Your backyard pergola is an investment in your home. It has extended your living quarters and provided plenty of shade to your patio for all of your summer and fall gatherings. With the cooler season right around the corner, now’s a good time to spruce up your patio area. Here at Mesa Awning, we’ve put together a pergola maintenance guide to make sure you get the job done right. 

A Cleaning Guide for Different Materials

Vinyl

Vinyl pergolas tend to be low maintenance, which may be why you’ve installed one as shading for your patio or fire pit area. Still, they tend to show the most dirt and grime, making it necessary to clean them at least once or twice a year. Fall or early winter is a great time to wash away any dirt that the vinyl has collected over the summer months. 

In most cases, you’ll be able to remove dirt and grime with a mild detergent and soft cloth. Be sure to avoid a hard bristle brush or any abrasive cleaning supplies, as these tend to remove the shiny coating that makes your pergola look bright white. If you’ve slacked with your pergola maintenance, a light pressure wash will easily remove any mold, mildew, and dirt that has accumulated on the posts or beams. 

Wood

If you have a beautifully stained, wood pergola in your backyard, maintaining its beauty year after year can be easy with a simple maintenance routine. Before the colder months set in, take the time to rinse off your patio structure with the hose. Loose dirt that’s been hanging on will wash away. Then, with a bristle brush, a mild cleaning agent, and warm water, scrub away any stubborn stains or mildew that lingers. 

Once all of the dirt is washed away, inspect any of the joints for rust or discoloration, and replace them to prevent them from discoloring the surrounding wood. A clean pergola will also allow you to see any splintered pieces or areas that have faded from the hours of sunrays. Take advantage of the cooler air and give your pergola a fresh coat of stain and sealer. Getting this done now is a great way to make sure your patio and outdoor living space looks great for your upcoming holiday parties. 

Repairing Your Pergola

Depending on the age of your patio structure or if it has sustained damage during the summer months, parts of your pergola might need to be replaced. After cleaning, examine your pergola for cracked or damaged beams or posts. If there is extensive damage, you should replace the damaged parts right away to keep your structure sound. You should also look for any rusty or discolored joints and bolts that may need to be replaced so that boards don’t come loose during the colder months. 

Should your pergola need repair, or if you’re looking to install a new one, choose Mesa Awning as your pergola experts. We have been installing residential and commercial patio structures, carports, and window awnings throughout the Phoenix Valley area since 1977. To get started on your next outdoor patio project, give us a call today at (480) 969-4064.