Whether on the foundation, on your patio or walkways, or on your driveway the presence of mold should never be ignored. Mold can grow on virtually any type of material, but is particularly fond of concrete because of its rough surface that tends to retain moisture while also providing a good anchor for mold colonies. Once it takes hold mold is not going to move on by itself, you will need to find a safe and effective way to eliminate it. Every day more people are discovering that power washing is the easiest and most effective way to do so.
The Wrong Way to Get Rid Of Mold
There are some DIY websites that suggest the way to get rid of mold is to mix a bucket of water and bleach and get down on your hands and knees with a scrubbing brush. There are several things wrong with this idea.
First, as you scour some mold spores are likely to become airborne. When they do they’ll have a short path to your lungs. Not good, unless you like respiratory problems. Second, do you know how long it will take to scour your entire patio or driveway with a scrubbing brush? Let’s just say we hope you have knees of iron. Finally, it is likely that you will miss some of the mold. As you get into your 4th, 5th and 6th hours of scrubbing you’re bound to lose power and do a less thorough job. That’s just reality.
Thankfully, there is an easier, better way to get rid of mold on your Massapequa property.
The Right Way to Eliminate Mold: Professional Power Washing
Power washing is the simplest, most effective way to eliminate mold (as well as years of dirt and grime) from outdoor surfaces. The power wash works by blasting the surface with a high pressure stream of water, instantly removing mold and any other substances that have accumulated there. Not only will a power wash eliminate the mold, it will also eliminate the microscopic food sources the mold was feeding on thereby reducing the chance the mold will return any time soon.
Those food sources take the form of leaves, seeds, grass cuttings, flower petals and more that accumulate on the ground over time. As they break down they release nutrients that mold and mildew feed on. So it is important that you not only eliminate the mold but the attending organic debris as well. A professional power wash is the best way to do that.
How Pressure Washing Works on Mold
The power wash is one of the most revolutionary cleaning methods to come along in centuries. The pressure of the water being applied to a given surface can be fine-tuned in order to ensure a near clinical level of cleanliness without causing damage to the surface being cleaned. It’s possible to power wash the house and all the surrounding hard surfaces. A power wash is also fast, taking just a fraction of the time it would take you to scrub the driveway or patio by hand. And it’s environmentally friendly because it won’t produce bleach-filled runoff fouling the local drainage system.
Homeowners are sometimes tempted to take matters into their own hands and rent a power washer. This often proves to be a mistake. If the power washer is adjusted to the wrong setting or wielded improperly it could cause damage to vulnerable surfaces. It is best to leave the power wash to the pros at Majestic who have been rigorously trained and have years of experience.
How to Prevent Mold With Concrete Washing
Once your patio, walkways, driveway or other outdoor surface have been power washed it’s in your interest to take steps to prevent mold and mildew from returning. Because mold thrives in a continually moist environment it’s important to eliminate areas of standing water. Driveways and walkways are typically slanted in a way that promotes runoff. Still, depressions can develop over time where water accumulates. Either have these areas fixed or make a point to sweep away standing water when you see it. You will need to keep an even closer eye on patios because they are normally level.
Downspouts are sometimes to blame for water accumulating where it shouldn’t. Over time downspouts can develop leaks, or they can be turned the wrong way if they are accidentally hit with a bicycle or lawn mower or someone’s foot. Make sure all your downspouts are pointing in the right direction so that water from the roof drains away effectively.
If you want to prevent mold from establishing a foothold on your outdoor surfaces it is also important to starve it of the food it needs to thrive. Make sure you remove leaves from patios, walkways, and the driveway during the fall. The same goes for grass cuttings during the summer. After storms leaves, twigs, dirt, and other airborne debris can settle on hard outdoor surfaces. Make sure this detritus is cleared away before it rots and creates a mold buffet.
Call Majestic for Power Washing in Oyster Bay and Beyond
There is no need to conduct a Google search for “power washing near me.” All you need to do is call Majestic at (631) 421-2295 and schedule a cleaning. We have years of experience helping residential and commercial customers keep their properties looking their best year-round and we can do the same for you. If you notice mold growing on your driveway, patio, walkways, foundation or elsewhere Majestic is the company to call.