When designing their perfect outdoor space, whether they want the area to improve their entertainment events, relaxation capacities, or quality family time, many people choose to install a pergola. These structures offer both practical and aesthetic benefits, but they also leave property owners wondering how to best keep them looking great for longer. 

This blog post will explore how you can best maintain and repair a pergola. We will also offer insider tips on how Fencing Direct can help with your pergola installation, maintenance, or repair processes; however, you can always reach out to us directly with any additional questions or concerns. 

What is a Pergola?

Pergolas are special systems that attach decorative panels to fences. With a simple pergola, you can choose how much shade the area will have, as well as the aesthetic goals you want the space to serve. 

Fencing Direct offers one type of pergola, an 8’ by 8’ decorative screen pergola. It is installed through a quick and easy step-by-step assembly process and then can hold eight 2’ by 4’ decorative screens. 

There is a large variety of decorative screen panels that pergola owners can choose from. They come in different colors, materials, and designs so that everyone is satisfied with their unique fit. 

While the pergolas and pergola screen panels we sell are all made from the best materials and therefore generally require a low level of maintenance and repair, it is important to consider how to best keep your pergola in top-notch condition so that it provides you with its benefits for as long as possible.

Pergola Maintenance 

Typical maintenance for pergolas consists of simply spraying the structure down with a hose to remove any dirt, grass clippings, fertilizers, etc. that may be stuck to it. Even once the pergola has been in use for years, this regular cleaning process will keep it looking new and strong. 

If the pergola seems to need a more in-depth cleaning, you can use the following steps as a guide for the process:

• Begin by spraying the pergola with water. Do this from the bottom to the top of it, then back to its bottom, so that there is no dirty run down or streaking left behind. 
• Either let the pergola air dry or wipe it dry with a soft cloth.
• If an area is dirtier and water alone does not seem to clean it well enough, you can also scrub it with a sponge and soapy water (a combination of mild dish soap and water).
• After adding any soap to the structure, be sure to quickly rinse it off so that no soap dries onto it.
• Air dry or use a cloth to wipe dry the pergola.
• Repeat these steps until the pergola looks good as new.

Pergolas in coastal areas require frequent sprays and cleanings, but people living in other environments will likely find the maintenance fairly minimal. That being said, there may be a point in the future when a repair is necessary. 

Pergola Repair

The process of repairing a pergola will always first begin by identifying what material or structure is damaged. If one of the screen sections is damaged, then you can easily order a replacement panel to match the others on your pergola from our website. Then, you can install the panel into the pergola by using the step-by-step DIY guide that comes with the materials, just like when you first put the structure together.

On the other hand, if one of the pergola’s posts is damaged, we recommend that you contact us directly. We will evaluate the issue and work with you to create the best repair strategy for your needs. 

Warranty

Additionally, if you purchased your pergola through Fencing Direct, keep in mind that there is a warranty on the structure. All of our decorative screen panels, lattices, pergolas, and lawn and garden products come with a limited lifetime warranty. We want to make sure our customers know what their warranties protect and how to use them. 
Overall, you will likely agree with many of our customers that pergolas’ limited need for maintenance and repair, paired with the shade and decorative factors they add to your property, make them a useful asset to invest in. 

Whether you are ready to begin your own pergola construction process, want to purchase repair materials, or are just looking for some expert advice, Fencing Direct is here to help. Give us a call today.