Adding a bbq gazebo to your outdoor garden or backyard can provide you with a great space to relax outdoors. You can entertain your visitors there, you can barbecue with your family, and you can do so much more. However, garden bbq shelters are so versatile that wear and tear is inevitable. After all, gazebos are installed outdoors and they are constantly exposed to the elements. If you want your gazebo to last a long time, it's important to maintain your gazebo. Now you can extend the life of your gazebo by following these tips.

Regular cleaning
Cleaning to remove dirt is a good way to maintain your bbq shelter. Tidy up your gazebo and its surroundings to remove dirt and debris. If you have furniture in your gazebo, clean them regularly to remove any dirt that may have been deposited on them. Check for cobwebs and remove them. You will need to treat the frame and canopy separately to ensure that nothing gets in the way as you work, so make sure to remove the canopy. The frame can be easily cleaned with warm soapy water. The canopy usually removes any dirt from the small gaps by brushing. If the canopy still looks like it needs more cleaning, wash it in more warm soapy water and then leave it outside to dry. Avoid using chemical cleaners as they may damage your gazebo. Cleaning your canopy doesn't have to be a long and painful process, but it does need to be done 1-2 times a year to make sure you can use it again the following year.

Check for insect infestation
Inspect the interior and exterior of the grill gazebo monthly for insects and bird nests or pests, especially in the spring and summer. Treating these will help maintain the structural integrity of the gazebo. Occasionally spray your gazebo with insecticides and pesticides to keep these potential pests away. Remove webbing insects with a long-handled broom. Spray nests with insect-specific insecticides, such as wasp nests. Wait for the insecticide to take effect according to the time frame listed on the spray instructions. Confirm that there is no more activity in the sprayed nest and knock it down with a broom. Birds also tend to nest in gazebos, so they should be checked.

Ensure strong anchoring
Periodically check for holes, cracks, dents, loose screws and warped structures. If you notice that your barbecue gazebo is starting to loosen or lean to one side, this is an indication that the ground anchor screws are loose or the post is damaged. Any loose or missing parts found should be tightened or replaced immediately, respectively. This goes a long way in ensuring good gazebo construction. It is necessary to mention that you should avoid over tightening as it may cause cracks that may eventually damage your gazebo. If you are unable to fix it yourself, contact a professional to help fix it. Sometimes, the best way to maintain your gazebo is to make small adjustments and repairs rather than letting them become a bigger problem.

Minimize snow accumulation
The canopy is usually one of the first parts of the bbq gazebo to suffer damage due to storms, rain or snow. In the winter, snow can pile up on your gazebo. Don't let the snow stay on the gazebo roof for too long. When there is a lot of snow, its weight can affect the roof of your gazebo. In addition, the water in the snow can make your gazebo prone to rust or rot. Removing snow from the roof is a good way to maintain your gazebo. Snow rakes should be used to remove snow regularly, especially if it is thicker than 4 inches. Also your gazebo roof must be leak free at all times. It is important to inspect your gazebo roof occasionally, at least twice a year, especially after storms. Take steps to remove any tree branches or leaves that may have accumulated on your roof. This should be done carefully to avoid causing any further canopy damage.

Keep in a cool and dry place
If your gazebo can be disassembled, be sure to store it in a cool, dry place. Do not leave the bbq shelter in a damp place. Completely disassemble the frame of the gazebo and store it for the winter. If you don't mind taking the entire frame off and putting it back together when spring arrives, storing the entire gazebo is ideal. Since most people can't do this every season, they simply remove the canopy and leave the frame intact in the yard. To prevent the metal frame from being exposed to the elements, applying an anti-corrosion spray will stop rusting. This is a simple, easy-to-apply rust and corrosion control product that works on metal because it creates a transparent rust barrier. Be sure to clean the canopy thoroughly before putting it away. The canopy should also be dry. Moisture of any type can allow mold and mildew to grow. Be sure to store it in an airtight container or storage box until you are ready to enjoy it again.

Your bbq gazebo will last for years to come if it is made of quality fabric and metal. In fact, they have a long lifespan - but only if they are properly cared for. Follow these gazebo maintenance tips to dramatically extend their lifespan.