Check out these four easy tips to help you with pergola maintenance.
Installing a pergola in your backyard is a big job. There’s so much to think about – from the initial design and the material you’re going to use down to the finer details such as the importance of pergola maintenance.
All the effort is worth it through, because when it’s finished you’ll have a relaxing space you can enjoy in any weather.
To help you with the ongoing task of pergola maintenance, we have put together some tips for you to incorporate into your regular home and garden maintenance schedule.
Pergola maintenance: scrub the frame regularly
At Australian Outdoor Living, we construct our products using high quality, Australian materials. Unfortunately, due to the wear-and-tear caused by Australia’s harsh natural elements, a build-up of dirt and grime can damage the structure over time.
When maintaining your pergola, it’s best to make sure that every area of the frame is washed on a regular basis.
There’s no need to invest in any special type of cleaner for this task; you can simply use soap and warm water to give it a good scrub. It’s a good idea to use a mild soap so as not to damage the finish or paint.
If you find that you need to use a brush as part of the cleaning, make sure to go with one that has soft bristles. This will be enough to dislodge any build-up of dirt or grime while not causing any damage to the underlying material.
Pergola maintenance: scrub the cooking areas regularly
A BBQ is a great way to get the family together and enjoy your pergola. If you have a barbie or food-prep area under your backyard pergola, it is important to keep the grill and bench clean and in a sanitary condition.
To clean the grill of your barbecue, use a grease-cleaning agent, a metallic bristled brush and a bit of elbow grease. Scrub the grill until you are sure it is spotless.
It’s important that you keep your grill super clean as burnt bits and old food can fester and turn toxic. That’s the last thing you want in your next BBQ dish!
Using the same cleaner, you can also remove any smoke residue that is found on the beams over the cooking area. Removing any smoky, discoloured patches will ensure your outdoor dining space looks fresh and clean, but will also stop any residue from damaging the beams inside the structure.
Finally, be sure to wipe over bench tops with a sanitising product. Warm water and an abrasive sponge are sure to do the trick!
A quick clean each time you dine outdoors will save it from becoming an overwhelming task.
Pergola maintenance: trim the vines
It is not unusual for people to adorn pergolas with some sort of climbing vines. In fact, growing greenery can add a nice touch and a bit of atmosphere to the space.
One thing that you do need to keep in mind is that those vines will eventually thicken, and that means more weight on the frame.
Although Australian Outdoor Living produces sturdy products that can withstand a considerable amount of weight, it pays to trim the older growth away at least a couple of times each year.
Doing so will alleviate any potential stress on the frame and at the same time, encourage the vines to sprout new lush, green growth.
Replace damaged sections at once
Even with the most careful maintenance routine, sections of your pergola will inevitably become damaged.
A particularly severe bout of weather could cause a tree limb to fall, or high winds and flying debris might damage some of the more delicate elements of the structure.
When this happens, the entire structure is weakened.
The weight bearing properties of those damaged sections is compromised and must now be borne by the surrounding sections. Over time, that additional stress will hasten the deterioration of those overburdened sections.
It is imperative that you identify and replace damaged sections immediately, before they become dangerous to you and your family.
A quick call to your local Australian Outdoor Living team will put your mind at ease!
When any type of structural damage is sustained, an experienced technician at Australian Outdoor Living can safely remove or repair that damaged section to make your pergola sturdy and safe.
A professional repair will restore the balance of load bearing, and prolong the life of the pergola.
Try to incorporate the easy maintenance of the pergola into the general maintenance, cleaning and upkeep of your home. A little bit of effort every few months makes for light work, and will stop the build-up of dirt or grime and damage to the structure.
With a clean, tidy and sturdy pergola, it’s time to crank up the BBQ, sit back and relax in your outdoor dining space!
Ready to renovate?
Australian Outdoor Living is passionate about helping people love their life outdoors. We offer a range of products, including:
- Outdoor blinds
- Artificial grass
- Roller shutters
- Carports
- Timber decking
- Pergolas, verandah and patios
- Outdoor Kitchens
Have you been thinking about renovating your home? Fill out the free measure and quote form at the top of this article and a member of our dedicated sales team will be in touch.