Hydra Pressure Washing LLC

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Tag: mold

The Differences Between Algae and Mold

It’s no secret that, without the proper care, your roof can be left susceptible to a number of harmful substances. And while, regardless of the contaminant, it’s imperative to have it removed for a healthy roof, knowing exactly what you’re dealing with can help you more quickly diagnose the issue and treat it effectively!

Keeping that in mind, algae and mold are two entirely different forms of roof contamination that require specialized treatment to remove. Not only will knowing how they differ help your power washing team more aptly provide a solution, it will also help prevent sickness and contamination of those living within your walls. If you find yourself interested in differentiating these different roof scourges, read on for a few key differences you can keep in mind when determining which alien substance has affected your home’s exterior.

Algae

Algae a commonly occurring moss-like substance that is especially prevalent in more humid climates. The green scourge is notorious for its ability to spread by way of air-borne spores and is noticeably more prevalent on shingles made of asphalt roofing materials. Fortunately for those who are worried their home has been sullied by this pesky plant, the good news is that algae doesn’t necessarily eat its way into your roof much like other contaminants would. This doesn’t change the fact, however, that the notorious black streaks and marks left by algae are an eyesore to any self-respecting homeowner.

Mold

Mold, on the other hand, is an entirely different beast altogether. While it’s not nearly as common as algae, if left untreated long enough, exposure to mold can quickly cause more than aesthetic harm in the form of health problems like asthma, lung infections, and even irritation of the eyes and nose.

One key factor that differentiates mold from algae is its tendency to break into the home and affect your interior. Mold is known for its ability to form in damp and poorly ventilated areas such as attics and basements before spreading to your roof, deck, and siding. If you notice black streaks inside of your home as opposed to strictly outside of it, odds are you’re dealing with mold and need a professional team to take a look fast!

Treatment

As far as prevention is concerned, there’ isn’t much you can do aside from regularly cleaning your roof or maybe investing in zinc strips to inhibit the spread of contaminants. Unfortunately, if you live in an especially humid area, even zinc strips won’t do much to slow the spread of mold or algae. All hope is not lost however! By reaching out to an experienced and professional team of pressure washers, even the deepest ingrained contaminants can be targeted and eradicated! Always be sure to do your homework and research who you’re working with however. The wrong team could actually end up spreading the contaminants and making the problem worse!

Conclusion

When it comes to the health of your roof or your home in general, preventative care simply can’t be beat. Always keep an eye out for red flag signs of both algae and mold such as black stripes across your roof and know what to expect when reaching out for proper care. Not only will you be securing your health and the health of those living in your home, you’ll also be making a significant investment in your home’s curb appeal and property value!

How to Prevent the Growth of Mold During Summer

So the time has finally arrived. We have passed the summer solstice and are now in the midst of warmer months. That means camping, trips to the beach, and soaking in those rays to give our skin that healthy glow we’ve been craving. But aside from making sure you wear plenty of sunscreen to protect your skin, there’s something else you should take great care in defending from the effects of a brighter sun – your home!

When you’re dealing with dark and damp areas, such as your basement or attic, this can become a haven to mold, one of the most dangerous types of contaminants. However, the best way to avoid the growth of mold spores is through proper air circulation!

Using Your Air Conditioner to Avoid Mold Growth

One of the best things you could do to avoid mold growth inside your home during these humid months is to keep the air conditioner on especially in an area that is typically dark. This type of closed environment is a perfect storm for mold spores to grow.

By simply having the air conditioner going for a bit, it will help to cool your home and remove any moisture while also circulating and filtering the air of any contaminants. As mold thrives when the humidity levels are at 70 degrees, you can set the thermostat on the air conditioner to the low 70s with the fan blowing to deal with this potential problem.

If you live in a particularly humid climate, you should at the very least keep any doors open between rooms (including closet doors), keep air ducts clean, and overall ensure all the areas of your home are properly ventilated. Also, open your windows during sunny days and move any furniture away from walls to improve the airflow in your home.

Conclusion

Of course, if you feel that the problem has become pronounced and you have been experiencing some of the side effects of mold (allergic responses, infections on those with impaired immune systems, other irritants), it is recommended that you get in touch with your primary physician to ensure there isn’t a health risk on you or your family.

You should also strongly consider hiring a professional to perform a home pressure washing service to treat the problem areas thoroughly. By taking the steps to properly ventilate your home, you won’t have to put up with the more dangerous risks associated with mold any longer!

The Effect of Mold and Mildew on Your Home

You may have heard at some point how damaging mold and mildew can be. Chances are you have seen the effects for yourself in person at some point in your life. But whereas many would see these two as simple fungi, there is a far greater risk at play.

The Dangers of Mold

Let’s talk about mold. When you think of mold, you typically think of blotchy food, fabric, or wood. This destructive organism can cause a lot of health concerns including eye irritation, respiratory problems, sneezing, rashes, fatigue, and other very harmful characteristics that can cause flu or allergy symptoms. Black mold is the worst of the bunch as it can lead to severe complications.

Bottom line – mold is an awful substance that needs to be eradicated early. A lot of lives well beneath the surface of the material it is affecting. In many ways, it can sneak up on you if you’re not careful. Sometimes the best way to find it is through the foul, pungent odor it emits.

The Risks with Mildew

Mildew, on the other hand, isn’t nearly as dangerous as other types of mold. You can usually find mildew in wet areas and it can be identified by a grayish-white appearance that can turn brown as it starts to grow.

The good news is, it’s typically a lot easier to clean since it lives only on the surface of a material. While mildew can cause the same allergic reactions as mold does, this is far less a threat in the grand scheme because it is easier to eliminate. On the other hand, it can be incredibly unsightly and can harm the curb appeal of your home.

Mold can be a serious concern especially if you’re in the process of building or renovating a home. As we said, mold loves moisture, so the best way to combat it is to make sure moisture stays far away from your house. Since mold can be invisible, this can be an extensive and labor-intensive process if you attempt to do this on your own.

Conclusion

The key to treating this fungus is by wiping it out of your home in its totality. Through the use of techniques including mold and mildew power washing, you can help keep you and your family free from the harmful effects these terrible fungus brothers can wreak. In moments like these, you can be far better off seeking professional help.

Do you have any questions or concerns regarding mold or mildew? Be sure to leave your thoughts in the comments below. We would love to hear from you!