Your home’s siding plays a key role in your overall curb appeal. When your siding is clean and in good condition, it significantly improves the appearance of your property. However, as the first line of defense against inclement weather conditions, it doesn’t take much for your siding to begin looking a little dingier than it once did.
In the summer and early fall months, it isn’t uncommon for homeowners to notice a green buildup on their siding. While some debris can be easily removed with a garden hose, this debris is much more stubborn. You may find yourself considering pressure washing, but will this be enough to remove this unattractive buildup?
In this blog, we’ll discuss what causes this buildup, how pressure washing allows for comprehensive removal, and why it’s best to rely on the professionals for this service.
What Causes Green Buildup on House Siding?
The first step in addressing green buildup on your home’s siding is determining what the buildup is. This green buildup typically consists of a combination of algae, mold, mildew, and moss. It is most commonly found on sides of your home that are exposed to shade, more specifically the north or east side of your home that receives far less direct sunlight.
With a lack of direct sunlight, things like morning dew and rainwater take longer to dry. Additionally, you may notice this buildup in areas where trees, shrubs, and bushes have grown too close to your home. This can block airflow, create shade, and drop leaves, making it the ideal place for algae, mold, mildew, and moss to grow.
Finally, if it has been a while since you’ve cleaned your siding or gutters, organic debris buildup, like dirt, dust, and pollen, can contribute to this buildup. Algae specifically feeds on this grime, while moisture exposure from clogged gutters creates a damp, humid environment, perfect for feeding mold spores.
Can Pressure Washing Remove Algae, Mold, and Mildew from Siding?
If you’ve already pulled out your garden hose in an attempt to address green buildup, you may have found that it doesn’t yield the results you’re hoping for. In fact, this buildup requires a much more intensive removal process than your garden hose provides. But is pressure washing the right approach to removing this buildup?
When performed by an experienced professional, pressure washing is a great way to remove green buildup on your siding. However, pressure washing alone isn’t going to prevent long-term buildup problems. Instead, pressure washing paired with the appropriate chemical treatments and cleaning agents are the ideal solution.
An experienced cleaning team will use the appropriate cleaning solutions, pressure settings, and technique to remove this green buildup. Without this understanding of how to address the buildup, you may find that your siding doesn’t look quite as clean as you’d hoped when the water dries and the results are revealed.
Is Pressure Washing Safe for Vinyl, Wood, and Fiber Cement Siding?
While you might be interested in pressure washing your siding, you may worry that your siding material will fracture under the pressure of the device. Thankfully, all vinyl, wood, and fiber cement siding is safe from potential damage during the cleaning, as long as the pressure washing device is used properly.
Excessive pressure can strip paint, dent metal, create divots in wood, and force water beneath the panels. Over time, this can increase your risk of mold growth and rot beneath the siding. Thankfully, with soft washing, this isn’t a concern. This gentler approach to cleaning breaks down grime and mildew without compromising your siding.
If you want to ensure the safety of your siding, it is always in your best interest to partner with a trained and experienced exterior cleaning team. With their experience, training, professional tools, and insurance coverage, you can trust that your home is being adequately protected throughout the cleaning process.
Why Professional Pressure Washing Delivers Better Results
It can be incredibly tempting to purchase a pressure washing device to remove green buildup on your home on your own. However, this can have devastating consequences. Many homeowners who attempt DIY pressure washing may find themselves dealing with subpar cleaning results, damage to their home, and personal injuries.
Instead of attempting a DIY cleaning, it is always best to rely on the professionals for these cleanings. When you turn to the professionals for the removal of green buildup on your home, you can trust them to deliver exceptional results. They have access to the highest quality cleaning solutions, designed to remove debris and eliminate mold spores.
Not only will their cleaning address the immediate green buildup, but it can help you avoid repeat growths. Additionally, with their training, you can trust that there will be no damage done to your windows, doors, walkways, decks, or fences. Ultimately, if you want to protect your home from major damage, professional cleaning is the best investment you can make.
How Often Should You Pressure Wash Your Home to Prevent Buildup?
If you want to ensure you’re keeping your home looking its best and avoiding frequent green buildup, you want to schedule regular pressure washing appointments. But how often should you be scheduling? How frequently your team needs to come out will vary based on local climate, foliage, and siding type.
Most homeowners will benefit from once yearly professional cleanings. While scheduling pressure washing, it may also be a good idea to schedule gutter and concrete cleaning to remove all of the debris on your home. If you notice more frequent debris buildup, your team can always schedule twice-yearly cleanings.
If you’re unsure what is best for your home, don’t hesitate to turn to your pressure washing team for expert advice. They can assess the existing debris buildup on your home, listen to your concerns about your home’s curb appeal, and help you establish a cleaning schedule unique to your property.
Turn to Cardinal Pressure Washing for Pressure Washing Today
Whether you’re dealing with green buildup on your siding, grease spots on your driveway, or stains from foot traffic on your walkways, decks, and more, our Cardinal Pressure Washing team is here to help. With our commitment to quality cleaning, you can rest assured that your home will look better than you ever imagined. From pressure washing to gutter cleaning, window cleaning, and more, we’re dedicated to helping your property look its best, from top to bottom.
If you would like to schedule an appointment with our team for expert exterior cleaning, don’t contact us today.