About Vinyl Siding & Mildew

Vinyl siding is a popular way to transform an ill fading house into a new beauty by giving it a face lift with easy to care for vinyl siding. Most new homes being built are covered in vinyl siding. Vinyl siding is virtually care free aside of the fact it can accumulate patches of mildew in areas where there is minimal sunlight and moisture is trapped within the surface of the siding.

Benefits

Vinyl siding can be found on homes and businesses in any location around the world. When mold and mildew become trapped on or underneath vinyl siding the solution can be easily rectified by power washing the siding with hot soap and water as well as a mild bleach solution. Vinyl siding is more beneficial than wood or aluminum because it is easy to clean and replace if there is damage to a piece or section of siding.

Identification

Mildew on vinyl siding can be identified by being a white or grey powder with specks of black. Mildew patterns can be sporadic and mainly appear in areas that are covered by brush or tree branches where sunlight cannot reach. Areas of the structure that receive a lot of added moisture such as those near a heat or dryer vent are more likely to receive mildew infestations. Mildew looks as though it will dust right off with a cloth or towel when in fact it only smears the residue into the siding further and stains the surface causing discoloration. Getting up close and smelling the mildew will result in a moldy, foul odor. This is another way to identify that it is mildew that has formed on the siding.

Time Frame

Mildew can begin to form on vinyl siding in as little as three days from installation. Most mildew begins to form in the spring months when ice and snow begin to thaw out around the home. Spring months also bring about a lot of rain and added moisture causing mildew to begin to form behind the siding and work its way to the outside of the home where it is visible to the eye. Cleaning the siding and ridding it of mildew can be time consuming because the bleach cleaning solution should be allowed to sit for thirty minutes, then scrubbed and then power washed off or rinsed with a garden hose. Mildew can reappear as early as a month after a bleach treatment, so a monthly power washing is recommended to deter additional mildew buildup.

Considerations

In order to prevent the growth of mold and mildew on vinyl siding, one should consider installing proper ventilation in the home or structure to allow trapped moisture and steam to be released into the air. Having the structure well insulated with blown in insulation before new siding is installed will also keep moisture away and aid in preventing mildew growth. Proper drainage such as gutters and eavestroughs being installed on the home and directing water away from the foundation will also help keep mildew away. Purchasing vinyl siding that is mildew resistant will help inhibit mildew and mild growth and make the exterior care of the home hassle free.

Effects

Mildew that has covered vinyl siding not only affects the appearance of a home or structure it can also be harmful to humans and pets. If left untreated it can begin to promote mold growth which can infect lungs and the respiratory system causing distress, disease and in some cases death. Cleaning the siding or replacing mildew infested portions of vinyl will result in a healthier, better looking home.