Pergolas with louvres help balance aesthetics and privacy on one’s outdoor patio. These screens can withstand harsh weather and can open or close to allow sufficient natural light. Although these screens come with great finishing, owners must take some care of louvre screens to keep them looking good.
This blog takes the readers through the procedures and tips for cleaning louvre screens.
General Maintenance of Louvre Screens
Regardless of the type of pergola, one must follow some basic maintenance procedure. A person must clean their louvre screen every six months if they live in proper residential areas.
However, if one resides closer to coastal areas or industrial zone, consider cleaning the screens every three months. This will prevent dust particles to settle on their louvre system.
One must protect their louvre system from contact with the following particles.
- Brass, copper, CCA-treated timber, mild steel, concrete or cement less than a month old
- Paint splashes, solvent stains, wet cement, chemicals, plasters and fertilisers
General Cleaning Procedure of Louvre Screens
In case of contact with the above contaminants, consider following the tips below to clean the louvre.
1. Use a soft brush, warm water and mild detergent to wash away salt, grime and other dust particles.
2. Avoid dry dusting as the minute particles might scratch the louvre surface. Instead, use a wet sponge to eliminate loose material deposits.
3. A wet sponge can remove any moss growth on the louvre.
4. If the louvre screens come in contact with detergent particles, consider rinsing until the detergent residue is gone.
5. Even if your clearer equipment has louvre functioning, consider avoiding cleaning with high-pressure water hoses near the electrical parts.
Furthermore, keep strong household cleaners away as they may harm the longevity of your louvre surface. In case the louvre blades come in contact with serious stains like solvent, chemicals or paint splashes, you can clean them with the products below:
- Turpentine
- Methylated spirits
- White spirits
Tips to Clean Drop-down Shades and Aluminium Frame of Louvre Structure
Consider following the tips below to safely clean and maintain the dropdown screens of your outdoor louvre structure.
- Clean localised stains with neutral detergent and lukewarm water.
- If the awning fabric is stained, wash it with neutral detergent and a soft cloth. You can also use a soft bristle brush for more effective cleaning.
- Simply brush off any loose dust on the louvre screen.
- If you notice any obvious dirt accumulated, consider cleaning them at the early stage.
- Rinse with water to remove any stains. After that, consider leaving the awning fabric dropped for complete drying before folding.
- You can use a water blaster at a low setting only near the aluminium blades, not any electrical part.
Care and Maintenance of Anodised Aluminium / Powder-Coated Louvre Screen
Many Louvre screens come with powder coating or layering, or anodised aluminium. These offer durability to louvres and act as protective layers enhancing their looks and increasing their longevity. Both come with features that enhance the look of louvres and their longevity. Consequently, anodised or powder-coated louvred roof costs in Australia will vary. Here is how you can maintain both these types.
If you maintain and clean anodised aluminium louvre screens properly, they will look good as new even after 20 years. Here are some of the essential tips to wash louvre screens of anodised aluminium:
- Avoid contact with abrasive products like steel wool, acid or alkaline cleaning solutions, and sandpaper. These things are capable of damaging the aluminium coating.
- Wash them only with lukewarm water and mild soap. You should also rinse these screens thoroughly, especially in places where dirt is present.
- Always clean the surface by rubbing it with soft brushes. If the stains are stubborn, you can only apply specific solvents like Isopropyl Alcohol and rinse thoroughly with water.
- Avoid cleaning the powder-coated areas coming in contact with the screen.
- If you find greasy deposits or stubborn grime on an anodised surface, you can use a piece of cloth dipped in white spirit or turpentine to wipe it off.
Anodised or powder-coated louvres offer an aesthetic metallic finish to your screens and pergolas. They are long-lasting and limit the effects of rusting that make other louvres usable in harsh weather conditions. With proper maintenance, the longevity of these louvre screens does not fall. Therefore, you must follow the above tips to keep the charm of your louvred roofs intact.
