Pergola Maintenance Tips for Summer Months

Do you have a pergola in your backyard? Pergolas are beautiful additions to any backyard, but properly cleaning and preparing a pergola for spring and summer can be challenging. The good news is that pergolas can be relatively self-sufficient constructions that do not require much maintenance.

A wood pergola with a roof can last approximately five years with minor upkeep. Simple maintenance tasks such as annual cleaning, staining, and sealing can extend its life by 10 to 12 years. At Outdoor Makeover and Living Spaces, we have years of experience creating cedar, vinyl, and wood pergolas for families to enjoy all summer. That is why we can confidently claim to be experts on how to clean a pergola.

Keeping your pergola in good condition adds a few hours to your Spring or Summer backyard to-do list. In this blog, we will review some of the critical steps to pergola care to do throughout the warmer months to ensure that your pergola lasts for many years.

Why Is Regular Maintenance Important for Pergolas?

Regular maintenance is necessary for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it aids in the prevention of damage caused by weather elements such as rain, wind, and UV radiation. Over time, these elements can cause the wood to distort, split, or fade. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning and sealing, can preserve the wood from these damaging impacts.

Regular maintenance of wooden pergolas allows us to detect any problems or damage early on before they worsen and become more expensive to repair. Regularly examining your pergola will allow you to spot any loose or damaged boards, screws, or fasteners. Addressing these issues as soon as possible can assist in keeping your pergola structurally sound.

Here Are Simple Tips For Maintaining Your Pergola:

First things first, let’s discuss the type of pergola you have. Is it made out of wood, aluminum, or vinyl?

Most pergolas are made of wood, aluminum, or vinyl, and the maintenance requirements vary depending on the material.

Maintenance Tips For Wooden Pergola:

Many individuals avoid wood pergolas because they are concerned about the time and work required to maintain an outside wood structure. The sole requirement for wood pergola care is to re-stain the wood every three years. This is followed by a mild sanding of your wooden pergola and the application of wood stain.

Before having your wooden pergola re-stained, we recommend scrubbing it carefully with a moist washcloth or a bristle brush. An outdoor hose can be used to sprinkle the surface lightly. We advise against using a power washer because it will remove the natural goodness from your wood.

Mix vinegar, oxygen bleach, and a gallon of water for harsher stains from mildew or undisturbed soil. Apply the mixture to the stains and allow it to sit for five minutes before gently scrubbing them off with a bristle brush. Most wood pergolas may be kept in reasonable condition by regularly cleaning them with warm water, except by having them stained every three years.

Maintenance Tips For Vinyl Pergola:

Vinyl modern pergola are very popular due to their low maintenance requirements. Unlike cedar and wood pergolas, vinyl pergolas need not be re-stained every few years.

Vinyl pergolas require less general upkeep, but you will still need to clean them occasionally. Use a garden hose or pressure washer on the lowest setting to clean your vinyl pergola. If you have any stubborn stains, remove them with a mix of warm water and oxygen bleach.

Note* Power washing your vinyl pergola can harm the paint and the frame. However, use your garden or outside hose at full volume.

Maintenance Tips For Cedar Pergola:

Our cedar pergolas are designed to mature beautifully. We recommend cleaning a cedar pergola using a mildly damp towel, water, or a garden hose. Avoid power-cleaning cedar pergolas. Our cedar pergolas are made of red cedar wood, which includes naturally oily fibers that act as natural preservatives, preventing the wood from rotting and degrading.

We recommend finishing and staining your cedar pergola; however, many clients choose not to, resulting in a cedar pergola that goes gray over time. Your cedar pergola will suffer as a result of failing to apply treated sealant every three years. After hosing down your pergola, use oxygen bleach, a cup of vinegar, and plain water to remove any stains. Allow the liquid to sit for five minutes before using a bristle brush to scrub the stained surface gently. The best way to maintain a cedar pergola is to wash it with warm water regularly and re-stain it once every three years.

What is the lifespan of a pergola?

It depends on how diligently you undertake regular maintenance on your outdoor structure and the material chosen to create your pergola. If you opt to install a wooden pergola in your home, it will last around five years with minimal care. However, proper cleaning, sealing, and staining can last up to 12 years.

If you choose a pergola made of vinyl, plastic, or metal, it will survive for at least 15 years with minimal upkeep. However, keep in mind that when purchasing a pergola for your home, you will get what you expect.

The Right Tools for the Job.

Before beginning maintenance, one must equip oneself with the necessary tools. High-quality brushes, sealants, and cleaners made specifically for timber are critical to maintaining the wood’s integrity. These instruments not only make the job easier, but they also ensure that your efforts are successful and long-lasting.

Investing in a solid ladder, gloves, and safety goggles will help you stay safe when cleaning. Remember that maintaining a pergola entails not just caring for the wood, but also protecting your safety throughout the process.

Finally, if you want your pergola to last for many years, you must maintain and care for it regularly. Whether you have a wood, aluminum, or vinyl pergola, regular cleaning and care can help avoid damage and keep it looking good. By following these tips and tactics, you may keep your pergola in good condition and enjoy it for many summers.

Get A quality Pergola Installed in your Backyard.

Are you looking for an affordable shade solution in your backyard? Outdoor Makeover and Living Spaces is right for you. We can help you choose the finest quality pergola and provide top-notch installation services in Atlanta. We possess the ability to meticulously strategize your design, ensuring precise execution while granting you a vivid representation of the result. Moreover, our selection encompasses thoughtfully chosen plants, trees, and landscape lighting alternatives, including gazebo vs pergola, which will impeccably augment the allure of your property.

So what are you waiting for? Contact us today!

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