Last time our experts spoke with you, it was about sun-bleached siding; how to avoid it, and the best ways to remedy it. And for some part, especially if your siding is old, you pretty much learned that some form of sun-bleaching is kind of inevitable. But today, we’d like to steer the topic to something a bit more insidious; but thankfully, also somewhat preventable.

Are you having trouble with mold and mildew growth in, on, or around your siding? Many homeowners do! But armed with the right bit of knowledge, this issue is one that can be handled with relative ease.

Need siding replacement in Maryland, DC, or Virginia? Contact the experts at Shanco today!

The Difference Between Mold and Mildew

Wondering what the difference between mold and mildew is, or if there even is one? Well there are! In fact, there are two: 

  • Firstly, in appearance. Mold is fuzzy, or wet and slimy looking, often found in green, bluish, or black colors. Mildew, on the other hand, is more like a clingy powder, and is usually pale grey or white. 
  • Secondly, the two differ in where they most commonly grow. Both can be found virtually anywhere, but mold prefers organic matter, whereas mildew can often be found on tile, paper, clothing, etc. When we’re talking about siding, you’ll more often find mildew on the exterior of your siding, and mold on the interior.

How Do I Prevent It Mold and Mildew from Growing on My Siding and Gutters?

We’ll skip the “why mold and mildew are bad” bit. They smell, they promote rot, and they both can spread like a gross, gunky looking wildfire. So how do you keep the fungi away? It comes down to cleanliness moisture control. To do this, you can:

  • Keep your siding in good condition. Is your siding showing cracks or damage? If so, we would highly recommend a siding replacement in Maryland! Cracks and holes give rain and humidity a place to retreat, and once they’ve settled into your siding, you’re going to have a mold problem; and fast! When your siding is damaged, get it replaced. Simple as that.
  • Maintain healthy gutters. A good gutter system diverts rainwater away from your home, placing it safely somewhere where it can't do your home any harm. It protects walls, foundations, your yard, and yes, your siding. Always keep your gutters in good shape! Be sure they’re clog-free, and fully functioning at all times to keep your siding safe.
  • Routinely clean and inspect your siding. Debris and dirt left on your siding gives mold and mildew spores something to cling to, leading to a full-on infestation. To prevent this, clear your siding and keep it clean as often as possible. We've created tip on how to clean your siding. Read about our James Hardie, vinyl siding, and wood siding cleaning tips! 

Superior Siding Replacement with Shanco

When your siding is looking old, worn out, or is showing signs of damage, you can always count on the experts at Shanco to bring you the best services possible! Our team offers the best siding replacement in Maryland, guaranteed!