Have you ever had mold trouble with your vinyl siding? Molds thrive in warm, damp, and humid conditions, such as those found in the home or outdoors. Having them is a huge pain. Bear in mind that the better you take care of your home, the better it will care for you. The exterior of your property is no exception. As a concerned homeowner, I’d like to share with you some of the great facts and techniques I uncovered for preventing mold on vinyl siding, but first, allow me to explain what causes mold.
What Causes Mold On Vinyl Siding?
1. Lack of Sunlight
Molds occur in the part of vinyl that has less exposure to sunlight. Because the mold bacterium dies when exposed to direct sunshine, its cellular structure is destroyed by the UV rays found in the sunlight. That is why when your house has a basement, you will notice that it often smells and wet—the same way in other areas where it is dim such as attics. Having the proper temperature makes a significant difference in the ability of mold to grow.
2. Dirt
Sand, silt, and clay make up dirt, which may be rocky. Dirt will eventually accumulate on the surface of your siding since wind, storms, passing vehicles may cause particles to fly into the air leaving dirt on your siding. So, it is typical for siding to become coated with dirt.
3. Humidity
Humidity is essential for black mold to grow. Pipe leaks, for example, are an ideal habitat for black mold to grow. If tiny leaks remain unnoticed for an extended period, the mold may continue to develop since it can grow in difficult to clean places.
Fortunately, you can have preventive measures how to avoid these causes.
7 easy ways to prevent mold on vinyl siding
1. If you detect mold or mildew on your vinyl siding, it is time to clean it.
As a homeowner, it is critical to treat the mold issue as soon as possible not to spread and become unmanageable. Once a source of the mold has developed in a particular area, it can eat away at its host, causing severe structural damage to your house. It is often associated with a thick, musty stench. Those who are very sensitive to strong smells will notice this right away. So, to get rid of the mold, you may have your DIY solutions by using a combination of 70% water and 30% white vinegar to clean vinyl siding and remove minor mold and mildew stains.
Additionally, you may mix the powdered laundry detergent of about one-third cup measurement, then powdered household cleaner of about two-thirds cup measurement, one-quart liquid laundry bleach, and one gallon of water to create a more robust solution. After applying your DIY solutions, you may use the pressure washer to rinse. Some manufacturers, however, do not advocate utilizing it. Many manufacturers have found that if the water goes below the siding, it may damage insulation and electrical wiring and even promote mold development, limiting the pressure applied to the siding. To use the pressure water, ensure that the stream is positioned at eye level and aimed directly towards the siding, rather than angled up. Preventing this will prevent water from infiltrating the siding. Just be careful not to apply pressure where there are joints or seams.
2. Trim trees and bushes close to the vinyl siding.
Trees enhance air quality by removing contaminants from our air, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, while providing the oxygen we need to live on earth. However, if you have a mold development issue in your house, it is essential to note that a lack of sunshine is one factor that leads to mold development. Therefore, if you discover that a specific area of your vinyl siding is beginning to develop mold, clear the shrubs and bushes around the vinyl siding to allow sunlight to reach it. Because it contains UV rays, it will aid in the mold structure’s demise.
3. Keep Rain Gutters and Drainpipes in Good Condition
The rain gutter is a component of the water drainage system of a building or home. The rain gutter is essential to prevent water from flowing out of control, causing damage to the walls and drenching those below. A drain pipe, on the other hand, is a pipe that is used to drain rainwater. Inadequate ventilation on gutters to keep them dry between rainstorms encourages mold growth. Additionally, there are layers where the metal pieces meet, which results in dampness. Another way that mold may begin and spread to other places. So for you to keep the rain gutters and drainpipes functioning well, you have to contact a professional who is knowledgeable in cleaning and repairing gutters. And if you don’t want to hire an expert and want to do it yourself. There are many convenient gutter cleaning equipment on the market.
4. Use Mold Chemical products
Worry no more about molds on your vinyl siding by purchasing available mold chemical products in the market. However, there are different chemicals invented to kill mold, so which ones are the most recommended? You can choose the popular Concrobium Mold Control, which utilizes the unique properties of a peracetic acid-based one to offer maximum power while maintaining the highest level of non-corrosive safety. While peracetic acid is the active component, the product’s efficacy is due to the synergy of many substances that work in unison to remove even the most stubborn of old mold stains. Or the Hydrogen peroxide-based mold killer, Due to its antibacterial characteristics, it can destroy bacteria, viruses, fungus, and mold spores. So when hydrogen peroxide is given to these bacteria, it kills them by degrading their vital components, such as proteins and DNA.
5. Reposition your Sprinklers away from your Vinyl siding
A sprinkler is a lawn or garden device that sprays water on your grass or plants. Sprinklers are primarily used to water or irrigate plants. Complex sprinkler systems for a large area, such as a public park or an estate’s acres of lawns, can be installed in the ground. Ensure that sprinklers do not reach your siding because constant moisture can enable mold spores to attach and flourish. Always put sprinklers far enough away from the siding so that the siding is not in the splash zone.
6. Invest in trusted insulation.
Good insulators include wool, dry air, polymers, and polystyrene foam. Conductors are materials that do not insulate well. Conductors contain loose connections, allowing particles to travel freely and transfer energy from one to another. Metals are excellent conductors. Condensation and warm indoor temperatures are ideal conditions for mold spores to grow. Mold can develop on any surface with a food source with enough moisture and the right temperature conditions. Mold can develop on aluminum ductwork, brick or stone, plastics, glass, and plaster if enough dust and other organic particles have accumulated on the surface.
Insulation is vital because it regulates temperature and, by extension, moisture. Investing a good quality of insulation in your house is the first line of defense against moisture formation in a building, as it prevents air from reaching dew point temperatures in the surrounding air. Condensation forms at dew point temperatures, creating the moisture required for mold growth. Also, this is true both within and around building wall and ceiling systems and within and around HVAC systems. If the source of moisture is adequately eliminated through insulation, the building is considerably less likely ever to have a mold problem.
However, insulation must be correctly planned, constructed, and installed to serve these functions. Insulation comes in a variety of forms, from fiberglass to cellulose-based, stiff to flexible. Each type is best suited for a given use. Architects and specifiers choose insulation based on their goals, the structure of the building, the budget, and the availability of materials. On the other hand, mold prevention should include many factors that specifiers assess throughout the selection process. Each of the following characteristics influences how insulation aids in mold growth prevention.
7. Utilize a professional mold cleaner for routine cleaning.
While “professional cleaning” is difficult to define precisely, it generally refers to cleaning to a high standard. Imagine using white gloves and wiping every surface, including covered areas beneath sofas or behind doors.
A professional cleaning will include cleaning extractor fan grilles, dusting light bulbs, and cleaning the windows. Maintaining a clean and tidy home is critical if you want your everyday life to function smoothly. On the other hand, cleaning your home is not one of the most appealing hobbies if you have a busy business or social life. That is why professional cleaners exist – to maintain a tidy, clean, and comfortable house, and on your end, there will be no exhausting hours cleaning your home. The mold professionals will clean any remaining mold and mold stains with an antimicrobial agent. They frequently employ a sealer or encapsulant to help protect treated areas against water damage and mold and aid in odor control.
Home Air Quality is founded by Bernard K to provide information on Indoor Air Quality in Homes and enlighten people about what they need to know about creating and maintaining a comfortable and healthy home environment.
We believe that “Quality air brings a healthy life.”
