Heather Ainsley
news@greenepublishing.com
Most of us can remember to mow the lawn and clear the gutters when those things need to be done. However, it can be harder to notice the steady growth of grime that can show up on the exterior of your home. Mildew, mold and dirt can sneak up on even the most attentive homeowner.
While organic messes like dirt, algae and mildew are naturally occurring, and will probably happen to any home, they aren't without harmful effects. It's important to know what these effects are and how to prevent them.
Mold, mildew and algae are all unsightly, but they also cause damage to the exterior of your house. This is because mold, mildew and algae all have two things in common: they love to be where it is wet, and once they find a suitable place, they grow. Mold, mildew and algae don't just grow on the outside of your home, they prefer dark, damp areas, which means if you are seeing signs of any of these on the outside of your home, they have likely already penetrated into cracks and small holes in your wall structure, roof or deck. As these blights grow, they bring with them more moisture, which damages materials like wood, drywall and metal.
Once it has found its way to the inside of a home, there's a good chance that the wall itself has been structurally damaged. Even if you scrub or wipe away stains that come from inner walls, they will continue to appear until you cut away sections of the wall to remove all of the mold, mildew or algae at its source. Aside from the loss of structural strength, exposure to mold and mildew can make those living in your home sick. Exposure to these elements can cause respiratory disease like asthma, allergies and other illnesses.
Everyday dirt, dust, cobwebs and pollen can also stain a home, making it look dingy and unkempt. To avoid a dirty exterior, be sure to spend time on the upkeep. Use a broom to tackle any unwanted spider webs, wasps nest and the like by carefully brushing them away.
For set in stains and grime, consider a soft wash or pressure wash treatment for your home. A “soft wash” is a way of cleaning a home that my have vulnerable materials, like historic homes that may have been built with material that can't withstand a traditional power washer. By washing the building with a more gentle stream of water (under 500 PSI, or Pounds per Square Inch) and a non-abrasive cleaning solution, you can get even the oldest buildings looking good as new.
For more modern homes, you can power away dirt, grime and potentially damaging mold, mildew and algae by using a pressure washer.
Adding exterior maintenance to your list of home care can alert you to issues with mold and mildew sooner, but it can also bring you up to speed about other possible issues, such as carpenter bee activity, gutter damage, or panel rot.