How to Keep Exteriors of Homes Mold Free
By: Jess Walter
Mold and mildew are not only found in interiors of homes, they are also present on the exterior walls, patios, pathways and driveways. Mold from the outside may find their way inside homes through wind, open windows, doors and ventilation systems. They can also attach themselves on pets, shoes and clothes that will be brought indoors. Therefore, it is important to keep the exterior spotless, mold free and clean of mildew and algae.
Health Effects of Mold
The presence of molds in the air may or may not have an enormous health impact on people. Some are not affected by it at all while others are incredibly sensitive to it. In fact, there is enough evidence to suggest that mold exposure inside homes is connected to upper respiratory tract symptoms such as coughing and wheezing among people who are considered healthy and those who have asthma. In children, indoor mold exposure is linked to skin conditions and respiratory illnesses. Other studies suggest that exposure to molds may increase the susceptibility of children to develop asthma (Institute of Medicine, 2004).
Getting Rid of Mold
There are several ways to get rid of mold in the exterior of homes making the mold free. You can clean roof gutters of leaves, twigs and other materials that may block proper drainage of water. Scrub afterwards with a solution of bleach and water to kill spores. Natural cleaning solutions can also be used such as vinegar and tea tree oil.
If mold is present on walls, use a hot pressure washer to remove those black or green spots. Hot pressure washers such as the Zeta 100 are great cleaning tools that blast dirt from surfaces with little effort on your part, saving you time and money, making for a mold free exterior. Make sure to thoroughly clean and dry the area first before painting after pressure washing and add a mold inhibitor to paints to prevent/control their growth.
On driveways, steps, stairs and pathways, you can also use a pressure washer to get rid of molds, moss and mildew that invade surfaces and make them slippery and dangerous in addition to the health hazards.
The art of soft washing is also a great alternative to pressure washing or power washing to remove mold, mildew and other microorganisms from the outside of our homes. Learn more about soft wash systems here.
Controlling Mold
Mold is a moisture problem and the primary reason that they thrive on surfaces. Hence, it is vital to keep outdoor areas clean and dry as much as possible. Clean up debris that may gather on gutters, grout or pavements. Repair leaks on the roof and drainage. Check for plumbing leaks to ensure that exterior faucets are not contributing to outdoor moisture. Keep heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems clean and free from obstruction to avoid transporting mold spores inside homes from outside. Also, carry out minor repairs on tiles and wood that may be affected by mold. With regular maintenance and proper cleaning, your home can be free of structural problems that may be caused by mold invasions keeping your property investment safe. The best benefit is a mold-free environment is a safe and healthy place to live for everyone.