How to Eliminate Algae & Mold From Your Home in Kalamazoo

Todd Rooney • January 15, 2020
When you look at the black streaks on your home’s exterior, it’s easy to assume that they’re merely algae. These black spots may seem like harmless moss, but they may be mold or mildew. When this happens, you should feel alarmed. While an alga is a form of plant that survives in extremely humid conditions, mold is a type of microorganism that can result in serious health issues. They may look the same and appear in the same places, such as your house’s roof, siding, deck, or patio. How do you know whether the black streaks are mold or algae? Read on as we discuss the differences between the two.

What Are Algae?

Algae are more common than mold and mildew. They are moss-like plants that naturally appear almost anywhere. They can spread by airborne spores and thrive in humid environments. It is a common problem for a home’s exterior, especially asphalt roof shingles. However, unlike mold, algae cannot cause real damage to your roof nor lead to serious health problems.

How to Eliminate Algae?

Even though algae are not known to cause damage to your house’s exterior, their presence can destroy your home’s curb appeal. That will decrease the value of your property if ever you decide to sell it. To maintain your house’s overall look, you must eliminate any signs of algae. 

It’s quite easy to clean away algae. There are many power-wash companies out there who can do professional cleaning. You can opt to do DIY cleaning as well. However, it’s essential to be careful about applying too much pressure on your roof’s shingles as it can cause additional damage to your home.

What Is Mold?

Mold is a more serious problem compared to algae. It contains hazardous substances that can cause irritation in one’s throat and airways. These irritations can trigger asthma or allergies and can lead to headaches, coughing, wheezing, or more severe lung-related health issues. If left untreated, your health problems can escalate into a more life-threatening disease, such as cancer. 

How to Eliminate Mold? 

Mold is more dangerous than algae because it doesn’t only affect the exterior of your home but also the interior. It can creep inside your home through poor ventilation and can spread faster in damp attics or basements. The process to eliminate mold is the same as removing algae, except that you need to include an inspection of crawl spaces, attics, and basements. You should also check the rooms that are prone to humidity, such as the bathroom or laundry area. 

To eliminate the mold outside, you must conduct pressure washing on your home’s exterior. Try to find a power washing company that are experts in dealing with mold. Make sure that they know how to inspect the inner corners of your home as well. If you plan to do DIY cleaning, make sure that you use enough pressure to remove the stains, but not too much that will damage your roof’s shingles.

Conclusion

It may be hard to tell algae and mold apart, but regardless of what the black streaks mean, you still need to get rid of them ASAP. If you’re looking for pressure washing services to fix your algae and mold problems, Preferred Power Wash in Kalamazoo MI is your best option. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.


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