Design Your Perfect Outdoor Space
StruXure pergolas are engineered for durability and precision in every season. But like any high-performance system, regular maintenance goes a long way. With just a few minutes of care throughout the year, you can protect your investment, preserve its finish, and keep your outdoor space ready for every kind of gathering.
Table of Contents
Spring: Refresh and Reset
Spring marks a new beginning for your outdoor space. And for your pergola, it’s the most critical time to reset after months of winter exposure. Addressing buildup helps maintain the finish, support drainage, and keep your system running smoothly.
Start with a Thorough Sweep
Begin by clearing your roof and gutters of leaves, twigs, and debris that may have collected over the winter. A leaf blower makes quick work of this step while keeping your pergola’s surfaces safe from damage.
Wash Away Winter Residue
Next, combine dish soap and water, then gently scrub the louvers, posts, and gutters with a soft sponge or brush to remove pollen and buildup. Avoid harsh tools like wire brushes or steel wool, which can scratch the finish. Rinse thoroughly and allow the system to air dry.
Inspect and Clear Gutters
This is a key step. Clogged gutters can cause drainage issues, and trapped water may lead to corrosion or damage over time. Use a vent duster to remove any heavy buildup and ensure downspouts are clear. For extreme buildup, a plumber’s snake is recommended.
Address Grime or Heavier Buildup
If you spot mildew or stubborn stains, a light power wash on a low-pressure setting can help refresh the finish. Be sure to keep the spray in constant motion, never concentrate in one area, and maintain enough distance to protect seals and coatings.
Maintain Between Cleanings
After your spring deep clean, light maintenance throughout the season is key. Use a garden hose every few weeks to rinse away pollen, dust, or small debris and spot clean as needed. These quick touch-ups prevent buildup and make your next deep clean easier.
Ask About Dealer Maintenance Options
Spring is also a great time to schedule a professional inspection or cleaning. Many StruXure Dealers offer maintenance packages that can handle the details for you, ensuring your system stays performing like new as you move into peak outdoor season.
Majestic Outdoor | New Jersey
Summer: Light Maintenance for Peak Season
Summer is your Pergola X’s time to shine — full use, warm weather, and plenty of daylight. After spring’s deep clean, the goal now is consistent, low-effort maintenance to preserve cleanliness and catch small issues before they grow.
Rinse Regularly to Prevent Buildup
Dust, pollen, and light debris can still accumulate even in summer. Every few weeks, use a garden hose to rinse the louvers, gutters, and framework.
Spot Clean as Needed
If you see spots, smudges, or water stains, use the soap and water mixture and gently clean the area.
Check System Movement & Operation
While rinsing or cleaning, open and close the louvers to ensure smooth motion. If something feels stiff or misaligned, a gentle rinse at the pivot points can help. If the issue persists, it may be worth contacting your StruXure Dealer for a quick inspection.
After Storms, Inspect & Clear
Summer storms can toss branches, leaves, or twigs onto your pergola or into the gutters. After any strong wind or rain event, take a moment to walk around and clear any new debris and inspect your gutters for clogs.
Autumn: Prepare for Cooler Weather
Fall is one of the best times to enjoy your Pergola X. Enjoy mild temperatures, changing scenery, and the option to stay comfortable with our heater accessories. As leaves begin to fall, your structure benefits from a little extra attention to keep it clear for continued use and ready for winter.
Clear Falling Leaves and Debris
Use a leaf blower or soft broom to remove leaves and twigs from the roof and gutters. If leaves have gathered on closed louvers, avoid opening them until you’ve cleared the top surface. Otherwise, debris may fall through onto your furniture or patio below.
Check Gutters and Downspouts
Autumn is prime time for clogs. Make sure gutters and downspouts are clear so water can drain freely before freezing temperatures set in. If water gets trapped and freezes, it expands within the gutter or post, causing cracks or other structural damage over time. A quick check now can help prevent costly repairs later.
Inspect After Windy Days
Strong gusts can push debris into hard-to-reach spots. A quick visual check helps you catch buildup early and keep your pergola looking clean and well-maintained.
StruXure NC | North Carolina
Winter: Protect Structural Integrity
With cold weather and snow on the way, winter is the season for prevention. A few simple steps now will keep your system protected and performing through the coldest months.
Inspect Gutters and Downspouts
We can’t stress this enough: make sure your gutters and downspouts are completely clear. Even a small amount of trapped water can freeze and expand inside the posts, causing cracks or structural damage that’s costly to repair. A few minutes of prevention now can save major headaches later.
Keep Louvers Open
During snow or freezing conditions, keep your louvers open. This helps prevent ice buildup and excess snow loads, while allowing the structure to defrost more quickly so you can get back to using your pergola sooner.
In addition to opening the louvers, unplug the control box to ensure the louvers do not close by accident.
Florida Focus: Maintenance in a Year-Round Climate
Florida’s sunny, coastal environment means your Pergola X stays in use longer than most. But with year-round exposure to heat, humidity, and salt air, consistent upkeep is key.
Annual Deep Cleaning
March-April is the perfect time for a full system refresh. Follow the spring-cleaning steps, such as clearing debris, washing the louvers and gutters, and inspecting any buildup.
Prepare for Hurricane Season
Before hurricane season begins, take a few preventive measures. Clean your gutters and downspouts so water can drain freely. Leave your louvers completely open and unplug the control box when a storm approaches to prevent damage.
Address Coastal Conditions
If your pergola is located near the ocean, salt air can wear down the powder-coated finish over time. Increase the frequency of your rinsing and light cleaning to remove salt residue and preserve your system’s appearance and performance.
Keep Your Pergola X Performing Year-Round
A little attention each season goes a long way in preserving the beauty and performance of your pergola. Regular cleaning, gutter checks, and small preventive steps ensure your system continues to operate smoothly, no matter the weather.
To make upkeep simple, we’ve created a Seasonal Maintenance Calendar—a quick, printable reference you can keep on hand or share with your maintenance team. It outlines what to check and when, so you can stay ahead of the seasons and keep your pergola looking its best all year long.
