Vinyl siding
can become plagued by unsightly mold when conditions are right. Dark, damp and warm areas tend to be the most likely places for mold proliferation. Since mold tends to grow rapidly, removing existing mold and preventing the future recurrence of it go hand in hand. Prevention of mold on an exterior surface amounts to eliminating the conditions that promote the growth of the mold. Since temperature and light are difficult to control on a home's exterior, it's best to try to control moisture. Does this Spark an idea?
Install Moisture Barriers
Install a moisture barrier to keep mold from forming on or behind your vinyl siding. Several moisture barriers are available for use behind vinyl siding or for use behind interior tile surfaces to reduce the amount of moisture and prevent the formation of mold. Apply a house wrap, such as GreenGuard RainDrop, or a liquid application with adhesive joint treatments, such as Sto Guard, to prevent mold from growing, according to RemodelingToolbox.com. A house wrap works by allowing water to drain down specially designed channels on exterior walls. The water that manages to penetrate the siding will come in contact with the barrier and the water will quickly move to ground level. Apply liquid treatments, such as Sto Guard, underneath vinyl siding to reduce the risk of moisture build up that causes decay and mold.
Remove Existing Mold
If you have a barrier in place to keep the structure safe from mold infiltration, then remove any mold that you see growing on the outer surface. Cleaning off this mold will only get rid of the mold you can see, so remove the vinyl and clean the siding thoroughly. Use Borax laundry detergent and water to clean all sides of the vinyl siding before replacing them. This detergent naturally destroys mold and will discourage future growth, according to MoldInspector.com. Borax is available at any store where you buy laundry and cleaning supplies.
Mold Health Hazards
A mold-free home is a healthier home. Mold spores have been linked to incidents of asthma, allergies, infections, upper respiratory problems, throat pain, sinus congestion, eye and nose irritation and negative effects on the nervous system, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Infants, children and the elderly are at the highest risk for mold-related illness. People with immune system problems, respiratory problems and pregnant women should also stay away from moldy areas.
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