Discovering mold and mildew on your home's siding can be unsettling. These spots not only detract from your home's appearance but can also cause significant damage over time. Living in Omaha, with our varied climate, can create the growth of these fungi, leading to frequent concerns if it is not taken care of.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we understand the challenges that come with maintaining the exterior of your home. With years of experience in exterior painting and minor exterior siding maintenance, we have learned to combat mold and mildew. Our team is well-versed in the latest techniques and uses top-quality products to ensure that your home not only looks its best but also stands up to Nebraska’s unpredictable weather conditions.
In this article, we'll guide you through understanding how mold and mildew attach to your siding, the steps you can take to remove them, and how to prevent future growth. By reading this article, you can make an informed decision on how you should tackle mold or mildew on your home’s exterior.
Mold and mildew are fungi that thrive in moist environments and can grow on various surfaces, including the exterior siding of your home.
These organisms can begin to grow when water accumulates on surfaces like siding, windows, doors, and trim that don't dry completely. In Omaha, where humidity and precipitation can vary significantly, siding often provides a perfect breeding ground for these fungi.
Before you can tackle the problem, it's crucial to identify the presence of mold and mildew correctly. Mold typically appears as black or green patches, while mildew might look powdery and white or gray. Often, these patches will appear in streaks or clusters, particularly in areas that are less exposed to direct sunlight.
Cleaning Solutions: For mild cases, a solution of bleach and water can be effective in removing mold and mildew. There are many mold and mildew removers on the market. (Wet & Forget, Mold Armor, RMR 86)
Power Washing: For more extensive infestations, a power washer can be a valuable tool. It’s important to use the correct setting to avoid damaging the siding. Hiring a professional to handle power washing is often a wise choice to ensure it's done correctly.
Professional Mold Remediation: In cases where mold has penetrated deeper into the siding material, professional remediation may be necessary. While this is more costly, it ensures that all spores are removed, preventing further damage to your home.
If mold and mildew have been a recurring problem or if the siding shows signs of damage or wear, it may be time to consider repainting after the it is removed. Mold and mildew should not be painted over because it will just form on the new paint. Mold and mildew should be removed and solved for, then painted.
Select paint and primer products that are designed for exterior use with mold and mildew-resistant properties. These paints are formulated to withstand Omaha's weather and prevent the growth of fungi.
Professional painters should ensure that the siding is properly prepared before painting. This preparation often includes thorough cleaning and priming to ensure the paint adheres well and lasts as long as possible.
The presence of mold and mildew on your siding is a problem many homeowners in Omaha face. Understanding the causes, identifying the issue, and using the right removal methods can help maintain your home's aesthetic and structural integrity.
Remember, maintaining the exterior of your home is crucial. At times, seeking trustworthy, professional advice and service is the best bet.
At Brush & Roll Painting, we have painted thousands of exteriors since 1996. With our experience, we have learned how to best handle homes with exterior mold and mildew, to prevent it from reoccuring.
If you are leaning towards exterior painting, it’s crucial that you choose the best painter for your project and don’t make any mistakes. The best painter in Omaha is different for everyone, but you deserve a painter you can trust will provide you with results that you love.
Download your ultimate guide to hiring a painter to help you select the right one for your home.