Hydra Pressure Washing LLC

We really put the pressure on dirt by turning up the heat.

Tag: mold removal

Identifying Stains on Your Siding

Getting stains on your home’s siding is very common, especially without consistent maintenance. Some stains are easily dealt with through a simple wash and others may require much more effort and maintenance. There are different types of stains that find their way onto your siding and in this month’s blog, we will help you identify them and recommend ways on how to deal with them.

Dirt

Dirt is the most basic and common stain that you will find on your siding. This is often due to the elements, such as rain and strong storms that blow loose dirt and mud onto the side of your home. Any landscaping or construction activities can also knock up dirt onto your siding. However, dirt is the least of your concerns and can easily be washed with a garden hose or through a light scrubbing. If there is a more stubborn dirt build up, a quick professional power wash is an effective way to clean your siding. It’s important to prevent build up by setting up a routine cleaning or else it can serve as the basis for algae and even mold or mildew growth.

Algae

Algae is another common stain that you may find on your siding. It is identified by its green color and its origin may vary from region to region. Usually, it’s due to being in close proximity to a body of water and in humid climates. It is known to spread through air-borne spores. Algae also tends to form on the side of your home that receives the least sunlight. Dark and damp conditions allow it to form more easily and quickly. If ignored and left untreated, more dirt can make its way onto your siding, therefore allowing the algae to expand its coverage. To remove the algae, we recommend using a soft washing method – an alternative to power washing that uses a lower powered setting but with the same cleaning agents. Regardless, it’s best to rely on professional services for the safety of your siding and to ensure it is not damaged.

Mold and Mildew

Mold and mildew is the worst offender and if you see these on your home’s siding, we recommend seeking professional cleaning services as soon as possible. Mold is identified by its green or black color and mildew can be white, gray, or yellow in color. Similar to algae, they tend to form in areas that receive little to no sunlight and also feed off of dirt, allowing it to further encroach on your siding. Mold and mildew should be dealt with urgency due to the health risks that you can be exposed to. Enlisting professional services is the best and safest solution to rid your home of these hazards!

Conclusion

If dirt, algae, mold, or mildew is spoiling your home’s exterior or interior, you can rely on Hydra Pressure Washing LLC. We provide efficient and effective cleaning services that relieve homeowners of their stress. Our professional power washers will give your home the care and cleanliness it deserves. Don’t wait for your home to be damaged! Act now and make an appointment with us at (410) 360-7887 or visit our website for more information about our services.

Most Asked Questions About Pressure Washing

If you are unfamiliar with the process of pressure washing, then you might have some questions. You may not know, but there are specific ways to pressure wash windows, concrete, and more. Obviously, you want your surface to be clean but not risk the possibility of it being damaged, which is why professionals are hired to do the job. Follow along in our blog as we discuss the most asked questions about pressure washing.

Will Pressure Washing Damage My Concrete?

Concrete is a commonly washed surface because of the need to be cleaned from dirt, debris, and other buildup. There is the chance that your concrete can be damaged, only if the pressure washer is held too close. The high-powered water can create etching on the concrete and is generally not repairable. However, with the correct settings and surface cleaner, you can get the results you want.

Will Pressure Washing Remove Mold?

The short answer is yes. Pressure washing can remove mold from surfaces such as roofing and concrete. This is possible with the combination of a water and bleach solution. With this mixture being distributed by the pressure washer, any mold or mildew can be effectively killed and prevent further growth from happening. With this process, your exterior surfaces can be thoroughly washed, as the solution permeates even the tiniest cracks and crevices.

How Long Will Pressure Washing Last?

It’s recommended to have a pressure washing service done every year. This is to keep up with regular maintenance with your property and ensure all surfaces are looking good. Some surfaces may need more cleaning than others, like your vinyl siding. If you’re unsure if your home needs a pressure washing, call a professional to check.

Which Company Should You Hire?

Hydra Pressure Washing LLC is a premier pressure washing company in Pasadena, MD that has been serving the community for over 20 years. Our cleaning specialists know exactly what your home needs to stay clean and keep your loved ones safe. Call us to schedule a professional service and watch your home transform with a pressure wash!

Mold, Or Not to Mold

Pressure-washing a colony of mold off of your fence may seem like an inconsequential act. It’s easy to scoff at the idea that such pathetic-looking and small organisms can be threatening. Well, if these thoughts are constantly nagging you and tempting you to forego that cleanup, this is the blogpost for you.

A close-up of Aspergillus.

Deadly maladies

It’s not for nothing that plague-spreading fungi make for compelling fiction. Although some people have abnormally strong immune systems, anyone in a fatigued, vulnerable state can easily fall prey to the effects of deadly mold. According to the CDC, exposure to moldy environments can cause many to suffer painful reactions. Those who are immune-compromised or have chronic lung conditions can get fatal infections. Some of these reactions include: Nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, throat irritation, wheezing, coughing, skin irritation, and allergies.

I have mold. Now what?

Promptly dealing with mold can take the form of power-washing, especially when the mold in question is unusually tenacious. For areas that cannot handle being power-washed, thorough cleaning may be the way to go. Hard surfaces with mold can be treated with various commercial products as well as a combination of soap and water. Go ahead: Concoct a bleach solution with 1 cup of household laundry bleach and 1 gallon of water. Banish that fungus into oblivion!

I want to ward off mold.

Detecting mold can range from easy to difficult. If there’s a lot of mold growth, the smell would be sharp and immediately noticeable. If the mold is just starting to form in the shadows, a cursory inspection might not do. Make sure to ventilate the moist areas of your home and enlist a professional for help. Gloves and protective eye wear are a must when looking out for those dangerous spores; they do not tend to announce themselves when they clutch onto your hands.

Conclusion

Microscopic spores released from mildew are often undetectable to the naked eye, but they are not undefeatable. Instead of scrubbing all day long at the fungal growth, tell Hydra Pressure Washing LLC about it. Watch the invasive colonies be destroyed and your home be restored to the former haven it once was!

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!

Why You Should Work With a Professional Pressure Washer

In a previous post, we highlighted some useful tips for those interested in working with a professional pressure washing service. However, many may find themselves asking, “Why hire a team when I can wash my property on my own?” After all, all of the necessary equipment can easily be rented so there’s no stopping the adamant do-it-yourselfer from rolling up their sleeves and getting to work!

While the sentiment of wanting to work on one’s own property is admirable, we’re here to explain why it might not be the smartest option available to you. Read on for a few reasons we feel a pressure washing should be left to the professionals and make an educated decision before that next spring cleaning.

No Collateral Damage

Pressure washers, while available to the public through renting, require an experienced hand to operate well. From the amount of pressure and chemicals used to the time taken to clean each fixture of the home, a pressure washing involves a number of variables the washer needs to keep in mind. Simply washing for too long or using an overly powerful cleaning solution can actually strip away layers of your home, making it prone to quicker degradation after the wash has concluded.

Needless to say, a professional pressure washer is more than experienced in properly washing houses, siding, decks, and more and can put that experience to work towards a beautiful clean worthy of your home!

No Environmental Damage

Like we mentioned before, pressure washing involves stripping away dangerous pollutants such as mold and mildew. While this may be great for your home, it could spell disaster for the surrounding neighborhood if performed by unskilled hands. A strong pressure washing can strip away those toxins and spread them to nearby water sources and homes. A clean home is no excuse to endanger yourself or those around you. A professional pressure washing team can ensure a pristine home doesn’t come at that hefty of a cost.

A Guaranteed Clean

Finally, a pressure cleaning performed by an expert is simply the best bang for your buck you could afford! If you’re already paying the rental fees for a pressure washing machine, the last thing you want is for your home to still be littered in mold, dust, and grime. Working with a professional team ensures you don’t eat the cost of renting a machine, realizing it didn’t work out as planned, and THEN hiring an expert.

Conclusion

Self-reliance and ingenuity are beautiful qualities but each has their place and time. When the time comes to clean your home with a pressure or power washing, it helps to be able to reach out to the pros who can save you time, stress, injury, and money!