Can Bronze Statues Stand Up to Bad Weather In the Outdoors?

Bronze statues are popular because they can add a beautiful look to any outdoor space. A statue can provide a quaint style, and the patina that naturally forms over the statue can make it even more distinct.

But you might wonder how well bronze statues can handle bad weather. While these statues are naturally resilient, you’ll also need to maintain them.

A Strong Metal

The first point about bronze statues comes from how bronze is one of the strongest metals around. Bronze is stronger than most other metals because it is naturally made with copper and tin. Bronze is about 88 percent copper and 12 percent tin, although some other sturdy metals like aluminum or zinc can also be added to an alloy.

A statue is made by melting and mixing the proper amounts of copper and tin. The material then solidifies and is formed into a mold, retaining the strength of copper and tin.

Handling Temperatures

You won’t have to worry about temperature extremes, as bronze statues can persist in various temperatures. Bronze has a melting point of about 950 degrees Celsius or 1,742 degrees Fahrenheit, so the risk of hot temperatures is minimal. The surface also won’t crack or become too hard in freezing conditions.

You should still avoid directly touching one of these statues during various temperature extremes. Bronze can conduct these temperatures, so you could burn or freeze yourself if you feel it when it’s too hot or cold.

Cleaning bronze statue Is Necessary After Storms

You can keep your statues out in the rain, but you should observe them to see how they look after a storm. An outdoor bronze statue can build up dirt and other debris in bad weather. Your statue is more likely to collect these in windy conditions or when there are severe storms.

A statue can develop streaks over its body if you don’t clean it often. These black and green-colored streaks can make your statue look less appealing.

You can clean your bronze statues with dish soap and clean water to keep debris from building up and sticking. A small amount of soap is fine, as too much could produce a residue. Avoid bleach-based cleaners that can leave a residue over your statue.

One helpful rule of thumb is to clean your statues at least two or three times a year. You should do this four or more times a year if your statue is in a humid environment.

Can Your Statue Also Handle Windy Conditions?

This last point is relevant for environments with windy conditions, especially surrounding tropical systems. The heavy weight of a bronze statue can help it stay intact during a windstorm, although an anchoring system is helpful to ensure its protection.

The hollow design of a statue could cause it to dent when debris flies into it. You should hire a professional to remove dents in a statue, as a filler material may be necessary for some spots. The surface must also be sanded down before the filler can enter the space.

Conclusion

You can be assured that your bronze statue can handle bad weather, as the natural composition of bronze makes it resilient. Your statue can persist in many weather extremes, although you should avoid touching it when it’s too hot or cold. Proper maintenance is also necessary after a storm as well, as excess debris will make it harder to clean.