Spruce Up Your Gazebo With These Tips

Own a gazebo? No garden, spa or backyard area would be complete without a pavilion structure. A question that comes up for both new and not-so-new gazebo owners is how to care of their pavilion structures. The following tips take the guesswork out of taking care of a belvedere.

Gazebos need to be cleaned at the beginning of each season and maintained throughout the year. Mix a solution of warm water and soap or a mild detergent in a bucket. Do not use bleach or ammonia. Dip a soft brush, rag, or sponge into the solution and use it to wash all the surfaces. Rinse off the soapy mixture with a garden hose – do not use a high-pressure spray

Climb atop a ladder to inspect the top of the pavilion enclosure at least twice per year. Inspect the roof for damage caused by high winds or falling branches. Replace damaged or missing roofing material immediately. A solid, leak-free roof is one of the best protections your outdoor enclosure has, and it should be treated as the first line of defense against inclement weather.

Sweep the outdoor enclosure thoroughly when a buildup of leaves, insect nests, twigs, dirt, grime and other debris accumulates. Don’t stand on the roof or use a blower to remove the debris. If benches and chairs are not attached to the outdoor enclosure, remove them before sweeping. Clean them before placing them back inside the gazebo.

Trim bushes or trees so they do not touch any part of the pavilion structure. Ensure piles of firewood or mulch are not leaning against the outdoor structure. Left unchecked, Mulch and firewood can be sources of moisture that cause significant water damage to your outdoor enclosure.

When you install a pavilion structure, you have several options for how to finish it. You can leave the wood bare, letting it age and turn gray with time. Or you can paint it, changing the color of the wood but leaving the grain visible. Of the two options, painting keeps the outdoor structure looking its best. Painting is also one of the most effective ways to prevent damage from the weather.

Repairs and maintenance are needed to prevent gazebos from becoming unstable. Examine your pavilion structure at least once a month. Tighten up all joints and nail heads that may have become loose up over time. Small maintenance projects, such as replacing rusting nails or wood repair, must be handled immediately upon discovery.

Sunshine and rain take their toll on any garden structure. Protect the gazebo’s building material. Apply water-resistant sealant to a wooden pavilion structure every few years to prevent rot. Spray polyurethane on wrought-iron gazebos to maintain a new look.

An outdoor enclosure is one of the best home improvement investments you can make. You get out of it what you put in it. Don’t neglect your beautiful, new outdoor enclosure. Your pavilion enclosure can last for a lifetime – unless it has not been properly cared for.

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