The Dangers of Mould and Mildew on Your House’s Exterior
Is your Hamilton house showing signs of green or black patches on its exterior? Those aren’t just unsightly stains – they’re potentially dangerous mould and mildew that could compromise your house’s integrity and your family’s health. At Mr. Clean Exterior Washing, we’ve seen firsthand how Hamilton’s unique climate creates the perfect breeding ground for these unwanted visitors.
As Hamilton’s trusted exterior cleaning specialists, we’ve helped countless house owners tackle this common yet serious issue. In this guide, we’ll explore why they are more than just a cosmetic problem, how they can impact your house and health, and, most importantly, how professional cleaning can help protect your most significant investment.
Let’s dive into what every Hamilton house owner needs to know about the hidden dangers lurking on your house’s exterior – and what you can do about it.
Understanding Mould and Mildew: What Every Hamilton House Owner Should Know.
What Are Mould and Mildew? Think of them as tiny plants that love to grow on your house’s exterior. They’re types of fungi that spread through tiny seeds called spores, which float through the air and settle on surfaces. When these spores find a damp, warm spot in your house, bingo! They start to grow and multiply
How Hamilton's Weather Fuels Mould and Mildew Growth
Hamilton’s climate creates the perfect conditions for mould and mildew to thrive on your house’s exterior. The city’s location near Lake Ontario brings high humidity levels throughout the year, while consistent rainfall – over 950mm annually – keeps exterior surfaces damp and vulnerable. Hot summers trap moisture against your walls, and cold winters cause condensation problems that feed their growth. These weather conditions create an environment where it can quickly grow.
High-Risk Areas in Hamilton Houses.
Let’s explore the typical spots where they make themselves a house in Hamilton properties. Knowing these trouble spots will help you catch problems early!
North-facing Walls: Your north-facing walls get less sunlight in Hamilton, making them cooler and damper than other areas. These walls stay wet longer after rain or morning dew, creating perfect conditions for mould and mildew to grow and spread. Observe these areas, especially during winter months.
Shaded Areas: Trees and nearby buildings can block sunlight from reaching your house’s exterior. These shaded spots hold moisture longer and create dark, damp conditions that mould loves. If you notice dark patches in these areas, it’s time to call in the professionals.
Under Eaves: The space under your eaves traps moisture and limits airflow, giving mould and mildew a cosy place to grow. Morning dew and Hamilton’s humidity can get trapped here, leading to persistent dampness that encourages their growth.
Around Gutters: Blocked or overflowing gutters create constant moisture around your house’s exterior. Water that splashes onto your walls from clogged gutters gives them precisely what they need to thrive. Regular gutter cleaning helps prevent this problem.
Damp Areas with Poor Ventilation: Spots where air doesn’t flow freely trap moisture from Hamilton’s humid climate. These stagnant areas become breeding grounds for mould and mildew. Look for growth in corners, between buildings, and behind outdoor furniture.
Health Risks on Your Family's Health
When mould and mildew grow on your Hamilton house’s exterior, they don’t just affect your house – they can also impact your family’s health. Let’s look at the health risks that make professional house washing important.
Respiratory Issues: Mould spores float and can enter your lungs when you breathe. These tiny particles can cause coughing, and wheezing makes breathing harder. Walking past a mouldy exterior wall can expose you to these harmful spores.
Allergic Reactions: Just like pollen, mould can trigger allergies. You might experience sneezing, itchy eyes, or a runny nose. Hamilton’s humid climate makes mould allergies especially common, as more spores are in damp conditions.
Asthma Triggers: For people with asthma, exterior mould can make breathing much harder. The spores can trigger asthma attacks and make existing breathing problems worse. Even small amounts of mould growth can cause problems for asthma sufferers.
Impact on Children and Elderly: Children and older adults are more sensitive to mould exposure. Their immune systems might not fight off health issues as quickly as others. This makes it extra important to keep your house’s exterior clean if you have young children or elderly family members.
Pet Health Concerns: Your furry friends can also suffer from mould exposure. Pets who play near the areas effected can breathe in spores or get them on their fur. This might cause breathing problems or skin irritations for your pets.
Spread to Indoor Areas: Spores can enter your house through windows, doors, and ventilation systems. Once inside, they can also start growing in your house, creating even more health risks for your family.
How Mould and Mildew Cause Property Damage and Reduce Your House's Value
Paint Deterioration: Mould and mildew cause paint to peel, crack, or blister by holding moisture against the surface. This looks unattractive and exposes underlying materials to further weathering and decay.
Wood Rot: When mould settles on wood, it traps moisture, leading to rot and decay over time. This weakens wooden structures like decks, fences, and siding, making them unsafe and costly.
Decreased Property Value: Houses covered in mould and mildew appear neglected, reducing their market appeal and property value. Prospective buyers are less likely to invest in a house requiring significant exterior cleaning and repairs.
Aesthetic Damage: Dark streaks, green patches, and stains caused by mould and mildew ruin your house’s curb appeal. This makes your property look uninviting and poorly maintained, affecting its overall charm and desirability.
Routine exterior washing by Mr. Clean Exterior Washing helps protect your house in Hamilton from these damages, ensuring it stays beautiful and structurally sound.
Professional Cleaning Solutions: Your Defense Against Mould and Mildew
Soft Washing Benefits: Soft washing uses low-pressure water and specialised cleaning solutions to remove mould and mildew from your house’s exterior safely. This gentle yet effective method reaches deep into surfaces to kill it at its roots while protecting your siding, paint, and other exterior materials from damage.
Safe Cleaning Products: Professional cleaners use specially formulated cleaning solutions that target mould and mildew without harming your house’s exterior surfaces. Unlike harsh store-bought cleaners, professional-grade solutions won’t strip paint or damage delicate surfaces while they clean the surface.
Advanced Equipment: Modern cleaning equipment helps professionals reach high spots and difficult angles that you can’t access with regular cleaning tools. Professional-grade equipment with adjustable settings, specialised nozzles, and extension wands ensure thorough cleaning of every surface. This equipment delivers precise water pressure and cleaning solution mixtures for optimal results.
Eco-friendly Options: Many professional cleaning services now offer green cleaning solutions that effectively combat while protecting the environment. These plant-based cleaners break down naturally and won’t harm your garden or lawn. They clean as effectively as traditional products but leave no harmful residues behind.
While DIY cleaning might seem cheaper, professional solutions provide deeper cleaning and longer-lasting protection for your house’s exterior. They combine expertise, professional-grade products, and advanced equipment to deliver superior results that help maintain your house’s value and appearance.
Remember, mould and mildew won’t go away on their own. The longer you wait, the more damage they can cause. Let our experienced team at Mr. Clean Exterior Washing help you maintain a clean, healthy, and beautiful house exterior throughout every season.
Book your free consultation today and join hundreds of satisfied Hamilton house owners who trust Mr. Clean Exterior Washing to protect your houses from damage.
