MAINTENANCE GUIDELINES: Better Performance of Shading Systems

We hope that you are enjoying your outdoor shading system. As our systems have direct exposure to the outdoors, we are aware that natural conditions may affect our systems, including but not limited to the weather and sunlight exposure.

As you all know, winter can bring very strong and difficult weather conditions in the UK such as flood and storms. Once winter arrives, there are a few more things you can do to maintain the condition of your shadings.

If you see the snow starting to pile up on your pergola, sweep or shovel it away. Pay attention not to let the excessive accumulation of snow on your structure. This reduces the weight on your structure and doesn't allow the snow to freeze to your rafters.

For keeping your awning safe during extremely bad weather conditions, keep it closed. Before you prepare your awning for winter, our most important tip is, allow the awning fabric to dry properly before the last retraction. Otherwise, there is a risk of mould and mildew stains. Clean it first, then put your awning away for the winter.

Basic care and maintenance provides long service life. We suggest keeping your awnings closed in rainy, windy and snowy days. Bioclimatic Pergolas, Retractable Pergolas should be closed in snow and wind. This is necessary for the better performance of your shadings.

How to do maintenance of your shadings

To clean your pergolas, awnings and motorised blins we would like to share some important tips.

Generally, it makes sense to clean the membrane from the top to the bottom. Additionally, it is important that the cleaning procedure is not carried out under direct exposure to solar radiation. Otherwise, the cleaning agent might dry off leaving stains on the surface of the membrane.

The concentration of the cleaning agent differs depending on the degree of soiling (read the instructions for use of the cleaning agent) and shall be applied to the membrane accordingly. If you are still unsure, please do not hesitate to get into contact with us.

Use a sponge or a soft brush to apply the cleaning agent. Before using the brush, make sure that the bristles are not too hard and do not damage mechanically the surface of the membrane. Shall this occur, please use a softer brush or a sponge.

Let the cleaning agent act for 5-10 minutes (read the instructions for use of the cleaning agent).

After this time, remove the cleaning agent and the loose dirt with cold or lukewarm water.

In case the dirt has not fully been removed, repeat the procedure a second time. We highly recommend that every 3-6 months your local window cleaner should wash the membrane with the same method they use to clean standard windows. This will stop any debris collecting on the system and reduce the risk of unexpected problems. Before carrying out the above procedure please also read the below guidelines which are specific to your system.

Maintenance guidelines for Awning Systems, Motorised Blinds and Parasols

DONT`s

• Never reattract the system whilst solution (i.e. washing up liquid). the system is still wet as this may damage the motor and the fabric.

• Never clean the cover with a high-pressure cleaner (i.e. jet wash)

DO’s

• Clean with a mild soapy water

• Remove loose dirt regularly Please until the fabric is damp (i.e. bird residue). before retracting the system.

Maintenance guidelines for Retractable Pergolas

DONT`s

• Do not clean with water above the temperature of 20 degrees Celsius (i.e. boiling water).

• Never clean the cover with a high-pressure cleaner (i.e. jet wash)

DO’s

• Clean with a mild soapy water solution (washing up liquid).

• Remove loose dirt regularly with a soft-bristled brush.

• Be aware that any additional sides of the systems may have varied guidelines (if you are unsure please get into contact for more information specific to your purchase).

Maintenance guidelines for Bio-Climatic Pergolas

DONT`s

• The pressure of the cleaner and the distance between the nozzles and the membrane must be adjusted so that they do not damage the membrane must be adjusted so that they do not damage the membrane mechanically (i.e. do not operate on a heavy setting).

DO’s

• You can use a high-pressure cleaner with the lowest mode to remove the cleaning agent and the loose dirt.

• Be aware that any additional sides of the systems may have varied guidelines (if you are unsure please get into contact for more information specific to your purchase).

Powder Coating

Cleaning tips for powder coating

•Remove loose deposits or spider webs etc. with a wet sponge rather than risk micro-scratching the surface by dusting.

•Use a soft brush and a bucket of warm water with some added mild detergent (i.e. washing up liquid) to clean the powder coating to remove any dust, salt or other deposits that may have accumulated on the structure. Do not use emery paper, sandpaper, steel wool or other highly abrasive materials, acid or alkaline cleaners as they can damage the powder coating. Detergents that recommend the use of gloves when handling should be avoided as this is a good indication that the detergent is harsh and, therefore, unsuitable for cleaning your powder coating.

•It is important to always rinse with clean fresh water after cleaning to remove any remaining detergent residue or bubbles, particularly where crevices are present. Where greasy deposits are present, cleaning may be carried out using a soft cloth dipped in white spirit (please be aware white spirit or similar products should be used for a prolonged used of time and the area should be washed straight after use).

• Maintain a log of dates and times with your receipt that powder coating maintenance is carried out. With a minimal maintenance effort, your powder-coated finish is one of the strongest, long-lasting colour coatings available and will provide a lifetime of great looking service if cared for correctly.

Gutter Cleaning

Cleaning tips for gutter cleaning

• We recommend customers to remove debris from the gutter systems every 3 to 6 months as the natural environment in which the systems are placed may cause debris build-up.

• Gutter blocking can occur when debris collects this will reduce the flow channel open for water drainage and cause overflow which may damage the system or the area surrounding the system.

• Regular cleaning (i.e. every 6 months) will keep leaves and debris out of the gutter, preventing expensive clogs and reducing dangerous gutter cleaning.

Please be aware that any problems caused due to poor cleaning and maintenance are not covered under the warranty agreement. However, if any problems do appear in your system do not hesitate to get into contact with the team who will be happy to help.