A garden aluminium pergola is more than just a stylish addition to your outdoor space—it’s an investment in comfort, versatility, and all-weather living. At Sunopy, our aluminium pergolas with roof systems are built to thrive in British weather, offering shade, shelter, and standout design year-round.

But like any high-quality structure, a little regular maintenance goes a long way. Whether you’ve just installed a new aluminium pergola or you’re looking to preserve the one you already love, this guide will help you keep it looking and performing its best.

Why It’s Important to Maintain Your Garden Aluminium Pergola

The UK weather is famously unpredictable—sunshine one minute, torrential rain the next. Over time, your pergola is exposed to:

UV rays
Acid rain
Tree sap and bird droppings
Leaf debris and moss
Salty air in coastal areas
Frost, snow and strong winds

Even though aluminium pergolas are rust-proof and low maintenance by design, giving them occasional care can:

Prevent grime, moss, and salt build-up
Keep joints and mechanisms moving freely
Protect the powder-coated finish
Extend the pergola’s lifespan
Maintain its sleek, modern appearance

1. Rinse Regularly to Remove Surface Build-Up

Every few weeks—or after a stretch of bad weather—rinse your pergola with clean water to wash away dust, pollen, or salt.

Use a garden hose with a gentle spray setting
Avoid pressure washers—they can damage powder-coated finishes and force water into mechanisms

This quick step is especially important if you live near the coast, where salty rain can gradually affect surface coatings.

2. Give It a Deeper Clean with Mild Soapy Water

At least once per season, wash your aluminium pergola with soapy water. This helps remove grime, stains, or bird droppings that basic rinsing won’t shift.

Before you start:
Brush away any loose dirt, dust, or debris—especially on the roof slats. This prevents scratching during the wash.

You’ll need:

A bucket of warm water
A mild detergent (e.g. dish soap or car shampoo)
A non-abrasive sponge or soft cloth

Wipe down the entire structure, including the underside of the roof. Rinse well and either let it air dry or use a soft microfiber cloth.

Top tip for coastal properties:
If you’re near the sea, wash your pergola more frequently. Salt in the air and rain can degrade powder coatings over time. Routine cleaning helps protect your aluminium pergola with roof from corrosion and keeps it looking like new.

Avoid:
Harsh chemicals, acidic cleaners, bleach, or abrasive pads—all of which can damage the finish.

3. Clean Roof Panels and Louvres Properly

If you’ve chosen a louvred aluminium pergola with roof panels, it’s important to keep them clean—especially the top surfaces where debris tends to collect.

Fully open and secure motorised or manual louvres before cleaning
Use a soft cloth or brush and mild soapy water
For retractable fabric roofs, follow the care instructions specific to your model

Always ensure the roof is completely dry before retracting it, especially in colder months to avoid damp or mildew.

4. Check and Clear Drainage Channels

Many aluminium pergolas come with integrated drainage systems that funnel rainwater through the legs and out of sight. To ensure proper flow:

Inspect gutters and channels for leaves, moss, or dirt
Remove debris using a soft brush or by hand
Run clean water through the system to check for blockages

Blocked drainage can lead to water pooling on the roof or splashing onto your patio, so this step is essential for performance and appearance.

5. Lubricate Moving Parts for Smooth Operation

If your garden aluminium pergola features motorised roofs or adjustable louvres, keep them in top condition by lubricating moving parts:

Use a silicone-based spray (never oil)
Apply to pivot points and joints once or twice a year
Wipe away any excess spray after application

This simple maintenance step keeps operations smooth and prolongs the life of your pergola's moving mechanisms.

6. Inspect Fixings and Anchors

Seasonal checks help you stay ahead of wear and tear. Look for:

Loose or rusted screws and bolts
Signs of wear around joints and brackets
Shifting or instability in the baseplates

Everything on a Sunopy aluminium pergola is built to last—but UK wind, frost, or coastal air can loosen parts over time. If anything seems off, get in touch with us for professional support.

7. Prepare for Extreme Weather Conditions

Our aluminium pergolas with roofs are engineered to handle all four seasons. Still, it’s good practice to take precautions during extreme weather:

Snow: Open louvres fully to prevent snow accumulation
High winds: Retract fabric roofs and secure any loose items
Storms: Clear gutters, Open louvres fully to prevent catching gusts. It's safer to let the wind blow through rather than exert force on the structure. Inspect after the event

Taking small preventative steps helps protect your outdoor investment and avoids unnecessary damage.

Keep Your Aluminium Pergola Looking Beautiful Year After Year

A garden aluminium pergola isn’t just a structure—it’s the centrepiece of your outdoor lifestyle. With minimal but consistent care, it will continue to offer style, shade, and shelter in every season.

At Sunopy, we specialise in aluminium pergolas with roof systems that are designed for the UK’s unique weather conditions. Explore our full range today and take your outdoor space to the next level.

Shop Aluminium Pergolas in the UK

Whether you're planning to install your first pergola or looking to upgrade an existing one, we’re here to help. Browse our range of modern aluminium pergolas, designed to be both beautiful and built to last.

👉 Explore our collection of Premium Aluminium Pergolas with Roof

How to Maintain Your Aluminium Pergola: Essential Cleaning and Care Tips for the UK Climate

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