Your porch or walkway will instantly look more refined and sophisticated once you add a pergola. However, for optimal performance and longevity of this addition you must understand various facets of pergola maintenance to keep its beautiful aesthetics.
A pergola could be constructed using different materials like vinyl, wood, metal or even plastic so knowing how to maintain and care for it properly is vital in maintaining its good looks and extending its life span.
At Skyline Outdoor, our staff has some advice that may help your pergola remain in peak condition.
How Long Will a Pergola Last?
At Skyline Outdoor, we understand that this answer will depend on both the material used to construct your pergola as well as how diligently you maintain its maintenance. With minimal care taken on its upkeep, wooden pergolas usually last five years with proper staining, sealing and cleaning maintenance procedures; with more careful attention taken for staining, sealing and cleaning tasks this figure could extend up to twelve years!
If you choose a vinyl, plastic, or metal pergola for your house, its care may only require minimal effort, with 15 years or so lasting with regular cleanings of these materials as well as any issues that arise along the way. However, remember that any investment into it will pay dividends over time; thus extending its lifespan to at least 20 years or beyond with proper upkeep and attention paid.
How Can My Pergola Be Maintanenced?
Wash it Out
Regardless if your pergola features louvers or is entirely solid, always hose it down after each use in order to clear away debris that could promote mold and mildew growth. This will also keep any insects away from nesting inside it!
Tend To The Damages
As with an awning or canopy in your home or place of business, take immediate steps to respond to any damage you see on a pergola. This may mean touching up dents or scratches with wood or metal putty and, for vinyl pergolas, using vinyl repair kits for repairs.
Adjust Fasteners
Improper tightening of fasteners on your pergola could result in undue strain on different parts of its structure, leading to strain and potential failure. You should regularly inspect fasteners for looseness or any possible signs of weakness, making any necessary adjustments as soon as they’re discovered.
How To Freshen Up a Pergola
In order to keep a pergola looking its best during a hurricane or other extreme weather event, use a soft bristled brush with bleach in it and a cup to scrub away any mildew or stains that may develop later.
Maintain its Original Color With New Stain
Over time, cedar pergolas will start to lose their vibrant red hue and become silver or gray in appearance. Every two years or so, to preserve its original hue, new stain should be applied in order to keep its vibrant red color intact.
Clean Your Pergola With Warm Soap
Any type of pergola should be regularly washed down with warm soapy water to renew it and eliminate stubborn stains, dust and dirt build-up in hard to reach places, quickly. Doing this helps restore it back to life!
Cut Vine
Trim any vines growing on your pergola twice annually in order to reduce any additional weight they place on everything and maintain a tidy aesthetic. This will keep the weight down while also keeping everything looking tidy.
How Often Should My Pergola Be Sealed?
When building a pergola at home or for business use, take care to ensure every area will be easily accessible for sealing with either brush or spray sealant application. Skipping any region could damage your pergola; taking proper care with its maintenance by sealing every two to three years should reduce issues to an absolute minimum.
Does My Pergola Require Painting or Staining?
In order to keep your pergola looking its best, stain or paint at least every five years with temperatures-resistant paint in regions with scorching summers and extremely dry temperatures. For wooden pergolas it’s advisable to choose oil-based wood stain with translucent finish – and aim for five year intervals between painting or staining sessions, however doing it every two years would usually suffice.
Check Your Pergola
Before leaving for summer maintenance, thoroughly examine your pergola to look for any possible issues such as loose fasteners or screws, any signs of rust formation, and any splintering wood.
Clean It First
Use water to flush away debris, then use a scrub brush with soft bristles to address any remaining stains.
Reduce Neighboring Foliage
Trim any trees or bushes around your pergola as well as its vines in order to prevent irreparable damage due to falling on it.
Proper Maintenance Is Essential
Maintenance is of utmost importance for maintaining your pergola, so take extra care in cleaning, sealing and staining as well as pruning vines as well as inspecting screws and bolts regularly to keep it looking its best!
Be Aware that It Mightn’t Provide Complete Shade
Keep in mind that not every pergola you build for your yard can offer complete sun protection, so choose between a solid roofed or louvered structure when selecting one for your garden.
Tend To The Damages
While you might not consider a loose fastener an issue of great concern, the reality is that over time it will only become looser, shortening the lifespan of your pergola in the process. Don’t ignore seemingly minor concerns such as this!