How to Maintain an Aluminium Pergola
Aluminium pergolas need very little upkeep, which is one of the main reasons people choose them over timber. A rinse a few times a year and the odd check of the fixings is usually all it takes. This guide covers the full routine, season by season.
The short answer
Aluminium is rustproof and the powder-coated finish is hard-wearing, so maintenance is mostly about keeping it clean. Wash it down with mild soapy water a couple of times a year, rinse off, and check the fixings and feet now and then. There is no sanding, treating or repainting, which is what sets it apart from a timber frame.
Do and don't
Do
Wash with mild soapy water and a soft cloth or sponge
Rinse off with a garden hose
Clear leaves and debris off the roof
Check fixings and feet after heavy storms
Don't
Use abrasive pads or scourers on the finish
Blast the powder-coat with a pressure washer
Use harsh solvents or bleach
Leave water or debris pooling on the roof
The care routine in detail
Routine cleaning
Twice a year is plenty for most gardens. Use warm water with a little washing-up liquid, a soft cloth or sponge, and work from the top down. Rinse with a hose to clear the residue. If you are near the coast or a busy road, a third clean keeps salt and grime off the finish.
Looking after the powder-coated finish
The powder-coat is what keeps the frame looking new, so treat it gently. Skip abrasive pads and strong chemicals, which can dull or mark it. Mild soap and water is all it needs, and the colour will not fade or flake the way paint on timber does.
Checking fixings and feet
Once or twice a year, and after any big storm, give the bolts and bracket fixings a quick check and nip up anything that has worked loose. Make sure the adjustable feet are still level and sitting flat on the base.
Seasonal checks
In autumn, keep the roof clear of falling leaves so water drains freely. Through winter there is nothing special to do: an aluminium frame will not rust and the roof is built to shed rain and take a UK winter in its stride. A wipe-down in spring gets it ready for the season.
The Lumina Aluminium Pergola Kitchen is built around a rustproof, powder-coated aluminium frame with a wood-effect steel roof guaranteed for 15 years, so the whole structure is designed to look after itself with the bare minimum of upkeep.
Common questions
How often should I clean an aluminium pergola?
Twice a year suits most gardens. If you are near the coast or a busy road, add a third clean to keep salt and grime off the finish.
Can I pressure wash an aluminium pergola?
Better not to. A pressure washer can drive water into joints and, at close range, mark the powder-coated finish. A hose rinse and a soft cloth is all it needs.
Will the finish fade over time?
A quality powder-coat is made to hold its colour in sunlight and will not flake like paint on timber. Keeping it clean is the main thing that preserves the look.
Does aluminium rust?
No. Aluminium does not rust, which is why it is so well suited to a permanent outdoor structure and needs so little upkeep.
Do I need to do anything to it in winter?
Very little. Keep the roof clear of leaves so it drains, and otherwise leave it be. The frame will not rust and the roof is built to take a UK winter.
See the low-maintenance pergola for yourself
The Pergula Lumina pairs a rustproof aluminium frame with a wood-effect steel roof guaranteed for 15 years, so it stays looking good with barely any effort.
