Pergola Care & MaintenanceUpdated a day ago
Caring for your pergola
Your pergola is a significant outdoor structure, and with the right maintenance it will provide a beautiful and functional space for many years. We recommend a thorough check and clean at the start and end of each season, with lighter maintenance in between.
Frame cleaning
Most pergola frames are constructed from powder-coated aluminium. Clean the frame two to three times a year — or more frequently if you live in a coastal or particularly polluted area — using a soft cloth or sponge with warm, mildly soapy water. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and allow to dry.
Important: Do not use ammonia-based, chlorine-based, or bleach-based cleaning products on your pergola frame. These will damage the powder coating and can lead to premature corrosion.
Louvre blades
If your pergola features adjustable louvre blades, clean them regularly to prevent the build-up of leaves, debris, and algae, which can impair smooth operation over time. At the start of each season, check the operation mechanism and apply a small amount of silicone-based lubricant to hinges and pivot points if any stiffness is noticed.
Please note: Do not use oil-based lubricants on louvre mechanisms — these attract dirt and can cause the mechanism to become sluggish. Use silicone-based products only.
Curtains and blinds
Textile curtains and blinds should be hand-washed or spot-cleaned with a mild detergent and warm water. Do not tumble dry — allow them to dry naturally in a position where air can circulate freely around them.
Before retracting curtains or blinds, always allow them to cool and dry fully, especially after prolonged exposure to direct sun. Retracting warm fabric puts unnecessary stress on the retraction mechanism and can cause permanent creasing.
Important: Always retract curtains and blinds during periods of high wind. Even structures rated for outdoor use can sustain damage when fabric panels are extended in sustained or gusting winds.
Drainage channels
Pergola louvre systems are designed to channel rainwater away from the structure. Check the drainage channels and downpipes at least once a season and clear any blockages caused by leaves, moss, or debris. Blocked drainage can cause water to pool on the louvre blades, adding unnecessary load and leading to staining over time.
Fixings and anchor points
Inspect all frame fixings, bolts, and anchor points at the start of each season. Ground-fixed pergolas in particular should have their anchor bolts checked after any period of prolonged high winds or heavy rain. Tighten any fixings that have worked loose and contact us if you notice any cracking, movement, or structural concerns.
Important reminder — weather protection
Please note: A pergola is not a fully waterproof structure and should not be relied upon as the sole protection for your outdoor furniture during heavy or prolonged rain. Always use appropriate furniture covers beneath your pergola for complete weather protection.
Winter care
Before the onset of winter, carry out a full clean of the entire structure. Retract all curtains and blinds and store them indoors in a dry environment. Clear the louvre drainage channels of any autumn leaf debris. Check all fixings and frame connections and tighten where necessary. If you have LED lighting integrated into your pergola, ensure all electrical connections are secure and free from moisture ingress before the cold weather sets in.
Quick reference — what to do and what to avoid
Seasonal maintenance checklist
Work through this checklist at the start and end of each season.
All done! Your pergola is ready for the season ahead.