When you’re power washing, it might seem like all you’re doing is removing gunk. But truth be told, there’s a lot more to it than that!
But aren’t you just cleaning up dirt? Actually, when you power wash a house, you’re often getting rid of both mold and algae. And there’s a world of difference between the two!
Professional power washers know how to correctly identify and treat mold and algae. That’s part of why it’s so important to hire a professional company instead of pressure washing yourself.
Let’s talk about the differences between algae and mold, how to treat them, and how to prevent them from appearing in the first place.
What Is Algae?
The algae on your roof or other parts of your home is scientifically known as Gloeocapsa magma. Algae gets blown from one roof to the next because it’s airborne. The algae will feed on your shingles- the limestone, specifically- and leave behind a gross black residue.
Gravity makes the black residue streak down your shingles leaving an ugly eyesore. Even worse, algae has the ability to separate the granules inside your shingles. This will make replacement necessary if the algae lives on your roof for long enough.
Algae will also colonize the side of your house if there’s no direct sunlight. This is typical on the north side of houses. If you happen to discover that one side of your house is a lot dirtier than the other sides, it’s probably due to algae.
Most people think of algae as being in bodies of water, but when you’ve done as much power washing as us, we can tell you that algae is often found on the exterior of homes. Algae can actually grow in all sorts of different places.
What Is Mold?
Mold isn’t a plant- it’s a fungus. That means it produces spores. Spores range from three to four microns big. To compare, human hair is anywhere from 75 to 150 microns.
Dark and damp conditions encourage the growth of mold. For example, the space behind roof shingles and house siding are great places for mold to grow. The small spores multiply rapidly.
If you have asthma or are allergic to mold, it can be really bad to have it on your house. You might cough or your asthma symptoms can worsen. Other symptoms may include a stuffy nose, throat irritation, skin irritation, or eye irritation.
You might think of moldy bread or fruit when you think of mold. But having mold on your house is even more dangerous. It can get in your lungs and damage your property.
How Do You Spot Algae And Mold?
Vinyl siding is often advertised as being maintenance-free, but that isn’t quite the case. You need to look out for algae and mold on your home regardless of what kind of exterior you have.
Here are some not-so-obvious tips to spot algae and mold:
- Keep an eye out for prolonged illness. This can be a sign that there’s mold on your roof.
- Look for interior signs. Search for discoloration along the ceiling joint for indication of a leak. Other signs include peeling and bubbling paint.
- Notice odors. If your property continues to smell musty after you’ve aired it out, there may be mold or algae on the roof or in the attic.
- Pay extra attention to areas of your home that don’t see much sunlight. The darkness encourages the growth of mold and algae.
How Do You Prevent Algae And Mold?
Getting your home power washed every single year will prevent algae and mold from growing. We use only the best detergents and equipment, our team is highly trained, and we’re able to keep your property safe.
- Avoiding a big buildup is the best way to keep costs low. The spring rains combined with summer heat create the perfect breeding ground for algae and mold, so getting your home power washed each summer is your best course of action.
Besides hiring professionals, here are some DIY tips to prevent algae and mold:
- Manicure your trees. Keep your trees at least a meter away from your roof. Overhanging branches can prevent water from evaporating, and we know excess moisture is a bad thing.
- Keep your gutters clean. Again, the extra moisture will help algae and mold grow.
- Apply a moisture barrier to your roof. This will repel water. New roofs often have this technology already.
- Don’t let sprinklers reach your home. Move them further away from your house if need be to avoid the extra moisture on your panels.
- Get ridge vents. They’re installed on the top of a sloped roof and let warm, wet air evaporate out of the attic.
What Makes Us Different
We’re a locally owned business serving Nassau and Suffolk County. We like to think of ourselves as an integral part of the community. By keeping houses clean, we boost the curb appeal and property value of the entire neighborhood.
Besides seeing our vans around, you’ve probably even run into us at the grocery. We’re as local as you can get.
We’re not only local, but we’re the best ones to get the job done. We combine pressure washing and soft-washing to completely clean the outside of your business or home. Our equipment is state-of-the-art and our technicians undergo rigorous training.
We have over 20 years of experience power washing in Massapequa, Oyster Bay, and Long Island. We can’t wait to clean up your home. Call us today!