Vinyl siding offers a clean appearance to the exterior of your home and is an affordable solution for exterior siding. However, one of the potential downsides to vinyl siding is that it is vulnerable to mold growth without proper maintenance. This review discusses seven effective ways to prevent mold on vinyl siding and allows you to get the most out of your exterior siding without needing extensive repairs or replacement.
7 Tips For Mold Prevention On Vinyl Siding
You can reduce the risk of mold on your home’s vinyl siding by allowing natural light to penetrate the siding, removing vines and moss that can grow on your home’s siding, reducing water exposure, maintaining your gutters and inspecting your siding regularly.
If mold begins to grow, then you should clean the siding as soon as possible with a mold-resistant cleaner. Regular inspections and professional cleanings are also important to maintain the quality of your home’s vinyl siding.
Trim Trees & Shrubs To Allow For More Natural Light
Sunlight is the most natural way to prevent mold from growing. This is because mold tends to grow in darker areas. If your home’s vinyl siding is covered by trees and shrubs, then it can increase the risk of mold growth.
By trimming your trees and shrubs before the spring and summer months, you can allow more sunlight to reach your home’s siding and subsequently keep your vinyl siding in the ideal condition through mold prevention.
Remove Vines & Moss On Your Home’s Vinyl Siding
Vines and moss that grow around or on your home’s vinyl siding can also increase the risk of mold growth. Many homeowners leave the vines around their home’s exterior due to the rustic appeal that it can create.
However, it is important to understand the risks of doing so as it pertains to mold growth. While removing vines and moss is the best way to prevent mold, it is important to provide extra care to your home’s siding if you choose to leave any vines. This should include regular inspections and annual professional cleanings of your home’s exterior.
Make Sure Sprinklers Are Not Hitting Your Siding
One common contributing factor to mold on vinyl siding is water. This can be the result of heavy rainfall, but it more commonly can result from repeated exposure to sprinklers from landscaping efforts. Subsequently, it is important to make sure sprinklers are not hitting the side of your home. Remember, mold is less likely to grow in dry areas that receive sunlight, whereas dark, wet areas often encourage mold growth on vinyl siding.
Keep Your Gutters Well Maintained
Water damage is more likely to occur if you do not keep your gutters properly cleaned throughout the year. In addition, clogged gutters can increase the risk of other exterior concerns, such as flooding around your home’s foundation. By cleaning your gutters, you can adequately keep your vinyl side dry and prevent wet siding that is conducive to the ideal environment for mold growth.
Inspect Your Home’s Siding Regularly
Preventing your vinyl siding from getting wet and allowing it to receive adequate sunlight are great preventive strategies. However, mold can still grow over time. It is important to inspect your home’s siding regularly for any early signs of mold growth. If vinyl begins to change color or grows mold, then it is important to treat the concern as soon as possible to prevent the issue from worsening or lingering for longer than necessary.
Use A Mold-Resistant Cleaner
Regular cleanings can help prevent mold growth on your vinyl siding. However, if mold does begin to develop, then you may need a special cleaner.
Be sure to choose a mold-resistant cleaner that can prevent and kill mold on your vinyl siding. Be sure to thoroughly rinse your vinyl siding after each cleaning and ensure that it has an opportunity to dry properly, which is ideally via sunlight exposure.
Schedule Regular Siding Inspections & Professional Cleanings
Regular siding inspections and professional maintenance for your vinyl siding can reduce the risk of mold growth. It is encouraged to schedule annual exterior inspections, during which the professionals can check for any early signs of mold growth and other issues that may develop over time. They can also explain the benefits of possibly replacing outdated or damaged vinyl siding and help you keep your home’s curb appeal looking great.
Reach Out To Experienced Northern VA Siding Contractors
If you would like to learn more about preventing mold growth on vinyl siding or how to restore the appearance of your home’s siding after mold develops, then contact our experienced team of Northern Virginia siding contractors at Adelphia Exteriors today. We can schedule a convenient time for an exterior inspection and help you make informed decisions about the best way to maintain or upgrade the siding of your home. Reach out by calling (703) 386-7357 or contact us online.