensuring the life of your TV is well-protected from:
- rain
- snow
- wind
- UV light
- wildlife
- potential scratches
Designed to encase the television entirely, these covers ensure maximum shield from all angles, including the base and mount of the TV set.
However, protection isn’t the only concern. Full TV covers also focus on ease of installation, featuring Velcro straps or other secure fasteners to keep the cover in place, regardless of weather conditions. Constructed for a snug fit, these covers eliminate the risk of slippage or being removed by strong winds, maintaining constant protection.
If you live in a region with a range of weather conditions, full TV covers may be the most suitable choice.
Partial Protection: Half TV Covers
If your outdoor TV is situated under some form of shelter, like a patio roof, then half TV covers might be just what you need. These covers, while offering protection, are designed to be convenient to handle. They shield the most crucial parts of the TV in environments that are somewhat protected or face less extreme weather conditions.
If you prefer a less cumbersome cover that still offers ample protection, a half TV cover could be an ideal option. It strikes a balance between protection and convenience, making it ideal for partially sheltered outdoor TVs.
Easy Access: Flip TV Covers
For those who frequently use their outdoor TVs, flip TV covers can be a boon. These covers come with a flip-up front flap, enabling viewers to watch the TV without removing the entire cover. This design provides a convenient viewing experience, especially during those impromptu TV sessions.
In addition to their convenience, flip TV covers have the following features:
- They are light, simplifying the processes of installation and removal.
- Some even come with a built-in 3-year warranty, reaffirming the manufacturer’s confidence in their product’s quality and durability.
- Certain flip TV covers incorporate clear vinyl panels, allowing viewers to watch TV with the cover partially in place.
- This means your television is protected from splashes or flying debris while maintaining visibility.
Mounting Options for Outdoor TVs
Let’s now change our focus and discuss the mounting possibilities for outdoor TVs. Where you place your TV and how you mount it can significantly impact its exposure to the elements. Thankfully, outdoor TV covers can accommodate a variety of common mounting options, such as:
- fixed mounts
- tilt mounts
- full-motion mounts
- single-arm mounts
- double-wall mounts
- ceiling mounts
To facilitate cable handling and ensure seamless integration with various mounting systems, outdoor TV covers often include rear openings. We’ll now examine some prevalent mounting choices - wall mounts, ceiling mounts, and stand mounts - in more detail.
Wall Mounts
Wall mounts are a popular choice for outdoor TVs. They offer the following features:
- They cater to a variety of outdoor TVs ranging from 32” to 95”
- They provide robust weight capacities up to 180 lbs
- Some mounts offer tilt options
- Others feature a broader tilt range for optimal viewing angles.
However, it’s more than just the viewing angles to consider. Outdoor wall mounts also boast corrosion-resistant finishes, ensuring the prolonged durability of the mount in various outdoor conditions. And with mounting hardware typically provided, installation is a breeze, even on surfaces like vinyl, concrete, and brick.
Ceiling Mounts
Ceiling mounts, a type of tv mount, offer great adjustability options for outdoor TV setups. Catering to various screen sizes, these mounts can accommodate TVs from 24” to 86”. Depending on the model, they feature adjustable height, tilt, and rotate functions, offering a customized viewing experience.
Every ceiling mount boasts an outdoor-rated finish to endure the elements, preserving the aesthetic appeal and integrity of the TV setup. So, if you’re looking for a mount that offers flexibility and durability, ceiling mounts could be worth considering.
Stand Mounts
For those who prefer temporary outdoor TV setups during events or gatherings, stand mounts can be a perfect choice. These mounts are easy to assemble and disassemble, offering convenience and flexibility.
Despite their portability, stand mounts don’t compromise on sturdiness. With durable steel construction and a weatherproofing process to provide dual protective coatings, they ensure reliability over time, making them a great choice for temporary setups.
Caring for Your Outdoor TV Cover
An outdoor TV cover is a pivotal asset for the longevity of your outdoor TV setup. As with any asset, it requires regular upkeep to ensure optimal performance. From routine cleaning to proper storage and timely replacement, taking care of your outdoor TV cover can significantly extend its lifespan and effectiveness.
How can you maintain the prime condition of your outdoor TV cover? Let’s explore some cleaning and maintenance tips, storage suggestions, and replacement recommendations.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning is a crucial part of maintaining your outdoor TV cover. Accumulated dust, pollen, and outdoor debris can be removed using a gentle cleaner suitable for the cover material. During cleaning, also inspect the cover for any signs of wear, such as fraying or thinning material.
After the cover is clean, consider applying a protectant spray suitable for the fabric. This can reinforce its water resistance and UV protection, thus enhancing the longevity of the cover. Remember to avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can degrade the protective coatings and waterproofing.
Storage Tips
When your outdoor TV cover is not in use, proper storage can help preserve its quality and longevity. Start by ensuring the cover is completely dry before storage to prevent mold and mildew. Then, carefully fold the cover to avoid creasing or damaging the material.
Store the cover in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading and degradation of the fabric. When you purchase a cover with straps or tie-downs, loosely tie or hang them during storage to avoid stretching.
Replacement Recommendations
Even with the best care and maintenance, there comes a time when your outdoor TV cover needs to be replaced. Regularly check for sagging, fading, or stiffening material, which indicates a loss of integrity and diminished protective capabilities.
If the cover is not securely staying in place during windy conditions, consider a replacement that offers a better fit or more robust fastenings. Also, monitor your outdoor TV cover for color fading, which can be an indicator that the material is weakening and may need replacement soon.
Outdoor TV Cover Reviews: Customer Favorites
Customer reviews can provide a wealth of insights when selecting the appropriate outdoor TV cover. Real-world experiences and satisfaction scores paint a vivid picture of how a cover performs under different conditions.
For instance, the TV Shield PRO is favored for its anti-glare properties and ‘EasyOpen’ system, fitting TVs from 40 to 85 inches. On the other hand, The TV Shield PRO Lite offers a cost-effective aluminum enclosure for screens between 40 and 80 inches. Overall, the feedback from customers highlights the value and effectiveness of these outdoor TV covers, making them favorites for protecting screens in various outdoor conditions.
Additional Accessories for Your Outdoor TV Setup
Apart from the outdoor TV cover, additional accessories can also augment your outdoor TV setup. One such accessory is the remote control cover. Designed to fit up to 4.5W x 10D remotes, these covers offer a necessary layer of protection against outdoor elements.
Another accessory to consider is the outdoor TV enclosure. These enclosures provide robust protection and are usually constructed from metal or plastic with rubberized seams to prevent moisture ingress. With these additional accessories, you can ensure that your outdoor TV setup is well-protected and ready for any weather conditions.
Summary
From understanding the importance of size, material, and design when choosing the right outdoor TV cover, to exploring different types and mounting options, we’ve covered a lot of ground. But remember, investing in an outdoor TV cover is about ensuring the longevity of your outdoor TV. So, take your time, consider your specific needs, and make an informed decision. After all, your outdoor TV deserves the best protection, and with the right cover, it can weather any storm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to protect a TV outside?
The best way to protect a TV outside is to use a weatherproof TV cover or enclosure to make it harder to remove, and to consider installing a security camera or alarm nearby as a deterrent.
Can you put a TV outside with a cover?
Yes, you can put a TV outside with a TV cover made of heavy-duty polyester for lightweight yet durable protection.
Are outdoor TV covers worth it?
Yes, outdoor TV covers are worth it as they provide basic protection against weather elements, debris, and damage, making them a cost-effective solution for shielding your TV's screen. So, if you want to protect your TV, investing in an outdoor TV cover is a good idea.
What material is best for outdoor TV covers?
The best material for outdoor TV covers is durable polyester or Oxford fabric with a PVC coating for enhanced protection against outdoor elements. Choose a cover made from these materials to ensure your outdoor TV stays well-protected.
What are some popular mounting options for outdoor TVs?
Popular mounting options for outdoor TVs include wall mounts, ceiling mounts, and stand mounts. The best choice for you will depend on your specific needs and where you plan to place the TV.
BRIAN M JACKSON
