It is your patio cover’s job to protect your patio. But the responsibility of taking care of your patio covers lies with you. While patio covers are generally low maintenance, that doesn’t mean they require zero upkeep. You still need to do your part to ensure they last a long time. And here’s how.
Remove Mold and Mildew
As soon as you notice surface mold or mildew, take steps to clean it up. While it’s possible to clean mold and mildew off the patio cover surface, do not let it go too long. The longer mold and mildew are on the patio cover, the harder it is to clean. This could lead to a worse repair job or a more costly fix.
Mold and mildew are usually caused by excessive moisture. It is important to make sure that proper drainage is in place and you’re not watering your patio cover unnecessarily. If you notice moisture underneath, you may need to install a sump pump to collect the water.
If you do need to bleach, use bleach that is non-chlorine. Chlorine bleach will damage the fabric of the patio cover and could cause it to rip or tear.
Repair Damaged Areas
It is important to act quickly once a problem has occurred to your patio cover. The longer the problem goes unaddressed, the harder it is to repair the problem. The longer you wait to repair the problem, the more it will cost to fix.
The most common problem is water accumulation. Many people simply wait until the patio cover starts leaking before they do anything. This can often lead to severe damage in terms of the materials used in the patio cover and the cost of repairing it. You should be inspecting for damage and repairing it as soon as you notice a problem.
In addition to repairing water damage, it’s a good idea to repair any tears in the fabric or vinyl. While the patio cover may still be functional, any tears will create a weak point for water to collect and damage to occur.
Clean Up Debris
Once the temperature starts to warm up, you’ll find that your patio cover is a prime place for debris to collect. This debris can be anything from leaves and pine needles to bird droppings. Unfortunately, a lot of people will just let the debris sit on their patio cover.
While it may not seem like a big deal, constantly having debris on your patio cover is not good for it. It can create a buildup of moisture and it can even cause premature wear and tear on the patio cover material.
Final Thoughts
While patio covers may require some maintenance, it doesn’t take much to take care of them. And if you do, you can ensure that your patio cover will last for years. Patio covers are an addition to your home that can add great value to your property. Don’t let a lack of maintenance ruin the great investment you made.
Get some quality patio covers for your home from Titan Sunrooms. Titan Sunrooms is the premier provider of sunrooms, screen rooms, patio covers, and other backyard living structures for homeowners along the Gulf Coast. Schedule an estimate now!
