Signs It’s Time to Replace Your BBQ Cover

Your BBQ cover is your grill’s first line of protection against the elements as well as accidental knocks and scrapes. It shields your grill from rain, sun, dust and debris. It keeps insects out and helps it stay in top condition for years to come.

But as with anything that’s designed to protect a piece of equipment that’s kept outdoors come rain or shine, BBQ covers don’t last forever. Over time, they can wear out and lose their effectiveness. If you keep your grill outdoors all year round, here are some key signs that it’s time to replace your BBQ cover.

Visible Wear and Tear

The most obvious sign that you need a new BBQ cover is visible wear and tear. Over time, your cover will probably develop rips, holes, or frayed edges. These happen thanks to the constant exposure to the elements, repeated handling, or simply from aging material. Everything has a shelf-life.

And of course, when your BBQ cover has holes or tears, it can’t provide full protection. That means water, dust, and debris to your grill. If you notice any significant damage to your cover, it’s time to start shopping for a new one.

Fading or Discolouration

Prolonged exposure to sunlight can cause your BBQ cover to fade or become discoloured. This might seem like merely a cosmetic problem, but it can actually affect the integrity of the cover. Fading often means that the material is starting to deteriorate, and that means your cover’s ability to protect your grill from UV rays and the elements has become compromised.

A faded cover can be a sign that the material is weakening, making it less effective at shielding your grill. If this happens, inspect the cover and check that it’s still protecting your grill.

Water Leakage

One of the main purposes of a BBQ cover is to keep your grill dry. But, if your cover is no longer water-resistant, you may get water pooling on the surface of your grill or moisture seeping through. Water can lead to rust and other damage.

Water leakage is a very clear sign that your cover is no longer doing its job. If your BBQ cover can’t keep water out, it’s time to invest in a new one that can.

Mould or Mildew Growth

If you’ve noticed mould or mildew growing on your BBQ cover, or on your barbecue itself, it’s probably no longer doing its job. Mould and mildew thrive in damp environments, which means signs of these shows your cover is likely to be trapping moisture instead of repelling it.

Not only can mould and mildew damage the cover itself, but the spores can also transfer to your grill, causing odours and general unpleasantness. A cover with mould or mildew growth can be a health hazard and should be replaced.

Poor Fit or Looseness

Over time, BBQ covers can stretch or lose their shape, leading to a poor fit.

Perhaps it never fitted in the first place. If your cover is no longer fitting snugly over your grill, or never was, it’s not providing the protection you need. Not only can a loose-fitting cover easily blow off in the wind, it also leaves areas of your grill permanently exposed to the elements.

To ensure your BBQ is fully protected, consider a new cover, or opt for a model-specific one rather than a generic one. Your BBQ cover should fit securely and fasten in place allowing some ventilation, but not be a ship’s sail. So, if your current cover isn’t up to the job, it’s time for an upgrade.

What to Look for in a Replacement BBQ Cover

When it’s time to replace your BBQ cover, there are a few key features to consider. First, choose a cover made from durable, weather-resistant materials like heavy-duty polyester or vinyl. These materials offer great protection against rain, sun, and wind, although untreated canvas may offer only limited protection from the wet.

Make sure the cover fits your grill properly— actually measure your grill to ensure a snug fit. Finally, look for additional features like straps, vents, and reinforced seams, which can help secure the cover and extend its lifespan.

Final Thoughts

A BBQ cover is essential for protecting your grill, but it won’t last forever. Check for signs of wear and tear, fading, water leakage, mould growth, and poor fit, and your grill remains protected. If you’ve noticed any of these issues with your current cover, it’s time to replace it with a new one.

Investing in a high-quality BBQ cover will help keep your grill in excellent condition for many years to come.