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Free EstimateLike your grandmother said, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. This old adage is especially true for mold growing on your home. While nobody could possibly prevent outdoor mold spores from reaching their vinyl siding, there are some ways to prevent it from forming.
Mold and mildew, when left to their own devices, will damage the appearance and value of a house. Given enough time, mold can literally eat away at the wood, infiltrate the attic, or make its way inside your home causing health risks to your family. The siding on your home can become moldy, so it is best to learn ways to prevent it.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a fungus that has been around for ages. The spores are carried by the breeze, allowing it to reproduce. It prefers moisture and lives in warm, damp, humid areas that allow it to flourish.
Mold can become invasive quickly and can cause lung and breathing problems, as well as other health issues for some people. Mold can eat away at various surfaces and cause serious damage.
Why Mold Grows on House Siding
Many homeowners know the frustration of moldy siding, and it’s a typical issue that can become costly if left unchecked. The vinyl siding on your home is a perfect environment for mold, especially the underside of the siding itself. have visible mold on the outside, but the real trouble comes along when seeps under the siding.
There are several ways mold can get under your siding. Mold is attracted to dust and dirt as a food source, so when dirt accumulates on siding it can be a welcome buffet for fungus and mold. Another attractant for mold is tree sap that may be dripping on the house.
Cracks in the butt joints, broken or detached flashings, or window headers that have been permeated with rainwater and moisture are also causes of moldy siding. In addition, molds and fungi thrive in dark places. So, if part of the house is always shaded from sunlight, it can invite a fungus problem.
How to Keep Siding From Mildewing
Preventing the mold from forming in your siding just takes a little bit of attention and effort. The work you can do to deter mold is much easier than working to rid your siding from mold after it has become a big problem.
Install, Repair, and Maintain Your Rain Gutters
If you don’t already have them, invest in rain gutters. This is a very inexpensive way to prevent water from flowing over the siding and creating a fungus issue. If you do have them, keep your gutters clean by removing the debris from them regularly to prevent overflow.
Check the Duct Work
Inspect ductwork that vents outside of your home to make sure that there’s no moisture accumulating. Be certain that the seals are working properly to prevent puddling and repair anything that creates drips.
Be Vigilant About Mold Growth
At the first sight of mold growth, move quickly to remove it with a diluted solution of bleach and water. This will stunt future growth and prevent the situation from turning into an even bigger mess that will require time, energy and possibly a power washer.
Direct Sprinklers and Irrigation Properly
When you are watering your lawn and landscaping, direct the water so that it does not hit the siding. Underground sprinkler systems near the foundation of the house are the first thing to check. If you have irrigation, make certain that pools are not left around the base of the house in certain spots. These steps will definitely help in deterring mold in your siding.
Watch Out for Shade
Organic coverage like climbing vines make it very difficult for siding to dry out. While it blocks unwanted sunlight from areas of your home, it also creates a safe haven for mold spores. Trees that shade the sides of the house can also create a damp environment.
While removing all the greenery from your landscape is not advisable or necessary, it is wise to do what you can to keep the siding and foundation free from moisture to prevent mold. Patios and overhangs can also create dampness. If foliage removal isn’t possible, rid the area of any moss that has begun to grow for your best protection against moldy siding in this setting.
Check Your Siding Regularly
Inspect your siding at least once a year to correct any issues before they become big problems. Small leaks due to cracks can be repaired to prevent water from seeping in and becoming a welcome home for mold, fungus, and algae formation.
Keep It Clean
A little bit of tidying can really aid in the prevention of moldy siding. Dirty siding offers a source of nutrients to the mold spores, so an accumulation of dirt should be cleaned properly. A garden hose and a soft-bristle brush every couple of months goes a long way toward preventing dirt buildup. You can also find and remove any early signs of mold during regular cleaning.
How Do I Clean My Siding?
You might also be wondering how to clean your vinyl siding. A common method is a mixture of 30% vinegar and 70% water, or dilute a quart of bleach per gallon of water to make a homemade version of professional cleaning solution. Be cautious to use oxygenated bleach instead of chlorine bleach which can cause corrosion.
Need Help Removing Mold From Your Siding?
Make removing and preventing mold someone else’s job. If you need help removing mold from the exterior of your home, our professional power washing services can do the job for you. Our pressure wash systems are safe and at a lower pressure that will not cause harm to your siding.
For more information about how our pressure washing service can prevent and remove mold from your siding and exterior, contact First Coast Home Pros today for a quote and our friendly advisors can answer any questions you may have.