Mold on vinyl siding will give your house a dirty, aged appearance.
Mold thrives in wet, shaded conditions and will spread rapidly if
left uncleaned. The good news is that mold is easy to remove using
some tools and the right approach. Clean siding not only beautifies
your house but also extends the lifespan of your siding.
Why Mold Grows on Vinyl Siding
Mold requires water to thrive. Rain, melting snow, or shady spots
on your house in Calgary can keep some of your siding wet. Mold
thrives in these situations. It tends to develop on the north or
east side of a house where sunlight doesn’t evaporate the siding. Dirt,
dust, and sap from trees can also provide a foothold for mold to grow
and develop more quickly.
Signs of Mold on Siding
Mold may appear as black, green, or brown discolorations. It may
cover small areas or big chunks of your siding. In some cases, it’s
blended with mildew or algae. You’ll see it most in shaded spots,
gutters, under decks, or behind bushes. When you notice any fuzzy or
dark stains, it’s time to clean.
What You’ll Need to Clean Mold
To remove mold from vinyl siding, there is no need for special
equipment. You will need a garden hose or pressure washer
(set on low), a long-handled brush or a soft cloth, a bucket of
cleaning solution, gloves and safety goggles
Simple cleaning solution:
1-gallon water, 1/3 cup household detergent or dish soap, 2/3 cup white vinegar.
If the mold is thick, you may also incorporate a little bleach
but test it on a small area first to prevent damage or discoloration.
Step-by-Step Guide to Remove Mold
Rinse the siding with water
Begin by spraying the area with a hose to loosen dirt and penetrate the mould.
Use the cleaning solution
Use a brush or sponge to apply your cleaning mix to the moldy
areas. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes so it can soak in.
Scrub gently
Use your brush to scrub the mold away. Be careful not to scratch
the vinyl surface. Work from the bottom up to avoid streaks.
Rinse well
Spray the siding again with clean water to wash away the mould and soap.
Let it dry
Let the siding air-dry completely. Come back later and check to see
if there is still mold there. You might need to do it again for really tough spots.
How to Keep Mold from Returning
After you clean your siding, it’s a good idea to prevent mould
from coming back. Trim bushes and trees to allow more sunlight
to hit your siding.
Repair leaky downspouts for gutters that allow water to drip onto
the wall. Clean your siding once or twice a year to remove dirt and buildup.
Improve airflow around your home’s exterior by clearing clutter or stored items.
When to Call a Professional
If the mold continues to return or is prevalent over large sections,
it may be time to bring in the professionals. At Straight Path
Construction, we assist homeowners in Calgary with keeping their
vinyl siding clean and in excellent condition. We also inspect for
underlying moisture issues that can cause mold to grow within your walls.
Final Thought
Vinyl siding mold is a widespread phenomenon, particularly in
dark or wet locations. But by keeping your siding clean regularly,
you can maintain the look of your siding and secure your house.
Use a harmless cleaning solution, clean gently, and rinse thoroughly.
If your problem is too large, don’t panic, Straight Path Construction
is here to assist you.
Call to Action
Struggling with mold on your vinyl siding? Contact Straight Path
Construction today or visit our website We provide top-notch
siding cleaning and repairs for Calgary residents who need their houses
to be in the best possible shape.
