How to Care for an Alumawood Patio Cover

Updated November 1, 2026

One of the biggest reasons people choose Alumawood is that it needs very little maintenance. Very little is not zero, though. A few minutes a couple of times a year keeps the finish looking new and helps you catch small issues early.

A simple twice-a-year routine

1. Rinse it down. Use a garden hose to wash off dust, pollen and bird droppings. In San Diego, spring and fall are good times, and after Santa Ana wind events when dust builds up.
2. Wash with mild soap if needed. For stubborn grime, use a soft brush or sponge with mild dish soap and water, then rinse well.
3. Clear the gutter and roof. On solid and insulated covers, remove leaves and debris so water drains instead of pooling.
4. Look over the hardware. Check that screws and brackets are tight and that posts sit firmly on their footings.
5. Check where the cover meets the house. On attached covers, look for gaps or worn sealant along the connection.

What to avoid

• Abrasive cleaners and scouring pads. They can dull or scratch the baked-on finish.
• Harsh solvents. Paint thinner and strong chemical cleaners can damage the finish.
• A pressure washer up close. High pressure can force water into seams and wear the finish. A garden hose is usually all you need. If you do use a pressure washer, keep it on a low setting and at a distance.
• Walking on the roof. Lattice and solid panels are not designed to carry a person's weight.
• Hanging heavy items without asking. Planters, swings and heavy decor can add loads the cover was not engineered for. Ask your installer first.

Coastal homes

Aluminum does not rust, but salt air leaves a film that can dull the finish over time. If you live near the coast in Oceanside, Carlsbad, Encinitas or coastal San Diego, a quick freshwater rinse every month or two keeps salt from building up, especially on surfaces that rain does not reach.

Inland homes

Inland, dust and pollen are the main culprits. Rinse after windy periods and keep gutters clear before winter rain. If your cover has ceiling fans, wipe the blades too, since dust buildup can throw them off balance.

Lights, fans and electrical

Insulated covers are the best fit for fans and lights. If a fixture flickers or a fan wobbles, turn it off and call a licensed electrician or your installer. Electrical work on a patio cover generally needs its own permit, so do not add circuits yourself without one.

When to call your installer

• A post feels loose or a footing has cracked
• Water drips through a solid or insulated roof
• The connection to the house has separated
• Panels are dented from a fallen branch or storm

Alumawood is sold with a limited lifetime manufacturer warranty for the original owner that covers manufacturing defects, not normal weathering or installation issues. Keep your warranty document and installation paperwork together, and ask your installer whether the warranty needs to be registered.

Thinking about a new cover?

If your current wood cover needs constant work, Alumawood is a common replacement. Compare lattice, solid and insulated styles, or see what a new cover costs in 2026.

Common Questions

Can I pressure wash an Alumawood patio cover?

A garden hose and mild soap are usually all you need. High pressure close up can wear the finish and force water into seams, so if you use a pressure washer, keep it on a low setting and at a distance.

Does Alumawood need to be painted?

No. It has a baked-on finish that holds its color without sanding, staining or painting.

How often should I clean my patio cover?

Twice a year is enough for most homes. Coastal homes benefit from a quick freshwater rinse every month or two to keep salt from building up.