Whether you’ve recently purchased a new home or have an older dwelling, keeping mildew at bay is an essential aspect of caring for your property. Because dampness can easily make its way inside, your best line of defense is caring for your home’s exterior. As a leading material choice for siding installation, vinyl has a natural resistance against moisture and water. Nonetheless, certain conditions can still create the perfect breeding grounds for persistent mildew. Discover how to proactively prevent this situation below.

The Homeowner’s Guide to Preventing Mildew on Vinyl Siding

Where Is Mildew Likely to Grow?

If you’ve recently moved in, it’s important to get familiar with the areas of your house’s exterior where mildew is most likely to develop. It thrives in shady, damp areas, so the sides of your home which receive the least amount of sunlight are more inclined to have mildew.

Additionally, mildew can develop around any points of moisture. Ducts where steam escapes, such as your clothes dryer vent, can facilitate growth, as can leaky gutters and downspouts. Even tree sap can accumulate on your siding, allowing mold and mildew to breed.

How Can I Prevent It?

An important aspect of preventing widespread mildew growth is performing regular visual inspections of your property. If you see the characteristic green hue accumulating on your siding, remove it by scrubbing it with a 70/30 water to vinegar cleaning solution, then rinse it with a hose. You can also proactively clean mold-prone areas throughout the year, such as at the end of every season, to prevent it from developing altogether. Additionally, make sure gutters are cleaned and inspected regularly to prevent water from backing up onto your siding.

While preventing and addressing mildew requires a bit of time and attention, it’s crucial to preserving the lifespan of your siding installation. With proper care, vinyl siding can last two to four decades. When left unaddressed, however, the exterior can become completely overtaken by mold. After that, new siding installation may be the only solution to preserving your home’s frame and structure.

Whether you’re seeking new gutters to prevent debris from clogging the drainage system or you’re in need of quality siding installation, Superior Products in Cincinnati, OH has it covered. These siding specialists offer high-quality mold preventative siding products to keep moisture out. Learn more about their siding options on their website or call (513) 231-1168 to discuss your exterior project with an associate.