Day after day, year after year, your home’s exterior acts as the first line of defense between your loved ones and adverse weather conditions. From heavy rain and snow to high temperatures and strong wind, your siding is designed to withstand it all. But, this adverse weather can create the perfect conditions for mold growth on your siding. If you notice mold growing on your siding, it can be incredibly concerning.
From its impact on your home’s cleanliness to the potential adverse health effects, mold exposure can be frustrating and difficult to address if you don’t know what is causing the growth. At True Clean Power Wash & Seal, we understand how important it is for homeowners to address this problem as quickly as possible. However, we also understand that it is important to understand the cause of this growth.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the most common causes of mold growth on your siding and how to address them to prevent a recurring mold problem. If you currently have mold growing on your siding and you aren’t sure how to address it, keep reading to see what our team recommends to keep your home clean and your family safe.
Understanding Mold Growth
Mold is a kind of fungus that thrives in damp, humid environments. While it plays an important role in the breakdown of organic matter in nature, it can lead to significant problems when it invades your home. As the protective barrier between your family and the outside world, your siding is especially susceptible to mold growth due to its exposure to moisture and fluctuating weather conditions.
Common Causes of Mold Growth
To understand how to address mold growing on your siding, it is important that you understand what is causing this growth. There are a few common factors to look out for, including the following:
1. Moisture Accumulation
The most common cause of mold growth is almost always an accumulation of moisture. From rain and snow to high humidity levels and morning dew, your home’s siding may see its fair share of moisture throughout the day. When moisture accumulation is present, it takes as little as 24 hours for mold spores to begin growing, leading to unsightly mold growing on your siding.
2. Lack of Sunlight
Ultraviolet rays from the sun do a great job of killing mold spores, meaning you probably don’t deal with mold on the sunniest portions of your home’s exterior. However, in shady locations, mold can grow and thrive. The less sunny a portion of your home is, the more likely you are to experience mold growing on your siding.
3. Vegetation Growth
Overhanging trees, ivy climbing the walls of your home, and bushes that brush against the side of your home are major causes of mold growing on your siding. This vegetation can cast shadows, trapping moisture. This creates the perfect environment for this mold to grow rapidly and spread unseen.
4. Poor Ventilation
Without proper airflow, moisture can sit uninterrupted on a surface, especially after heavy rain or snow. If there are portions of your home that don’t dry quickly after a storm, these spots may also be the place where you notice mold growing on your siding. You may also notice this growth in any gapping between your siding.
How to Prevent Mold Growth
If you have mold growing on your siding, there are several things you can do to address this growth and prevent it from recurring. To rid your home of this mold growth, consider the following steps:
- Install Proper Ventilation: Ensuring proper ventilation in your home is a wonderful way to promote circulation and prevent moisture buildup. If your mold growth is a result of poor insulation, consider contacting a professional to install proper ventilation in your home. This is also a good time to address any gapping in your siding.
- Trim Overgrown Vegetation: If your mold is growing beneath overgrown or overhanging vegetation, it might be a good time to trim the foliage. Ensure your overhanging plants are trimmed back and eliminate as much shade created by these plants as possible to eliminate mold growing on your siding.
- Address Leaks: If you have a leak in your home, it can lead to mold growth on your siding. As soon as you notice these leaks, it is important to address them as quickly as possible to rid your home of this excessive moisture.
- Schedule Regular Home Cleanings: To address mold growing on your siding, your best course of action is to schedule regular home cleanings. Removing dirt, debris, and organic matter can eliminate potential food for mold. By scheduling power washing, you can stop this mold in its tracks.
Address Mold Growing on Your Siding with True Clean Power Wash & Seal
If there is mold growing on your siding, it can be an unsightly and frustrating problem to address on your own. From exposure to mold spores to difficult-to-treat spots, it is always best to work with a team of trained professionals to eliminate this growth. At True Clean Power Wash & Seal, our team has years of experience dealing with mold growth on home siding, making them the perfect team to help you address this problem.
In addition to our siding cleaning services, our team provides window cleaning services, Christmas light installation, and so much more to homeowners across the Charlotte, North Carolina, area. If you’re interested in scheduling a house washing service to address mold growing on your siding, contact our team today to schedule an appointment.
