Having a pergola outside your house gives your outdoor space
functionality, elegance, and style. Pergolas also provide much-needed shade
during the summer months, and they create a perfect place for relaxation and
entertainment.
For pergolas to serve their purpose, and stay elegant and
stylish for a long time, you need to maintain them properly. Pergolas can be a
huge investment, and just like any investment, we need to ensure that they are
in top shape so that they can last for many years.
There are various aspects to keeping your pergola clean and
maintained. And we’re here to share everything we know about pergola upkeep
with you.
Why is regular pergola maintenance important?
Before we start talking about proper pergola upkeep, we
should first discuss why regular pergola maintenance is important.
Pergolas are outdoor structures which means that they are
exposed to all kinds of weather. Maintenance can help prevent any damages
caused by rain, hail, wind, or UV rays. Since pergolas are made of different
materials, the levels of this damage can vary.
For example, elements can cause wood pergolas to warp, or
crack, vinyl pergolas to fade or become brittle, and aluminum pergolas to
deform.
Regularly maintaining your outdoor structures can help you
spot any issues and damages before they get out of hand and require costly
repairs.
How to wash and clean pergolas
Regular washing and cleaning are the best ways to ensure
that your pergola is properly maintained. Not only will regular cleaning
improve its appearance, but it will also prevent the buildup of dirt, debris,
and grime which can lead to serious damage.
The best way to clean your pergola, according to trained professionals for pergolas inSydney, is by using a broom or a leaf blower to remove loose debris such as
leaves and twigs. The rest will depend on the material of your pergola.
If you have a wood pergola, a gentle bristle brush, and warm
water will be enough to clean your pergola. If you have some stubborn stains,
you can use a pressure washer to eliminate them.
A vinyl pergola you can wash with a garden hose or pressure
washer. For more persistent stains you can use warm water and oxygen bleach
mixture.
To clean your aluminum pergola, you will need a soft bristle
brush and a mild cleaning solution. A warm water and oxygen bleach mixture can
remove obstinate stains but make sure you rinse the pergola thoroughly with a
garden hose after this kind of cleaning.
How to inspect your pergola
Regular pergola inspection can prevent a lot of headaches.
An inspection can help you detect any problems early on and prevent them before
they get any bigger.
Visual inspection is the easiest. All you have to do is take
a good look at your pergola and search for any signs of damage - cracks,
splintered wood, loos boars, missing screws, and so on.
Then, gently shake your pergola to see how stable it is. If
there is movement or the structure feels wobbly, you may have problems with
loose connections, and you should address this as soon as possible.
Loose or missing screws and bolts can be a huge hazard, so
make sure you regularly check the hardware and tighten it when needed.
If you run into serious damages or issues during your
inspection, we suggest you call the professionals.
How to prevent pest infestation
Regularly inspecting and cleaning your pergola can also help
you prevent any pests from doing damage to your structure. Pests such as
termites, ants, or bees can do some serious damage to your pergola. Especially
if you own a wood pergola.
Termites, for example, can seriously compromise the
structure of your pergola. If, upon your inspection, you notice signs of pest
infestation, the best would be to call pest control.
However, you can take some steps to prevent pests. There are
protective finishes or liquid repellents, both natural and chemical, that you
can apply to your pergola to prevent pest infestation. If you can consult with
professionals to find out which options are better for you and your
pergola.
How to seal and stain pergolas
The best way to protect your pergola from elements is by
sealing and staining it. Not only will this protect your outdoor structure, but
it will also make it look good.
You can choose the appropriate sealant or stain depending on
the kind of pergola you have. Both sealants and stains can be applied with
brushes or rollers, or they can be sprayed on.
Wood pergolas should be re-stained every 3 to 5 years. Doing
this will ensure that your outdoor construction is protected and that it looks
good. If you own a vinyl or aluminium pergola, you don’t have to worry about
staining it.
Bottom Line
At first, pergola maintenance may seem like a big, daunting
job. The truth is, that cleaning and maintaining a pergola is very easy. As
you’ve read, the most important part of maintenance is regular inspection.
Check out the state of your pergola whenever you can, and keep it clean as best
as you can.