Introduction
Patio covers can do wonders in updating the look of your yard but though durable offerings, keeping it pristine requires more than a simple hosing down. If you don’t clean them correctly, you’ll soon find yourself spending a lot more money than you originally would have just to fix the damage; an average of $2.3 million in damages yearly, according to HAR reports. Whether it be pollen grime, post-storm muck, or a crust of salt air from Galveston’s oceanside atmosphere, it’s important to clean your patio cover gently and responsibly to ensure it stays in great shape.
Mendiola, a veteran in the field of patio protection, provides the following advice on how you can keep your own patio covers clean. We’ll show you some material-specific cleaning methods, how to confront Houston’s peculiar dirt antagonists, and when to sound the alarm bell and call in professional help.
Section 1: Material-Specific Cleaning Rules
Patio covers and available materials Patio covers are available in five distinct types of materials, and each has its own cleaning requirements. Here’s how you should handle different materials to avoid damage:
Aluminum: Technique: Soft wash using vinegar + water solution
Aluminum is a popular material for a patio cover, but it is extremely sensitive to pressure washing. Aluminum Covers The most effective way to wash your aluminum covers is to soft wash them with a solution of vinegar and water. Never use a pressure washer with more than 800 psi because it can scratch/gouge the surface and create damage that could cost you a fortune to fix.
Wood: Best Method: Oxygen bleach spray
For wood patio covers, gently clean so you do not damage the wood. Oxygen bleach is the best choice because it won’t damage wood while breaking down dirt and grime. Power washers are a no-no for wooden covers, because of the stripping, splintering and potential for rot.
Polycarbonate: Proper Technique: Microfiber and Dawn dish soap
Polycarbonate covers require extra care. For a soft cleaning, you can clean using a microfiber cloth and some water with Dawn dish soap mixed in it. Scrub hard & potentially scratch the surface of the cover. Normal nonabrasive cleaning maintains maximum clarity and strength of the polycarbonate for UV protection.
Section 2: Houston’s Dirty Enemies
Living in Houston, however, does mean contending with some environmental factors that can expose the top of your patio cover to dirt, grime, and other damage. Here’s what your patio covers face in the Gulf Coast area:
Pollen: April to May Crap on a car that you have to rinse every week
Every spring, the pollens create sludge that coats everything, including your patio covers. In addition, the yellowish powdery pollen from our nearby trees can stick to things and make things sticky and dirty. Weekly maintenance washes throughout peak pollen season (April to May) are a good way to avoid the buildup that’s difficult to defeat once it has taken hold.
Filth, After the Storm: Beryl’s post-flood residue needs pH-neutral cleaners
Houston’s rainy season is more than just rain; flood debris and sludge tend to accumulate on your patio covers. Flood residue, such as that left behind by hurricanes and storms like Beryl, can leave a dirty film that is difficult to wash away. Use pH-neutral cleaners to the remove the sludge without compromising the surface. Acidic, alkali and other high-pH cleaners can break down the finish and damage the material.
Galveston Salt: Once per Month citric acid spray
When you live near the coast, particularly in a place like Galveston, it becomes A Thing You Deal With. Gulf salt can build up on patio covers and do long term damage if not wiped down often. To keep corrosion at bay spray monthly with citric acid to dissolve the salt. This easy spray will keep your patio cover looking like new and protect it from the salt air.
Section 3: Pro Maintenance Schedule
Patio covers won’t stay in good shape without regular maintenance, and you should base your cleaning schedule on the temperatures, location, and type of weather you experience locally.
Coastal ZIPs: Professional soft-wash quarterly ($149–$299)
For residents of coastal areas, such as Galveston or lower portions of Southeast Houston, professional soft-washing is recommended on a quarterly basis. Unlike pressure washing, soft-washing involves a soft spray of water and environmentally safe cleaning agents. This helps protect the material of your patio cover plus gets the cleaning job done properly. A soft wash costs about $149 to $299, depending on the size of the patio cover and the service provider.
Inland: Wash your own every 6 weeks
If you live further inland, the list of maintenance can be a little more up in the air. An at-home rinse every six weeks or so ought to be adequate to maintain your patio cover free of dust, dirt and light debris. Apply a spray hose nozzle with a light spray to wash down your cover safely. Watch out for signs of corrosion, especially if you are a resident of a high-humidity region.
Post-Hurricane: Mandatory inspection for micro-cracks
Following any major storm, hurricane, such as Beryl, it is a good practice to have your patio cover inspected as a matter of course. Look for microcracks or damage that may have been caused by high winds or falling debris.” A professional inspection takes care of any such damage before it can get worse, and saves outlandish repair costs in the future.
Why Choose Mendiola?
Mendiola We Free Material Care and Maintenance Our firm is aware that your patio cover is an investment. That’s why we have the Mendiola Care Club, where we provide $99 cleanings with material-specific cleaning protocols. Our professional staff uses specific cleaning techniques to preserve the structural integrity of your patio cover, minimizing the chances of you needing to replace it, costing you upwards of $4,000.
Check out our patio covers installation in Houston process and works.
Conclusion: Protect Your Investment with Mendiola’s Expert Care Conclusion
A patio cover that is clean is not just an aesthetic: a clean cover provides longevity and protection. Proper maintenance and upkeep are key to protecting your patio cover’s ability to weather Houston’s elements. If you’re struggling with spring’s sticky pollen or trying to restash away the grime from a storm, Mendiola is prepared to take control of your patio cover to a clean, fresh. Even damage from a harsh rainstorm or corrosive salt film near the coast, let Mendiola’s experience bring your patio to top-most shape.
Because by hiring Mendiola for your Patio Cover Clean-Up, you’re getting more than clean, you’re refurbishing the health of your patio cover; and possibly saving money in the long run. Regular cleaning help uphold the warranty that will prevent the early wear, and allows you to enjoy the investment on the way your home looks for years to come.
The time to act is now, not when it’s too late. You’ll save money over time with regular maintenance, as you’ll stay ahead of any potential problems, keeping your patio cover in like-new condition for years of outdoor enjoyment.
Visit Mendiola Remodeling, Schedule a Free Consultation or Get a Free Estimate.