Dealing with Mold on Vinyl Siding

Vinyl siding has many excellent qualities; it is lightweight and easy to install, requires little in the way of maintenance, and is inexpensive in comparison to many other siding materials. While vinyl is a low-maintenance material, it does sometimes have the propensity to harbor mold, especially in geographical regions with higher levels of relative humidity. Regular inspection and attention to any spots of mold on vinyl siding can quickly solve this problem.

It's important to understand the dangers of letting mold grow unchecked. While many people think that mold is purely an aesthetic problem, the spores produced by the mold can cause harm to humans and pets if inhaled. Even though mold on vinyl siding is located outside the home, the spores can settle on the ground, where they might be tracked inside on shoes.

Liquid soap mixed with water makes a good basic cleaner with which to wash vinyl siding to keep the mold in check. A brush can be used to apply the soap and water to effectively clean the mold on vinyl siding; be sure that the brush is formulated for use on vinyl so that it doesn't leave unsightly scratch marks. Bleach added to water also makes a good mold cleaner. The key to keeping mold on vinyl siding in check is to wash the siding at regular intervals so that a small problem doesn't escalate into a large one.

When rinsing the siding after cleaning the mold on vinyl siding, take care not to spray the water in an upward direction, as this can force water into the seams and under the edges of the siding. If water enters these areas and becomes trapped, rot, mildew, and more mold can be the result.

Hardware stores and home improvement stores sell special anti-mold formulas that can be applied to help eliminate mold on vinyl siding; these products are specially formulated to block the growth of mold organisms on your house siding and can provide longer-lasting protection than either soap and water or bleach and water. Read instructions carefully before use, as these are strong products that can be dangerous if used improperly.

With regular inspection and upkeep, mold on vinyl siding can easily be eliminated so that the siding looks like new for many years.