Pergola Maintenance 101: Preserving Your Pergola
Wooden pergolas are traditional pieces that require ample care to have a long life. Rather than inspecting for wood rot yearly or staining wood to restore its elegance, you can decide to choose the route of a modern outdoor item that can withstand harsh weather without wearing down.
Aluminum pergolas are robust structures that don’t need much maintenance. Rather than spend your weekends worrying about the pergola’s condition, you can enjoy its presence in the backyard.
Nonetheless, a little bit of care can go a long way. Read about pergola maintenance 101 to preserve your stunning pergola and guard it from the effects of the environment.
Clean Away Loose Debris
All pergolas may not have a solid roof structure, but various things can still accumulate on the surface. Preserve your pergola’s pristine condition by removing any loose debris like twigs, leaves, dirt, or even cobwebs.
Use a soft brush or a dry cloth on the top and underside of the roof. Take your time and gently sweep off the accumulated dirt, ensuring that you take care of the spaces between the louvers.
Pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas, ensuring every corner is free from unwanted debris. Diligently attending to each of these areas will ensure the long-term durability, structural integrity, and aesthetic appeal of your pergola. You’ll create a beautiful and clean outdoor space to enjoy.
Check the Pergola Waterspouts
Maintaining a well-functioning drainage system will aid the longevity of your aluminum pergola. While BON’s pergolas have low-maintenance designs, it never hurts to check the water spouts every once in a while. Fallen leaves, tree branches, and more can accumulate and block the drainage. This could cause future damage to the entire pergola.
Start by ensuring the waterspouts have a tight and aligned connection. Next, look for any blockages in the spouts. Leaves, twigs, or debris can get stuck, causing water to back up and spill over, potentially damaging your pergola and surrounding areas.
To clean the spouts, gently use a plumber's snake or a long, flexible brush to dislodge any obstructions. Routine maintenance of your pergola waterspouts ensures your pergola stays in optimal condition.
Wipe It Down With a Wet, Soapy Cloth
Once the debris disappears from every nook and cranny, it’s time to give the pergola a more thorough cleaning. Aluminum is one of the most durable materials on the market. Nevertheless, a gentle approach is the best method to make a aluminum louvered pergola sparkle.
Dip a soft cloth into the soapy water and wring it out, then use the damp cloth to wipe down the pergola's surface. For hard-to-reach areas, you may use an extendable brush. Pay extra attention to any particularly dirty spots or areas with stubborn stains.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals or Scrubbing
It’s tempting to aggressively scrub away stubborn stains with abrasive tools. However, you must refrain from applying tough cleaning items like steel wool, scouring pads, and hard-bristled brushes. These items can scratch and damage the pergola’s protective coating.
Similarly, stay clear of abrasive cleaners. They’re likely to wear down and discolor the aluminum surface. Using abrasive cleaners and tough tools together will make the pergola more susceptible to corrosion over time.
Stick to the basics! Using mild soap with warm water and a soft cloth is the easiest way to keep your pergola clean.
Dry the Pergola Thoroughly After Cleaning
Aluminum pergolas can withstand a great deal of water, but it never hurts to fully dry the metal after cleaning. Standing water can potentially expedite rusting or discoloration. Excessive water can also lead to mildew development or water spots.
Use a clean, absorbent cloth to wipe away any remaining water droplets. Ensure all areas, including the louvers and joints, are adequately dry.
Examine the Pergola for Loose or Worn-Down Parts
Your safety is the number-one priority. Cleaning up the pergola isn’t the only necessary maintenance element. Inspecting the parts is an often overlooked action, but it’s important to double-check that there aren’t any loose, broken, or worn-down parts on your pergola.
Taking care of these components promptly is essential to the pergola’s longevity. Ensure the nuts, bolts, and other connections are fastened tightly and in good condition.
If you do come across any issues or areas of concern, take prompt action. Tighten loose connections, replace worn-out fasteners, and repair or replace damaged components as necessary.
Dedicating time to these detailed inspections and maintenance tasks will ensure the pergola remains safe, functional, and aesthetically pleasing for many years in the future. Your efforts will preserve its beauty while providing you with a peaceful and enjoyable outdoor space to relax and entertain.
Louvered Pergolas
Louvered pergolas require a few additional maintenance checks to be sure they function effortlessly on command. It doesn’t matter if you have a motorized or manual louvered system.
If you have a motorized louver system, test the opening and closing functions routinely to verify everything is running smoothly. For manual systems, ensure the lever or crank you use to adjust the louvers isn’t stiff and operates without any hitches.
A louvered pergola that’s reluctant to move may need lubrication. If lubricating the louvers doesn’t work, examine them for bent or broken pieces. Continuing to operate the louvers with damaged parts will affect the overall operation and worsen the pergola’s quality.
By carrying out these maintenance actions, you'll ensure your louvered pergola remains in excellent condition to provide shade and sunshine in every season.
Aluminum pergolas are renowned for their durability and low maintenance, but a bit of care and attention can still help them. Understanding pergola maintenance 101 is the best way to preserve your pergola. With proper care, your pergola can remain an inviting, aesthetically pleasing focal point of your outdoor space.
Keep in mind that aluminum pergolas from BON PERGOLA are low-maintenance and exceptionally sturdy. However, following these fundamental instructions will help further ensure your pergola stands tall and looks excellent. Whether it's a quiet evening under the stars or a lively outdoor gathering, your pergola will provide the perfect backdrop. Stay on top of maintenance, and you’ll enjoy the pergola’s unmatched beauty for many years to come.
