One of the top-selling points of patio covers is their low maintenance. This is not to say they shouldn’t be cared for at all. Improper upkeep can wear down your patio cover faster, shortening its service span and exposing it to further issues when the weather gets bad.
Here are some tips to help you maintain your patio covers, increase their lifespan, and maximize enjoying your home’s outdoor elements.
Talk to Your Contractor
When you open a new machine, you should read the instructions. You could also consult your contractor about how to maintain the structure of your patio cover, as they know how their materials will behave in any situation.
They will also know how the material will react to changes in temperature, which can damage your patio cover. They are the right people to show you how to look after your patio covers.
It will help to turn to a maintenance guide after your contractors install your patio. They know how to maintain the form, and you can ask for the maintenance manual once they are done. At this point, scheduling an inspection with a specialist would help establish a suitable maintenance schedule for your new structure.
Clean Them at Least Once a Week
Nothing beats the basics. Divide sections of the cover with removable tape, and then use a hose or a pressure washer to get rid of tough stains. You can apply mild cleaners to the cover, but you should be careful not to use too much, as this can ruin the material.
Watch Out for Mold and Mildew
There are some situations where the most significant issues patio covers face cause mold and mildew to grow. Not only do they look bad anywhere on your property, but they can also be bad for you. Mold and mildew can cause health problems when you leave them untreated.
The easiest way to tell if the area growing on your solid patio cover is mold or mildew is to use bleach. If it disappears after a while, it’s probably mold and mildew.
After you’ve identified the type of growth, you can mix a third of laundry detergent, two-thirds of tri-sodium phosphate (TSP), and a quarter of bleach with three-quarters of water. The solution should remove mold and mildew as long as you spray it onto the growth without damaging your structure.
If a mold infestation is spreading, it is safer to call a professional to remove the mold rather than try to remove it yourself, as you may apply the problem to another area of the home.
Store Them Properly
The patio cover probably won’t be damaged by inclement weather, but you have to store the furniture underneath it correctly. Take time to clean up the furniture so that no damage occurs while it’s in storage. A silicone sealant will protect metallic (non-aluminum) furniture from the cold and moisture, while you can use car wax on plastic and aluminum furniture.
Make sure to protect your outdoor furniture from the elements with patio covers. If it’s getting covered when it rains or snows, you won’t have to worry about the state of your furniture underneath, saving you a lot of worry over the summer.
In Closing
Patio covers are some of the best features you can add to a home. They are great for entertaining, cooking, or relaxing. They keep you safe from the elements without blocking them completely, and they’ll protect your furniture during storage. The tips above will help you maintain your patio cover so that you can get the most use out of it and keep it durable and water-proof while in use.
Get patio covers right here at Van Nuys Awning Co. We provide unsurpassed quality, premier service, and friendly, knowledgeable staff to assist you with patio covers, awnings, canopies, cabanas, sail shades, custom coverings, and more! Get a quote from us today!
