FAQs
Yes you can! ShadeWorks recommends outdoor rated Command hooks/clips or zipties. You may also drill, nail, or screw appropriate hardware into your patio cover or pergola. We have an entire guide on hanging lights here. Please note if you hang anything extremely weight-bearing (such as a swing or hammock) from your structure, your warranty will be voided.
No. The motion of a swing will eventually cause deterioration in the structural stability of your patio cover or pergola. Please not that if you do hang anything extremely weight-bearing, such as a swing or hammock, your warranty will be voided.
Yes, we recommend using alumahangers, which you can purchase on Amazon.
We do not recommend that you use a wood burning fire pit, outdoor stove, gas grill, or charcoal grill under your patio cover. You may be able use to a propane or natural gas fire pit, fire table, wood-burning pizza oven, or pellet grill depending on the product. Learn more here.
No, ShadeWorks offers permanent structure patio covers and pergolas, constructed with our exclusive MOCKWOOD materials. You can compare building materials based on different Idaho climates here.
- Disconnect the downspout funnel from your gutter.
- Carefully remove rain chain.
- You should see debris backed up in this end of the gutter. Remove as much of this debris as possible by hand.
- From a ladder placed at the opposite end of the downspout, run hose water directly into the gutter from the top of the panels. This should flush any additional debris to the downspout opening for easy removal.
- Rehang rain chain and reconnect downspout funnel with the Tek screws.
Generally, normal rainfall is sufficient to keep its appearance clean. But if cleaning is required, we recommend the following steps. Particular attention should be given to areas under eaves, porches, awnings and other overhangs that have a limited exposure to the natural cleansing effect of rainfall.
- For moderate dirt – An occasional washing with clear water using a garden hose and soft-bristled brush is recommended (a long-handled, car-washing brush is ideal for this purpose.)
- For a heavier dirt accumulation – Wash in the manner indicated above, but use the following solution:
- 1/3 cup detergent (Tide, for example)
- 2/3 cup trisodium phosphate (Soilax, for example)
- 1 gallon water
- Mildew accumulation – Mildew can collect on surfaces of all types of building products and is often evident on surfaces that have not been properly maintained. Normally, mildew will appear as black spots. Mildew is easy to remove by using the following cleaning solution:
- 1/3 cup detergent (Tide, for example)
- 2/3 cup trisodium phosphate (Soilax, for example)
- 1 quart sodium hypochlorite 5% solution (Clorox)
- 3 quarts water
- Caulking compounds, tar, etc. – Use mineral spirits in reasonable amounts, apply directly to the foreign substance. Rinse the area thoroughly with water immediately after cleaning.
No. ShadeWorks offers permanent structure patio covers and pergolas, constructed with our exclusive MOCKWOOD materials. Our patio covers and pergolas are engineered to meet all applicable building codes.
We do! Click to learn more about how you can keep your patio cool in the warmer months.
Yes, most of the time a permit is required for patio covers and pergolas in Idaho. ShadeWorks will help you obtain a permit for your structure!
You will never need to paint, stain, or treat your patio cover, however, accumulated debris such as leaves, twigs, and other debris on top of the cover can clog the gutter system if not removed regularly. We recommend using a leaf blower or a long-handled broom (from a ladder placed in front of the cover, to blow and/or sweep and remove the debris before it makes its way into your gutter system.
No. ShadeWorks provides drip chains only. You can have a gutter company replace your drip chains to downspouts at your own cost if you would prefer.
No, we send our project designers to your home in order to help you design the perfect patio cover or pergola to suit your space.
