How to Maintain and Protect Your Alumawood Patio

Don’t you just hate when something that should be long-lasting quickly becomes worn and outdated?

Protecting alumawood patio covers from the ravages of nature is one of the wisest home improvement investments any homeowner can make.

Alumawood patio covers are built to last. Proper maintenance and care will keep your investment looking like new for decades. Neglect it and even the sturdiest aluminum patio cover will succumb to the elements over time.

Here’s the good news:

Protecting and maintaining your Alumawood patio cover isn’t hard. In fact, it takes very little time and effort. Neglecting it could cost you thousands in repairs and replacement costs.

Table of Contents

So, What You’re About To Discover:

Why protecting your Alumawood patio is so important
How To Clean Your Alumawood Patio Properly
The Quick Seasonal Maintenance Checklist
How to deal with common Alumawood patio problems

Why Protecting Your Alumawood Patio Is So Important

Outdoor living spaces have gone from being a luxury to an essential standard for modern homeowners.

The Fixr study revealed that 98% of experts believe a home’s outdoor living space has a material effect on home value. Your Alumawood patio is more than a nice-to-have feature… it’s a home value investment.

What makes your Alumawood patio unique?

Alumawood aluminum patio covers are a versatile product. They can be customized for any structure and withstand many of the harshest weather conditions in America.

Aluminum naturally inhibits corrosion. This makes Alumawood structures an excellent option for those regions where extreme weather events aren’t just limited to a few months of the year.

Aluminum structures resist warping, cracking, and peeling. They stand up to the elements better than almost any other building material. That said, all the top brands like Alumawood still recommend regular maintenance and care.

You could think of it this way… A car can last for 200,000 miles if you change the oil on time. The same logic applies to your Alumawood patio. Regular cleaning and re-waxing takes very little time and effort and can prevent costly structural repairs down the road.

Regular Cleaning is the Foundation for Protecting Your Alumawood Patio

Dirt, dust, pollen, and other airborne particles can quickly build up on the surface of your patio cover. If you don’t regularly remove them, these airborne contaminants can stain and degrade the surface of your patio over time.

Here’s a step-by-step cleaning guide for your Alumawood patio:

Remove loose debris:

Start by sweeping the surface of the patio cover to remove any leaves, twigs, and loose dirt.

Be sure to use a soft-bristle brush or broom so you don’t scratch the surface.

Apply a mild detergent:

Mix a small amount of mild detergent in a bucket of warm water. Dip a sponge or soft cloth in the soapy solution and apply it to the surface of the aluminum cover.

Scrub gently:

Use the sponge or cloth to gently scrub the surface of the patio cover. Pay special attention to any areas where dirt and grime have built up.

Avoid abrasive scrubbers or harsh chemicals:

As mentioned above, these can damage the powder coating on the aluminum and void your warranty.

Rinse the soap off:

Use a garden hose with a spray nozzle to rinse the patio cover and remove the soapy solution. Make sure you get all the soap off, or it will leave streaks.

Final thoughts:

As you can see, the cleaning process is pretty simple. For barbecue soot and other stubborn stains, just reach for any kitchen degreaser and a damp sponge. To remove mildew, use a mixture of laundry detergent and trisodium phosphate and a quart of household bleach in three quarts of water.

Seasonal Maintenance Checklist

Just like your car, home, and garden, different seasons require different maintenance. As such, it is recommended to follow a seasonal checklist that will ensure nothing gets overlooked.

In general, here’s what to do during different times of the year:

In the spring, inspect for damage or wear from winter and clean the entire structure.
In the summer, clean gutters and drainage systems and apply UV protective coating if needed.
In the fall, remove leaves and debris regularly and tighten any components before storms.
In the winter, apply a wax coating and lubricate moving parts with silicone spray.

The Quick Seasonal Maintenance Checklist:

Spring

Check for any signs of wear or damage from winter.
Deep clean the entire structure.
Trim trees and branches around the patio cover.
Tighten all hardware and fasteners.
Inspect for insect damage or corrosion.

Summer

Clean out gutters and drainage systems.
Apply UV protective coating if necessary.
Watch for signs of fading or discoloration.
Remove pollen buildup more frequently.

Fall

Remove leaves and debris on a regular basis.
Tighten all components before the storm season.
Perform a light cleaning of the entire structure.
Inspect seals and connections.

Winter

Apply a protective wax coating.
Lubricate moving parts with silicone-based lubricant.
Remove heavy snow accumulation promptly.
Check for icicles or ice dams.

Protecting against severe weather:

Weather is the #1 enemy of all outdoor structures. While your Alumawood patio is designed to withstand local building codes and typical weather conditions, extra care should be taken for extreme events.

For high winds:

The fixed, sturdy construction of aluminum patio covers makes it hard for winds to lift or damage the structures. Traditional covers are more susceptible to being damaged by a wind gust. However, it’s always a good idea to inspect your cover for stress cracks and mounting issues after a severe storm.

For heavy rain:

Check that the gutters and drainage systems are all clear. Make sure to angle the downspouts away from the foundation so water drains and doesn’t pool at the structure’s base.

For extreme heat:

In a place like Arizona, high UV radiation from direct sunlight exposure can cause discoloration and fading over time. Apply a protective coating for aluminum surfaces. Such products create an additional barrier and increase the surface’s durability.

According to Grand View Research, pergola and patio structures have the biggest share of over 63% in the outdoor living structures market.

Your Alumawood patio was made to last for years and years.

Wrapping Things Up

Protecting and maintaining your Alumawood patio cover doesn’t have to cost a lot of time and money. A little bit of regular cleaning combined with periodic seasonal inspections is all it takes to keep the structure in excellent condition for decades.

The small investment of time and money pales in comparison to the cost and hassle of more extensive repairs or replacement.

Quick Recap:

Regular cleaning with mild soap and water
Seasonal maintenance checklist
Prompt repair of minor problems before they become major issues
Protecting against severe weather with proper drainage and protective coatings
Periodically check hardware and connections

Your Alumawood patio cover is an investment in your home’s value and your family’s outdoor enjoyment. Treat it well, and it will reward you with many years of quality use.