Mold spores are all around us: in the air, on food, in our bathrooms, and outside our homes. Everyone is exposed to mold throughout their lives, and most of the time, small amounts don’t cause issues. Yet, if mold starts growing out of control on your patio or deck, it could definitely present a serious problem. It can potentially make its way inside your home or cause damage to your outdoor property if you do not quickly schedule a mold inspection and mold remediation upon finding it.
Mold outside of your home has less potential to cause significant damage, but its still a possibility. Especially if your porch is made of wood, mold can grow there a bit more quickly than on concrete. The mold is a sign that there is too much moisture, and that same moisture may result in your porch eventually starting to rot. Cement or tile patios are less susceptible to mold growth, but always check the cracks in the cement and grout area of the tile for mold or mildew.
Danger Zone
One place you need to be attentive about checking for mold is where your porch meets the wall of your house (remember to check underneath the porch as well). If there is excessive mold growth in that area, it could spread to your home and start growing inside the walls. It would take quite some time for the mold to grow this much, but its always better to catch it in the early stages, or even better, take some preventative measures.
Removal Directions
A little mold growth on your deck is normal, especially if you live in a rainy climate, but its still a good idea to clean up the mold whenever you see it. If you catch any mold early on, the mold removal process will be easier, and the mold removal cost will be much less. On most outdoor surfaces, you can use a household cleaner (without ammonia), bleach, and rags to scrub off the mold. If you cannot remove it all yourself, you can always call a professional company to receive an estimate on a mold remediation.
Prevention Strategies
There are a few strategies you can employ to prevent future mold growth. Mold tends to grow under fallen leaves, so its a good idea to rake and remove these once a week or so. For a screened porch, the top priority is making sure that your porch is well-ventilated. Mold thrives in areas where there is not enough airflow, but you can nip that in the bud by purchasing a couple of fans. Whenever it rains, make sure there is no trash or anything that retains water sitting on your porch.
