AT reader Stephanie writes: "We just got a small stackable washer dryer for our little cottage. The only place it fits is outside on our patio, which is covered by the overhang. We live in Venice Beach, so the weather is very temperate, however we would like to keep the unit protected from dirt, rain, weather. Do you have an suggestions for a weather proof cover for a stackable?"
Good Questions: Weather Proofing Outdoor Washer and Dryer?
Stephanie, we'd recommend you look to build some sort of structure to keep your washer and dryer protected from the elements. Moisture in the air can result in electrical shorts and rust is likely, especially with the seaside air of Venice Beach nearby. A tool shed of some sort might work; considering having one built custom to fit your machine or build one yourself like shown here. Another idea is to have you machines additionally covered with a clear vinyl coating. This will address the rusting issue, but in itself will not prevent the other possible electrical and piping issues that could occur with long term exposure to the elements.
Anyone else out there with an outdoor washer and dryer setup?
Comments (9)
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I like the idea of a shed...
...but give it a little porch where you can sit and also hang some of your laundry to dry.
view bepsf's profile
I've seen things like this too
http://www.homedepot.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=10051&langId=-1&catalogId=10053&productId=100373647&N=10000003 524467 10401013
view Laura's profile
and this
http://www.nextag.com/rubbermaid-tool-shed/search-html
view Laura's profile
When I lived in Vegas I had my washer dryer outside on the patio. All they did was enclose it with 2x4s and the same stucco that was on the rest of the building to make a closet-like structure for it (with a regular door to the "closet").
I'm sure it's against code/electrical standards/whateverelse to leave the unit outside without protection from the wind and rain.
view caw261's profile
Fyi, outdoor washer/dryer setups are not permitted by the Department of Building Inspection in San Francisco. We had a neighbor whose outdoor W/D degenerated quickly and filled the neighborhood with increasingly louder squeaking noises when it was in use...which seemed like always. Be sure to enclose yours if only for the sake of your neighborly relations.
view wig3000's profile
I'm in the same situation as Stephanie. I'm in a guest house and my landlord just installed a wonderful front-loading eco-friendly unit (YAY!), but it's outside behind the building and only covered by a porch-like awning. It's only been a month, and everything is peachy keen, but I'm curious as to how it will look/sound/work in a few years. I've expressed my concerns about it being exposed to the elements (especially dirt and dead plant material from hedges and bouganvillia (sp?) nearby), but he seems to think the awning is just fine.
view burpchick's profile
I'd build a little shed-like closet that is just snug enough to hold it.
view LilyC's profile
You also have to take into account getting everything done to code and by a professional. I have a student whose house burned to the ground this year and her insurance company sued her after she turned her claim in because the cause of the fire was a clothes dryer that had not been professionally installed (I'm guessing it had something to do with the venting) and cleaned/maintained periodically.
view dharmabum's profile
Can you build a shed around it?
view oliviahh's profile