Why Should I Wash My House? Why Bother?

That's a fair question. Sure, there may be a little mold and algae on the siding, but so long as it isn't growing inside the fridge, what's the big deal?

How's the Weather?

If you're here in the St. Louis area with us, you know the humid summers all too well. It's swamp-like. Stepping outside to grab the morning paper in mid-July feels like you've taken a second shower, this time with your clothes on. Step back inside, crank the AC, and pray the electric company forgets to mail the bill this month.

This sort of climate is ideal for algae, less so for you.

Cherry on top? Ameren didn't forget.

So, you've done your best to avoid the heat, the grass is a little long (again), but you'll get around to it eventually. Maybe when it cools off in the evening. The algae is back too, though. And the siding is taking on that distinct green hue. "We should have gone with green siding," you think. "Like a patterned hotel lobby carpet, what you can't see won't hurt."

Okay, sure, perhaps a little extreme. But the damage algae can cause to your siding? That's extreme.

Algae is Destructive

Although unsightly, it may seem harmless enough.

Not the case.

Algae can cause you thousands of dollars in damage if left to run its course. But, how so, you might ask? It washes off easily enough! And while that is true, it's only true if regularly treated and cleaned off the afflicted surface. If left to its own accord, this ugly stuff will absolutely stain your siding.

Ever wondered why those older homes with painted wooden siding or blotchy, greenish-spotted vinyl looked that way? There's your culprit.

As algae is allowed to grow and spread across your home's siding year after year, you run the risk of permanently damaging the vinyl or paint job, lowering your home's value and setting yourself up for costly future repairs. When it comes to saving your money, it's best to bite the bullet and take care of the algae problem right here and now.

But, I must be clear here: algal growth is not of structural concern to your property. You need not be concerned about catastrophic damage to your house itself because the algae got out of hand over the years. Catastrophic damage to your wallet, however? If you need to reside the house, your pocketbook will feel it.

Let Orange Power Wash take care of that runaway algae growth on your siding before it becomes a headache.

You know, speaking of headaches...

If Algae is Destructive, How Bad is Mildew?

In short, it's worse. Much worse. Let me explain.

We just talked about algae being catastrophic to your wallet. Mold growth on your siding is exponentially worse. This stuff can affect much more than the curb appeal of your home. We're talking potential for serious structural damage now, and don't forget the numerous health hazards that come along with it.

The black gunk we're used to seeing on our siding is typically mildew, a prolific fungus found all across the planet. Mildew favors a cocktail of nasty conditions: dark, damp, and cool. It's why you'll find this mold in your basement, and with respect to the exterior sides of your home, you'll most often find it growing on the North and West faces of the house. Additionally, you may notice mildew growth behind tree leaves or shrubs that have grown too close to the siding, granting an additional layer of protection from sunlight which would ordinarily stave off any unsightly mold growth.

Mildew, if left untreated, just like algae, will do a number on your siding, whether it be wood or vinyl. But unlike algae, mold can chew clean through the paint on your house and then straight into the wood, destroying your siding by holding moisture, promoting further deterioration. If it manages to get to the structural supports of your home, you will have a serious problem needing immediate attention.

One last point to consider, and that's the health aspect of rampant mildew growth around the house. Headaches, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, you name it - if you suffer from asthma, this is an even greater concern. Perhaps you haven't noticed it growing in the house, in the basement, around the windows, or in the pantry, but the tens of millions of mold spores floating around the house from the growth on your siding can still make their way inside.

Fortunately, We do have a handy seasonal defense against mildew: winter.

Phew, we're safe! Right?

Well, no. There's a catch.

While our frigid temperatures will force mildew into dormancy for a few months, the moment you kick on the heater, mold spores which have settled in your air ducts will begin circulating through the house.

We've established that mold is bad news at this point, so how do we keep it off the house in the first place? Unfortunately, there aren't any proven preventatives against mildew growth on your home, so your best bet is a regular cleaning, once every year or two depending on your situation. For example, if you live close to a tree line or notice a lot of dust in the air, you should expect to need a house wash annually, even if you see no mold growth. If your particular area is relatively clean and free of dense foliage, every two years might suffice. Still, the goal is to regularly wash off the dirt and grime which naturally settles on your house before mold spores can take to it.

A mold infestation isn't something you want to let get out of hand, nor is it something you should ignore and put off for later. It's relentless stuff, but there is an answer, and we can help.

Orange Power Wash has the gentle, eco-friendly solution to killing mold and algae from your entire home's exterior, helping to ensure a cleaner, safer home. Let us give you a hand!

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