Will Ceramic Bird Bath Crack In Winter? Birds Advice
When it comes to pedestal birdbaths, several materials come into our minds. Ceramic birdbaths are one of them, which allow wild birds to drink water and preen their feathers. These birdbaths are colorful and attractive. But, accidents or changes in weather may cause the ceramic to crack.
Now, the question is, will ceramic bird bath crack in winter? The short answer is yes. Ceramic birdbaths are likely to crack in winter, especially when freezing temperatures cause the material to expand. In the same way, concrete, mosaic, stone, glass, and solar bird baths are susceptible to damage in cold climates.
If you have a ceramic birdbath with a hairline crack in it and the water seeps away pretty quickly, this article is for you. Here you’re going to learn how to seal cracks in ceramic bird baths, how to winterize a ceramic birdbath, and what alternative you can use.
Related Blog: Do Birds Like Oranges In Winter? Click here
How Can You Seal Cracks in Ceramic Birdbaths?
As you’re scrolling down the page, you may have a cracked ceramic birdbath, and you would like to seal the cracks. Here’s what to do:
What You Need:
#Step – 1: Empty the Birdbath
First of all, drain the water from the cracked bath. Then, place it on a sturdy surface, like a workbench. Make sure to place the birdbath in a dry location. In winter, keep it away from snow until you repair it.
#Step – 2: Rinse the Birdbath
Make a solution of 10 parts water and 1 part bleach. Then, dip a soft cloth or a sponge into the solution and clean the birdbath. The water-bleach solution helps remove algae and other dirts. Next, allow it to air-dry.
#Step – 3: Put Waterproof Silicone Caulk on the Crack
It’s time to put waterproof silicone caulk on the crack. Make sure to seal every inch of the crack by using a putty knife. Why will you use silicone caulk? It’s durable, and therefore can hold up the cracks in direct sunlight and extreme cold temperatures.
#Step – 4: Let the Caulk Dry
Once you have applied the waterproof silicone caulk, let it dry for the next 48 hours. After that, inspect the bath whether the cracks are thoroughly sealed or not. If needed, apply extra caulk and allow the area to dry completely.
#Step – 5: Spray Ceramic Sealer on the Repaired Crack
Finally, you have to spray a ceramic sealer on the repaired cracks. This gives extra sealing and keeps the birdbath protected from cracks for longer. Now, allow the sealer to dry for the next 2 days. Once dried, you can fill the birdbath with fresh water.
How Do You Winterize a Ceramic Bird Bath?
Since cold winter temperatures may cause your ceramic birdbath to crack, you should winterize your birdbath before winter comes. Here are 3 simple yet effective strategies to winterize your ceramic birdbath.
#Strategy – 1: Clean and Sterilize the Bath
Once fall birds have vigorously used a birdbath, it should essentially be cleaned before winter strikes. For that, you have to scrub the entire bath. Use a solution of 10 parts water and 1 part household bleach to sterilize the basin.
#Strategy – 2: Add a Heater
If you live in a cold area where freezing is common, you must require a heater for your ceramic birdbath. The heater helps keep the water liquid and protects the birdbath from cracks. In our opinion, GESAIL Bird Bath Heater could be a good option for you.
#Strategy – 3: Position Baths for Winter Use
For winter use, you should position your ceramic birdbath in full sunlight. This way, the water remains liquid and the birdbath is protected from cracks. You can also place the bath in the deck, patio, or porch with at least a 50-watt bulb.
What Birdbath Should You Use In Winter?
The most suitable birdbaths for winter use are plastic, resin, and metal birdbaths. As we have already stated, concrete, stone, mosaic, glass, ceramic, and solar birdbaths are likely to damage in cold climates. Let’s have a look at some birdbaths you can use in winter.
1. Monarch Pure Copper Bird Bath
This birdbath is made of thick gauge copper. The chain and the base are thick metal. It comes in three different styles: standing, deck, and hanging. It’s also easy to assemble. Most importantly, it has already got 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon against 647 ratings. Check the latest price.
2. GESAIL 75W All Seasons Available Outdoor Bird Bath
For the sub-freezing weather, it could be the real deal for you. The birdbath has been proved to be almost warm at 20 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s one of the best for winter use. If the temperature gets down to single digits, it will slightly frost around the edges. See more details here!
Final Words
Now that you know ceramic birdbaths may crack in winter, you should winterize yours in fall. If cracked, seal the cracks with waterproof silicone caulk and ceramic sealer. The best option is to use a metal, resin, or plastic birdbath in winter.
However, we hope you have learned a lot about how ceramic birdbaths perform in winter. If you have any experience regarding ceramic birdbaths, share with us below in the comment section. Be connected with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.
Image Source:
- Flicker.com
