Pergolas, Lattice and Regular Upkeep

A pergolaPergolaAn open shade structure in a garden, on a terrace or a roof, made of posts and beams with slats, reeds, fabric or plants on top. It is often made of wood. is probably the most exposed wood on a house. On a roof terraceFlat roof (roof terrace)The flat concrete roof on top of a building. It is the most common kind of roof in Greece and the part that takes the most sun and rain., its beams and slats take the sun from above and the rain from every side, with nothing to cover them.

The spots that need attention

• The top faces of the beams and slats, where the sun hits directly and water sits.
• The feet of the posts, where they meet the floor or a planter.
• The joints and the screws.
• LatticeLatticeA panel of thin wooden battens crossed in a grid. It is used for screens, for privacy and on pergolas and planters., because the thin battens cross in a tight grid and water stays where they cross.

An example

On a roof terrace with two wooden pergolas, lattice screens around the dining area, tall panels behind the railings and planters clad in wood, all the wood was maintained and varnishedVarnishA clear or semi-transparent finish for wood that lets the grain show through and protects it from sun, rain and wear. in the same dark tone. The job wasn't to build anything new, but to protect what was there before the wood itself got damaged. On the lattice the varnish had to reach every batten, and the same tone everywhere gave the whole terrace one consistent look.

When to varnish again

You don't need to wait for anything to peelPeeling paintWhen paint loses its grip and lifts off in flakes or sheets. It is almost always a sign of a problem underneath, usually damp or poor preparation. or rotWood rotDecay of wood caused by fungi when it stays damp for a long time. Rotten wood goes soft, gives when pressed or crumbles, and can't be saved with paint.. The signs that the finish is tired are that the wood fades or turns grey, feels rough, or that rainwater no longer runs off but soaks in. At that stage the job is usually small: cleaning, a light sandingSandingSmoothing a surface with sandpaper or a power sander to remove bumps, loose old paint or gloss, so the new paint or varnish grips well and comes out smooth. and fresh varnish. Left longer, it grows: deep sanding, repairs, and some pieces may need replacing.

Not every part wears at the same rate. Panels that take the full weather tire faster than pieces in the shade, and a regular look shows where work is needed first.

What to ask before the work starts

• Will the wood be sanded back to sound wood, or only cleaned?
• What will happen to any pieces that have rotted?
• Paint or varnish, and in what tone? Ask to see a sample on your own wood.
• Will the bottom ends, edges and back faces be done too?
• What happens to the hardware, and how will the walls, floors and plants around be protected?