Marcus Richards
Patios are exposed to the elements on a daily basis and in any season. It’s for this reason that maintaining them properly should be high on your list. Here are a few pointers from experts regarding caring for them pro-style.
How To Care For Patio Covers
1. Sweeping
Grab a broom or a rake to sweep the patio from end to end. Dirt and leaves can be easily removed with this basic to-do. Get into the nooks and crannies of blocks and/or tiles and clear away gutters.
If you have the time (and if this next tip isn’t too challenging to undertake, with factors such as roof height to consider), try to sweep underneath said cover. The corners in between rafters need a bit of cleaning, too.
2. Simple Scrubbing
The best thing you can do for your patio cover is to give it a quick scrub every few times a week. You won’t need complicated tools for this task. A simple brush and a solution of mild soap and water are all you’ll need to get the job done.
Of course, it will be best to ask your Bay Area Patio Covers installer and/or supplier about the ideal type of cleaner for your patio’s upper to mid-layer material. Having said that, the scrubbing alone can get rid of not only dirt and muck (collected debris and moisture from cold and/or humid weather). It can also remove slippery patches that are breeding ground for moss and weeds.
3. Dishwashing Detergent And/Or Baking Soda Against Mold And Mildew
There are two household items you can easily avail of (and are most likely already in your cupboard)— dishwashing detergent and baking soda. A small amount of each, in addition to a very minimal amount of borax mixed in hot water, is a good solution for removing mould and mildew.
Scrub overgrowths away via a circulation motion. Once they’ve been dislodged, keep circular scrubbing so that traces of mould, mildew, and weeds will be removed. Doing so will eradicate those slippery patches altogether.
This mixture is safe on most patio cover surfaces. Still, consult with specialists at O’Neill’s Green Services in Livermore to ensure that it will be harmless to the materials of your patio as well.
4. Varnishing
Varnishing your patio cover is a proactive approach towards safeguarding it from weathering elements. It’s inevitable for said covers to go through wear and tear over time. But a means to prolonging its lifespan is by applying varnish over it.
Varnish is able to repel moisture. It can also act as a film against the sun’s UV rays. For the first, it’s a primary line of defence against the growth of mould and mildew (both thrive in moist and/or damp areas). As for the second, UV rays can deteriorate the surface of your patio cover and wear it out fast. What varnish does is slow down the said process of deterioration, along with that of discolouration.
5. Regular Checks, Repairs, And Maintenance By The Pros
DIY care and maintenance tips are one thing. The other half of patio cover preservation is by calling in the pros. Patio care services like O’Neill’s Green Services in Livermore are knowledgeable in the repair and regular maintenance of various types of patio materials. And in varying seasons and weather changes, too.
