Buying Guides
Craig Walker |
Most outdoor speakers are designed to be left out all year round.
They most commonly have IP ratings, plastic enclosures and aluminium grilles to prevent rust.
So yes, you can leave them out all year round, but... we'd advise that you don't in some cases.
Read on to learn why.
How Outdoor-Worthy Is Your Outdoor Speaker?
The ability of outdoor speakers to withstand year-round exposure to the elements depends on the specific design and construction of the speakers, as well as the climate of the location where they are installed.
If you're reading this blog then you're most likely in the UK where it rains, a lot! But we don't usually see temperatures much below freezing or above 30 degrees so the most important consideration is the IP rating.
It's important to buy a good quality outdoor speaker from a good brand as not all outdoor speakers are made equal.
Here are some things to check when choosing your outdoor speakers:
Weather Resistance Ratings: Check the product specifications and weather resistance ratings of the outdoor speakers. Look for speakers with an IP (Ingress Protection) rating, which provides information about their resistance to water and dust. Higher IP ratings indicate better protection, IP54 is quite common but IP68 is the best.
Material Construction: High-quality outdoor speakers often feature weather-resistant materials such as UV-resistant plastics, aluminium, or stainless steel. These materials help prevent damage from exposure to sunlight, rain, and temperature fluctuations.
Sealed Enclosures: Outdoor speakers with sealed enclosures provide protection against moisture and dirt, minimising the risk of internal damage. Sealed enclosures also help maintain consistent sound quality over time.
Rust Resistance: If the speakers use metal components, ensure they are treated or coated to resist rust and corrosion. This is particularly important in coastal areas where salt air can accelerate metal corrosion - if you live by the sea then look for marine grade speakers for best lifespan.
Spending the extra money on a top brand such as Q Acoustics or Polk Audio etc can pay out in the long run when your speakers last a lot longer than some of the competitors...
Should I Leave Them Out All Year Round?
So you've checked and your new speakers are IP rated, UV resistant and rust resistant, should we leave them out all year round?
The short answer is yes you can leaveoutdoor speakers out year round, even in the rainif you wish to.
I have a pair of Polk Audio Atrium 4's that have been outside for the past 10 years in the open and they still work and look in okay condition despite having never been maintained (more on that in a bit!)
But I'd really like to advise you of a few things you can do to keep your outdoor speakers in perfect condition for a lot longer:
Installation Considerations: If you can, install outdoor speakers in locations that provide some level of protection, such as under eaves, on covered patios, under pergolas or garden structures. This helps shield the speakers from direct exposure to heavy rain.
Winter Precautions: In areas with harsher winter conditions, consider removing outdoor speakers during the coldest months to protect them from potential damage caused by freezing temperatures, ice, or heavy snow. All good quality outdoor speakers are easy to remove, usually without even needing any tools so it doesn't take long to remove them for winter and store them in the garage.
Covers: An easy way to protect your outdoor speakers is to cover them up when not in use. This will protect them from rain, snow, dust etc. The only down side is that no one in the UK seems to make an outdoor speaker cover so they're not easily obtainable without making your own.
Regular Maintenance: Perform regular maintenance checks on outdoor speakers, clean themregularly and inspecting for any signs of wear or damage. Address any issues promptly to ensure the longevity of the speakers.
Conclusion
If you buy a good quality outdoor speaker and aim to install it in area with a bit of shelter, or cover it / bring it in during the winter then you can expect your outdoor speakers to last for many years completely problem-free.
You can also choose to leave them out exposed year round and in most cases still get a good 10 years out of them!
As with anything, the more you spend the better the quality should be both in weather protection and sound quality.
And the more we spend, the more we should want to look after it, so maybe bringing them in for winter isn't such a bad idea...
