A patio cover allows you to make the most of your outdoor space. Essentially, it creates an additional room where you can work, socialize, play or relax and enjoy the beauty of nature. 

A patio cover made of wood adds style to your home’s exterior while protecting those below from the elements. What’s more, wood patio covers can last for years with proper care.

While wood patio covers are durable and resilient, they need a little upkeep to ensure they keep looking their best. How do you maintain a wood patio cover? Read on for some helpful tips and tricks. 

How to Care for Your Wood Patio Cover 

1. Schedule Regular Inspections

Your patio cover is connected to and part of your home. Like your home’s exterior, it’s prone to damage from wear and tear as well as constant exposure to sun, wind, rain and snow. It can also be damaged by insects and animals. 

Be sure to regularly inspect your patio cover to stay on top of potential problems and prevent damage from worsening. While you can do this yourself, you run the risk of injury, especially if you have to climb a ladder to check high, hard-to-reach areas. A better option is to contact a company that specializes in outdoor living construction. They can advise you if your patio cover can be repaired or will need to be replaced.  

Some signs to look out for are: 

• Droppings around posts, beams and joists – This may indicate a problem with termites or other insects, unless the wood used to manufacture the patio cover has been treated. 
• Discoloration or holes in wood – This may also mean a problem with pests, such as insects and rodents. 
• Leaning posts – If one or more posts are leaning, you should contact a professional to check on your patio cover’s foundation. Foundation problems, as leaning posts as well as cracks in the footing indicate, can result in your patio cover collapsing. 
• Rust on hardware – Corrosion on hardware such as rafter hangers, bolts and brackets also warrants a call to your trusted patio contractor. Rust on these metal parts may mean they can soon no longer support the weight of your patio cover. 

2. Keep It Clean

Another answer to the question, “how do you maintain a wood patio cover” is simple: Keep it clean. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate on your patio cover. Fortunately, you can easily remove it. 

You can gently brush off surface dirt and dust from wooden posts and beams before wiping them clean with a damp cloth. If necessary, you may use a mild soap and water solution to get rid of caked-on dirt. Do not use scouring pads and cleaning products that are acidic or abrasive, as these can strip paint or finish off the wood. 

You can hose off the roof of the patio cover using a standard garden hose using moderate water pressure. Avoid using a power washer, as this can damage the finish of your patio cover and introduce moisture into the wood. 

To ensure your patio cover remains in optimal condition, clean it at least once a year. Schedule your yearly cleaning on a sunny day to avoid problems caused by prolonged exposure to moisture. 

3. Clear the Gutter

A blocked gutter results in drainage problems. If left unchecked, a clogged gutter could cause standing water, which harbors insects, attracts pests and creates the ideal environment for mold and mildew. Over time, it could cause water damage to your patio cover. 

To prevent this, have a gutter contractor include the patio cover’s gutter when they clear out your home’s gutters. A gutter company will remove leaves, twigs and other windblown debris to ensure smooth drainage.

4. Talk to the Patio Cover Company

The best people to help you take care of your patio cover are the ones you purchased it from. Their answers to the question “how do you maintain a wood patio cover” are backed by experience and expertise. They can also recommend repairs if needed and suggest replacements if your patio cover is nearing the end of its life. 

A wood patio cover is an investment that is well worth it. It allows you and your family to enjoy the outdoors in new ways and creates additional space for get-togethers with loved ones. 

The appeal of wood is timeless, adding visual appeal to your property long after trends in patio covers have come and gone. What’s more, wooden patio covers require only minimal upkeep to keep them attractive and functional.

The Go-To Patio and Fence Construction Company in North Dallas

At NorTex Fence & Patio, we take pride in designing and constructing high-quality wood patio covers that can stand the test of time. Our master artisans oversee every project with the highest attention to detail. At the same time, our highly experienced team works hard to ensure that the finished project meets or even exceeds our customers’ expectations.

Contact NorTex Fence & Patio today for all your patio needs.