There’s just something about mold and mildew growth on the siding of a house that makes it seem older, sadder … and maybe even haunted! If you want to keep your house looking happy and bright, preventing mold growth before it gets out of hand is the way to go. There are plenty of things you can do to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on your home’s siding.
- Cut down climbing vines
Unless you live in a 17th century castle, vines have no business on your siding. (And if you do live in an 17th century castle, beware, because climbing vines will eventually break down your stone walls!)
Vines create an ecosystem where shade, moisture, and debris are combine to create the perfect environment for mold and mildew to take hold. Rip those suckers down and do a thorough pressure washing afterward to remove any mold or mildew hidden underneath before it spreads.
- Let the sun shine in
Mold and mildew thrive where the sun don’t shine. Though we’re not advocating for turning your lawn into a parking lot, if there is a single tree blocking much of the sunlight on the area of your home that’s suffering from a mold problem, consider trimming or removing it.
- Move fast once a problem starts
If you spot a mold or mildew problem in its infancy, it’s much easier to control. Mold and mildew spores spread wildly, and if you don’t act fast, your problem can grow exponentially in a short amount of time. Pressure wash any mold or mildew you see immediately. Don’t have a pressure washer? A simple hand-wash with a rag and diluted bleach water can take care of small jobs.
- Move your sprinklers
Your sprinklers are supposed to be watering your lawn, but you may not realize that they’re also watering your siding. Consistent dampness is mold’s best friend. Go outside and watch your sprinklers at work, particularly on a windy day. The wind can easily redirect the spray onto your house, contributing to your mold problem. If you see that your sprinklers are not spraying where they should, move, remove, or adjust them.
- Clean your gutters
If your gutters are clogged with leaves, water can’t move through them as it should, and it can fall over the edge of the gutter and run down your siding, causing mold growth. Clean your gutters regularly, and make sure they’re in good working order all year round.
- Use mold-killing cleaners
When cleaning the exterior of your home, make sure to use mold-killing cleaners. These can be used with a pressure washer or via an attachment for your garden hose. Mold-killing cleaners will make it more difficult for spores to get a foothold in your siding, and kill any existing mold that can’t be sprayed away.
Make your siding look sparkling and new – Call us!
M&W Restoration helps homes all over Atlanta stay new-looking with professional pressure washing that removes mold, mildew, stains, dust and more. Schedule your free estimate today!
