For most of us, our home is the most significant investment we will ever make. Understandably, you would take pride in your investment and want your house to have a certain amount of curb appeal. As such, green algae is the last thing you want to see on your vinyl siding. Not only is algae a pain to remove, but it can also stain, and unfortunately, it can be harmful to those who have allergies. Pressure washing is an excellent solution as it can significantly remove dust, mold, and bacteria.
What Causes Green Algae To Grow?
The primary cause of algae growth is water. Areas of high humidity and excess rain produce ideal conditions for algae growth. Even more, algae can grow if your home is in a shady spot and isn’t regularly exposed to sunlight. Dense vegetation or vine growth can also contribute to a favorable algae environment. Anything that can trap moisture or keep sunlight out can be problematic. Vines are additional culprits that can keep siding damp and cause cracks that will let water in. Algae and mold are also attracted to sugar, which can be found in tree sap, so if your property is near a tree that drops sap, it can attract algae growth as well.
Although any of these factors can contribute to algae growth, a combination will mean you must stay extra vigilant. Unfortunately, once algae has grown in an area, it’s common to return year after year if not properly treated.
How Do I Recognize Algae And Mold?
Algae is incredibly common, especially in warm, humid climates. Green algae is a photosynthetic organism that grows in moisture. Many people have seen it growing on tops of the water, such as in ponds or bird baths. Some forms of green algae are harmless, and others can generate unhealthy toxins.
Mildew often occurs in algae growth and commonly grows on plants and other damp organic materials. It is a fungus that can grow on even the tiniest bits of organic matter, which means it can be prevalent outdoors, where dead leaves and other organic matter are present.
How Can I Prevent and Treat Green Algae?
If you’ve noticed green algae growth on your siding, you’re probably ready to take the necessary steps to eliminate it. You can use a soft brush and oxygenated bleach or pressure wash to remove green algae. However, it’s important to remember that prevention will help prolong deep cleaning results. So it’s essential to keep the exterior of your house as dry as possible.
Some necessary steps you can take to maintain your results are to fix any leaky outdoor faucets and sprinklers and make sure they aren’t spraying your home. Next, remove any vines that have taken root against your siding. Additionally, prune limbs and bushes so they don’t press against your home or drop sap onto your siding. Finally, regularly clean your gutters and ensure they are diverting water away from your home and not overflowing and leaking down the side of your home.
Where Can I Go If I Want Professional Help?
Removing green algae can be a big chore, but the experts at Mr. Refurbisher are here to help! We have over 20 years of experience caring for homes, driveways, sidewalks, and patios. You can learn more about our process and pressure washing here. We’d love to help you restore the look of your home. Contact us today to learn more about our mobile pressure washing services!
