When you own a home, it becomes your pride and joy. Not only do you want it to be comfortable to live in, but you want it to have major curb appeal too. That curb appeal is why you put so much effort into keeping your yard tidy and your siding clean.
It’s also why it can be so frustrating when you find algae growing on your nice siding.
Not only is it a nuisance that can permanently stain your vinyl siding if not removed promptly, but it can also be harmful to those with allergies. Obviously, neither of those outcomes is desirable.
While algae won’t permanently degrade your vinyl siding, if algae isn’t properly killed, then it can return over and over again. This is why cleaning it once it has already grown on your house won’t stop your root problem.
What you need is to prevent algae from growing on your house in the first place. Here are the tips you need to prevent algae from growing on your exterior siding.
What Causes Algae on Siding?
The number one cause of algae growth on siding is water.
Humidity and excessive rain are ideal conditions for algae growth. Those conditions get even better if your home is on a shady lot and does not regularly get direct sunlight that can dry your home off. Make sure to also keep your gutters clean and well maintained so that they aren’t leaking water down the side of your home.
Dense vegetation and vine growth are another major cause of algae growth. If you have bushes up against your home, they can trap moisture and keep air and sunlight out. Vines can also keep siding damp, and they can cause cracks that allow more moisture in.
Algae and mold also love sugar, so trees that drop sap on your home spell trouble. Any one of these factors would contribute to algae growth, but if you have a combination of any of them, then you need to be extra vigilant.
Algae Prevention
The good thing is that if you’re a responsible homeowner, you’re likely already taking the necessary steps to prevent algae growth.
Try to keep your home as dry as possible. Fix any leaky outdoor faucets and make sure sprinklers are not hitting your home. As we mentioned before, perform regular maintenance on your gutters.
Trim and prune trees and bushes to make sure they are not against your home. Remove any vines that have taken root, no matter how nice they may look.
Regularly inspect the outside of your home and look for cracks and other damage that can lead to moisture getting trapped in your siding.
Schedule a yearly soft wash of your home’s exterior. This is ideal for keeping your home clean and algae free.
What Next?
Now that you know how to prevent algae from growing on your home’s exterior, you’re likely ready to get that soft washing scheduled. Contact us today for a quote.
