Don’t be surprised if you look around your home and find dark spots on your siding and bricks. Those spots are more than likely algae that’s spread through the air and landed on your home.
One type of algae that commonly grows on the sides of houses is called black algae or, specifically, gloeocapsa magma. It appears as dark or black streaks on the surface of the house, and is often found on shaded or north-facing walls.
Black algae is a type of blue-green algae and it thrives in warm, humid, and shaded environments – Houston being the perfect place for growth. Black algae can be difficult to remove once it takes hold; you may have tried to remove it with scrubbing and saw little to no improvement. It can be removed with a combination of physical removal (scrubbing) and chemical treatment (such as bleach).
Algae growth on the exterior of a home can cause significant damage to paint over time. When left untreated, algae can etch into the paint, causing it to lose its luster and become discolored. Furthermore, the growth of algae can lead to the development of mold and mildew, which can cause the paint to deteriorate and peel.
We have cleaned properties where the algae shows up as just a dark covering over siding; we’ve also cleaned properties where the algae has grown and taken such strong root that one might think black paint had been applied to the siding!
Furthermore, algae can quickly spread on surfaces like wood and concrete. It’s important to remove algae as soon as it is noticed to prevent further damage to the paint. Removing algae from concrete reduces slip and fall hazards.
Kinton Pressure Washing and Cleaning uses a specialized mix of water, sodium hypochlorite (bleach), and a surfactant through a process called “soft washing” to remove black algae from the sides of homes and businesses. Algae growth on concrete is cleaned using high pressure water along with chemical treatment.
If you notice algae growth on your home’s exterior, it’s important to address it immediately. Not only will it harm the appearance of your home, but it can also lead to costly repairs if left untreated. Regular maintenance, such as soft washing, can help prevent the growth of algae and prolong the life of your home’s paint.
How can you get your home professionally washed?
You’ll want to work with a reputable, insured, professional exterior cleaning company to get your home washed. Kinton Pressure Washing and Cleaning is happy to give you a free quote. Give Curtis a call: 832-953-4464 or complete this quick form to get a free quote!
This article was written by Kinton Pressure Washing and Cleaning with the assistance of open source Artificial Intelligence.