The perfect place to relax in the garden and enjoy long summer days, the louvered pergola is a must-have for any garden. With its many advantages, which you can find in our Practical Guide: everything you need to know about louvered pergolas, a pergola adapts to any climate so you can enjoy your outdoor space all year round! It is therefore important to take care of your installation by cleaning the structure and adjustable slats regularly. But how often should you carry out maintenance? And how do you clean your pergola? What are the most effective methods? Don’t panic, sweeek’s tips are here to guide you and teach you how to properly maintain your louvered pergolas!
When should you clean your louvered pergola?
How often you clean your louvered pergola depends mainly on the climate in your area. If you live near the coast, you will need to maintain your louvered pergola more often than if you live inland, for example.
Normally, a louvered pergola requires two maintenance sessions per year to keep the structure in good condition and looking good. However, if you live in an urban area, you will need to clean your pergola at least three times a year, and up to four times if you live near the coast. Ideally, these two cleanings should take place in early spring, to prepare your pergola for the summer season, and in autumn, to remove dead leaves and other vegetation that tends to accumulate in the pergola’s gutters.
Debris and dead leaves can cause major problems such as blocked pipes, which in turn can lead to water leakage issues during the winter season. We therefore recommend that you rinse the outside of the pergola with clean water from a hose from time to time to remove any residue and deposits. If you live near the sea, rinsing with clean water will remove any salt deposits. The slats should be opened to 90°. In fact, when winter comes, it is advisable to leave the adjustable slats of the pergola open if heavy snowfall is forecast: snow piling up and accumulating on the roof of pergolas can damage them quite quickly.
The equipment you need to clean your louvered pergola
Don’t worry, you won’t need a lot of equipment to clean your louvered pergola. Its aluminium construction and coating make it high quality and very durable. However, regular cleaning will extend its lifespan.
For cleaning, you will need to use:
A high-pressure cleaner or just clear, lukewarm water if you do not have a cleaner. The high-pressure cleaner should only be used on the exterior surfaces of the structure; avoid the corners of the structure.
A mild soap, such as washing-up liquid, for example.
A non-abrasive sponge.
A soft, clean microfibre cloth.
Here is the order in which you should clean the different parts of your louvered pergola. First: Start with the adjustable slats, then the aluminium structure, the accessories and finally the gutters.
How to clean the structure of your louvered pergola?
Aluminium has the advantage of being easy to maintain, strong and robust. It is resistant to wind and winter conditions, including sub-zero temperatures in the event of frost or snow.
Cleaning the structure of pergolas, often made of wood or aluminium, is child’s play. No need for special products bought in shops or other miracle remedies: a little bit of soapy water and a cloth or sponge are all you need! Restore your pergola’s shine and aesthetic appeal by spraying it with water and scrubbing the structure vigorously. A high-pressure cleaner can be used, but only on the exterior surfaces of the structure; avoid the corners of the structure at all costs.
If certain types of dirt or stains are more stubborn, remove them by applying black soap or white vinegar diluted in water. Remember to rinse thoroughly with clean water! Then dry your louvered pergola with a soft microfibre cloth.
For more effective and faster cleaning, the aluminium structure can be washed with a water jet. However, be careful with the power of the jet: a high-pressure cleaner must be used with great caution.
How to maintain the adjustable slats of your louvered pergola?
The adjustable aluminium slats, often equipped with a retractable function, are the elements that make up the roof of the louvered pergola and allow it to adapt to the climate. Essential for protection from rain or sunlight, or conversely for enjoying the sunshine, the pergola slats have an aesthetic aspect that is important to maintain through regular washing.
In order to maximise their lifespan and keep them working properly, adjustable slats must be cleaned of dirt and other stains caused by dust deposits, spread by rain and dried by the sun. To do this, simply use a little soapy water and clean the aluminium slats with a brush or cloth. The slats should be in the fully open position. Then position the slats at 90°C to spray water over and under them. Avoid using abrasive products bought in shops as these could damage the aluminium slats. You can apply a little grease spray to the joints between the slats to ensure they operate efficiently and quietly.
The main problem with gutters is that they become clogged with vegetation or twigs, which prevents rainwater from draining properly. This clogging can also cause damage to the motor by preventing the slats from opening and closing properly. Therefore, clear the gutters when maintaining the pergola and clean them with a high-pressure cleaner.
Remember to regularly check the gutters for blockages to prevent leaks and damage to the motor. Clear the drainage holes regularly to ensure they continue to drain effectively. After each rainfall, open the pergola slats between 30°C and 45°C to prevent standing water.
How to clean the accessories of your louvered pergola?
Blinds, lighting, fabric… There are many accessories available for pergolas, and it is important to maintain them properly so that your pergola can be a pleasant living space in the garden or a comfortable extension of your home!
If your pergola is equipped with one (or more) retractable blinds, maintaining them is very easy: dust them with a clean damp cloth or soft sponge, then leave the blind to dry before rolling the fabric back into its box. Blinds are quite fragile, so be careful not to use excessive force when cleaning them. Use a gentle approach: a brush and a clean cloth are your best allies!
If your pergola is equipped with sliding glass panels, they must be cleaned regularly to remove any dirt that has accumulated inside the sliding mechanisms and thus ensure that the glass panels continue to function properly. Cleaning the glass panels is the same as cleaning the windows in your home or conservatory!
For lighting or other accessories installed in the pergola, clean them with soap and water, scrubbing any stains with a clean cloth or brush.
This guide to maintaining your louvered pergola is now coming to an end, and we hope we have given you all the advice you need to clean your pergola properly and thus ensure it lasts for many years to come.
