A Guide to Pavilion Maintenance and Protection
If you own a pavilion or are considering purchasing one, you know a quality one requires a notable investment.
So, here’s the question.
How can you get the most from your investment? Are there ways to increase the longevity of your pavilions?
Outdoor structures are what Fisher’s Backyard is all about. We know there are dependable ways to increase your pavilion’s lifespan and get more from your investment, so we wrote this blog to let you in on the secret.
The key?
Regular maintenance. Let’s break it down.
Why Choose a Pavilion?
Just in case you’re new to pavilions, we’ll briefly introduce them and why they’re awesome!
A pavilion is a square or rectangular structure with a fully enclosed roof but open sides. It differs from a pergola, which has a partially open roof, and a gazebo, which has closed sides. Pavilions are usually constructed using wood, vinyl, or a blend of the two. Although less common, metal pavilions can be found in public areas like parks and are sometimes used as storage or parking shelters.
Although pavilion design is a relatively simple concept, they can have many ornate roof structures, including gable, hip, pyramid, and arched roofs. Flooring (or, in some cases, the lack thereof) is another unique pavilion feature. Flooring in a pavilion usually continues the surrounding flooring, concrete, or simply earth. Because of their open sides, pavilions are excellent for outdoor hosting and events, providing shelter but still allowing you to experience the outdoors fully.
So why choose a pavilion? Here’s a quick list:
- They’re great for hosting or spending time with your family.
- They’re beautiful and add to any landscaping design.
- They don’t require a lot of maintenance.
- They allow you to fully enjoy the outdoors while also providing protection from the sun.
- They increase your property value.
- They’re customizable.
- Fisher’s Backyard pavilions come with a 5-10 year warranty.
These are some of the benefits that make pavilions one of the most popular outdoor structures! If you’d like a more in-depth look at pavilions, here are two helpful blogs with more information:
Now that we’re all on the same page, let’s discuss how to maintain your pavilion to maximize your investment!
General Pavilion Maintenance
A quality pavilion isn’t cheap, so you’ll want to ensure you’re doing the maintenance necessary to protect that investment. Exactly what’s required will depend on factors like the material used, your location (e.g., do trees surround the area?), weather, and more.
Thankfully, pavilions don’t generally require a lot of maintenance, but there are some things you can do to enhance the longevity of your structure.
Let’s start with some general maintenance tips useful for any type of pavilion.
Tip 1 - Keep your pavilion clean.
Regardless of the type of pavilion you own, cleaning is a vital part of maintenance. Dust, leaves, bird nests, and other dirt and grime accumulate in pavilions. Removing this debris maintains a pavilion’s aesthetic and increases its longevity.
You don’t need anything fancy to clean a pavilion. A broom or something similar works well for dusting, and a mild detergent and warm water effectively remove bird droppings. (If your pavilion is wood, choose a detergent that won’t damage the wood.)
Be very cautious about power washing a pavilion, as it can strip paint and damage the building materials.
Tip 2 - Trim surrounding foliage.
Keep any foliage around your pavilion well-trimmed to prevent it from growing into or onto your pavilion. Falling branches can damage the structure, and foliage can increase wear.
Creeping vines growing over a structure can create a beautiful aesthetic. But if you want to grow vines on your pavilion, it will take more maintenance (like regular trimming), and there’s a greater risk of attracting pests or damaging your pavilion.
Tip 3 - Regularly scan for damage or wear.
Make a habit of looking over your pavilion for signs of wear or damage. It's a good practice to do this at least once a year and after any severe weather. Here are a few things to look for:
- Loose hardware or roofing
- Damage from weather, aging, etc.
- Rotting wood
- Pests like bees
Don’t ignore small problems! They will only develop into larger issues requiring more time and money. Remember, the key to a long-lasting pavilion is regular maintenance.
Now that we’ve addressed some general maintenance issues let’s look at some material-specific ones.
Wood Pavilions
Wood creates beautiful, natural-looking pavilions. While wood is very durable, it does require regular upkeep for longevity. Here’s a list of essentials to get you started.
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Apply fresh stain/sealant.
A quality wood pavilion arrives already stained to protect it from moisture, pests, and sun damage. Unfortunately, this isn’t a once-and-down process. It’s a good idea to reseal/restain your pavilion every 2-3 years.
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Check for pests.
Regularly check your wood pavilion for termites and other wood-related pests. If you seal regularly, this shouldn’t be a big problem. But it’s still important to keep an eye out for these types of pests since they can cause serious damage if undetected.
Vinyl Pavilions
Vinyl pavilions are a low-maintenance option when compared to wood. While vinyl pavilions include a wood frame, the vinyl protects the wood structure from elements that would otherwise cause wear or damage.
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Apply UV protection.
While most vinyl has some built-in protection against fading and other sun damage, it’s a good idea to periodically apply additional UV protection spray if your pavilion is exposed to extreme sunlight. This will prevent unsightly discoloring.
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Check for cracks in the vinyl.
Vinyl can develop cracks from wear or damage. Usually, you can DIY repair small cracks with a repair kit. Larger cracks will need professional restoration. Be sure to fix any cracks that develop. Failing to do so can lead to structural damage from moisture accumulation or pests.
Metal Pavilions
Metal pavilions are arguably the longest-lasting of the three we’re discussing here. They do tend to cost significantly more upfront than wood or vinyl pavilions. Here are a few things you can do to protect your metal pavilion.
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Prevent and address rust.
Rust is the biggest threat to metal pavilions, which is why they aren’t a great option for areas with a lot of corrosive salt, such as oceanfront towns. Check regularly for any developing rust and remove it with a wire brush. Be sure to apply rust-preventative primer to the area.
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Repaint regularly.
Repainting your pavilion every five years or so keeps it looking fresh and adds an extra layer of protection against the weather.
Shingle Roofs
Shingle roofs are a popular choice for pavilions, and thankfully, they’re pretty low maintenance! Here are two things you can do to keep them in tip-top condition.
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Inspect for damage.
Inspect your pavilion roof for damaged or loose shingles, especially after severe weather or in the spring. You can usually do this from the ground, so there’s no need to get up on the roof! If you notice damage, we recommend calling a professional to make the necessary repairs.
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Remove moss and other debris.
If your pavilion is located in a moist area, moss may grow on the shingles. While moss doesn’t immediately damage the shingles, it will if left unchecked. It's best to remove any moss accumulation at least once a year. You can do this yourself or hire a professional. You can also sprinkle zinc sulfate granules over your roof yearly to prevent moss growth.
Metal Roofs
Metal roofs require a more significant investment but are long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing. Maintaining a metal roof is contained in two areas: cleaning and removing debris and structural maintenance.
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Remove debris and clean mildew.
Depending on the roof design, debris won’t accumulate on your roof. However, if it does, remove it at least once a year. Depending on the climate, a metal roof may develop mildew. If this is your situation, you can clean the roof yourself or hire a professional. Be aware of specific ways to do this safely without damaging your roof.
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Structural maintenance.
Structural maintenance involves checking and repairing fasters, rivets, screws, flashing materials, and more. Roofing contractors are generally the best people to do this kind of maintenance. Conducting structural maintenance after severe weather conditions or every few years is best practice if you have concerns.
Pro Tips
Let’s wrap this up with two pro tips.
1 - Use eco-friendly cleaning solutions. Many cleaning solutions contain chemicals that could harm the environment around your pavilion. Choose green cleaning products or make your own! Water and white vinegar are an effective cleaning solution, and baking soda is great for stains and dirt. (Always spot-test a new cleaner to ensure it won’t damage the material you’re cleaning.)
2 - Don’t be afraid to hire a professional. Especially when you’re doing roof-related maintenance, hire a professional if you’re in any doubt. Accidents can happen unexpectedly, especially when you’re inexperienced.
Conclusion
We hope you found this article helpful and informative!
At Fisher’s Backyard, we want to help you create your dream outdoor living space to host friends and family, relax, and enjoy the beauty of nature. We provide high-quality backyard structures in Lancaster County, PA, including pavilions, gazebos, and pergolas.
If you have questions or want to order your outdoor structure, please contact us! We look forward to hearing from you.