You've spent all summer enjoying your pergola, and now that the days are getting shorter and colder, it's time to make sure it's winter-ready with the help of pergola builders Adelaide. A little bit of work before the cold weather hits will mean that you can continue to enjoy your pergola throughout the cold months. Here's how:
Make sure your pergola doesn't have leaks.
- Check the pergola for water leaks. You can do this by sprinkling water on the roof and seeing whether it seeps through. If it does, you need to repoint or reseal your pergola's brickwork to prevent any more damage from occurring.
- Check for loose screws. If any of the wooden beams or supports come loose during a storm, you'll want to tighten them up before winter settles in for good. It may sound like a simple task, but it's vital that you make sure everything is as secure as possible before putting your pergola away for its long winter rest!
Make sure your supports are strong enough to handle heavy snow loads.
Even if your pergola is made of sturdy wood by pergola builders Adelaide, the supports can be susceptible to damage from heavy snow loads. For example, if you live in an area with a lot of wind and snow, it may be worth considering metal or composite post options instead of traditional wooden posts.
If you're using wooden posts to support your pergola, make sure they're strong enough to withstand heavy winds and snow loads by choosing rot-resistant lumber like cedar or redwood. You should also consider adding a few extra 2x4s at each end of the structure for added support when building an enclosed roof overhang.
Do not use your pergola as a trellis.
The following are the reasons not to use your pergola as a trellis:
- It will be too heavy to lift.
- It will be too heavy to move.
- It will be too heavy to put up or take down.
- It will be too heavy to store safely during the off-season, which is when most people do this sort of maintenance work.
And finally...
If you have a retractable canopy, don't retract it!
If you're anything like me, you've probably been told to keep your pergola's canopy retracted in the winter so that snow doesn't accumulate and damage it. The problem with this advice is that while it's true that snow can potentially damage the frame of your pergola if left out in high winds or heavy rain, retracting it will only cause more trouble.
When fully retracted, a retractable canopy usually sits flush against its frame on all sides—and when snow falls on this surface area (which can happen even if there are no high winds), nothing will prevent this accumulation from accumulating inside of your structure as well.
In short: if you want to keep your pergola looking good all year long, leave its shade open rather than closed off!
Conclusion
Now that you know what to do to keep your pergola safe and sound for the coming winter, all you have to do is wait for it! We know that's not easy, but we hope this information helps make things easier for you.
Leading pergola builders in Adelaide – Superior quality pergolas for your home outer space to relax and enjoy the evenings. We are specialists in building pergolas within your budget. Call 0413 777 435 today!
