Proper maintenance is
the single most important investment
you can make in your enclosure or gazebo.
Although we use an extremely durable,
EPA-registered preservative, guaranteed
to last up to two years without re-application,
you will need to take the following steps
in order to preserve the beauty and longevity
of your purchase.
-
If water puddles
around the bottom of your gazebo or
enclosure, remove it. Standing water
can cause mildew to form on the surface
of the coating.
-
Do not allow your
wood to come in direct contact with
dirt.
-
Do not use a metal
shovel to remove snow from the roof
or other horizontal services. It can
pierce the underlying coating and cause
it to erode. If you have a metal roof,
it will scratch the metal.
-
Only use sodium
chloride (Halite) types of salt on
wood surfaces that have been coated
with stain.
-
Calcium chloride
salts will reduce the effectiveness
of the water-repellent coating.
Redwood contains naturally
occurring, water-soluble chemicals that
tend to migrate to the surface with exposure
to agents such as water. If the wood is
coated, discoloration of the coating may
occur when tannin extractives are dissolved
into the coating solution by water, reaching
the surface and remaining as dark, coffee-brown
stains after the water evaporates. This
reddish-brown bleeding does not damage
the coating.
-
NEVER use a pressure washer alone
to clean wood, since the pressure
needed to lift the top surface
layer and accompanying stains will
also gouge the surface, making
it difficult to recoat.
-
A solution of mild detergent (dishwashing
liquid) and warm water will remove
most dirt and leaf stains without
affecting the coating.
-
To help your gazebo or enclosure
look its best, use this cleaning
technique between maintenance coating
-
A deck and fence brightener
liquid concentrate can help
to restore the surfaces of
redwood that has been stained
by extractive bleeding.
-
Because Redwood contains
natural tannin extractive
that can produce dark-colored
surface stains, it is sometimes
best to use a commercial
cleaner that contains oxalic
acid if you want to remove
these stains. Oxalic acid
contains the strength needed
to strip away the tannin
bleed
Proper cleaning procedures
and use of chemically-compatible cleaners
are important in maintaining the performance
of acrylic and polycarbonate windows
and domes.
- Never scrape with razor blades
or other sharp instruments.
- Never use benzene, leaded gasoline,
acetone, or carbon tetrachloride.
- Do not clean in hot sun or elevated
temperatures
- Wash windows and domes with mild
soap or detergent and luke-warm water.
- Using a SOFT cloth or sponge, gently
wash the sheet to loosen dirt and
grime.
- DO NOT SCRUB with anything abrasive.
- Rinse well with clear water and
dry thoroughly with a chamois or
dry cloth to prevent spotting.
-
Hairline scratches and minor abrasions
can be removed or minimized by
using a mild car polish. Test
a small, inconspicuous area first
before using in larger areas.
Be sure to buy a brand that both
fills and polishes.
Gazebo Works Too
gazebos and enclosures are "water
resistant," not "water proof." Therefore,
we recommend that you do not put
any carpeting, furniture, or electronic
equipment in your gazebo or enclosure
which may be damaged by contact with
water.
Please remember
that gazebos and enclosures DO NOT
have a weight-bearing wall in the
centre. Therefore, any prolonged
weight on the roof will adversely
affect the longevity of the structure.
If you live in a
snowy area, please brush the snow
off the roof of your gazebo and enclosure
regularly. Solid wood roofs will
absorb moisture and become heavy.
Brushing the snow off the roof allows
it to dry, thereby reducing the overall
weight.
Always use a broom
or soft object to remove snow, as
hard, metal objects will gouge the
wood or scratch the metal.
See the Redwood
Maintenance section..
The metal used on
your roof will naturally age and
change color due to exposure to sun
and the elements. This aging process
does not affect the quality of the
metal in any way.
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