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EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE:
MILDEW
Mildew is a fungus which consumes organic
materials. Because paint (as well as most construction materials)
contain organic compounds, mildew growth can be destructive to these
materials.
In addition
to these destructive qualities, mildew can also pose a safety risk
when it accumulates on walking surfaces, such as sidewalks and
decks. When wet, mildew can be extremely slippery.
Regularly removing mildew is a necessary step to protect the
integrity of your home's exterior and preventing extensive and
expensive damages to paint, siding, fascia boards, and bricks.
Regular cleanings will also remove the dirt and other contaminants
on which mildew depends for nutrition. As well as preventing damage
to these surfaces, such cleaning will also improve the short-term
appearance of your home.
While
effectively removing mildew is not a complicated process, it does
require the proper equipment, cleaning agents, and knowledge.
Because the
mold spores are microscopic, removing visible mildew is only part of
the solution. Residual mildew, as well as mold spores, must be
killed for an effective cleaning job.
While a pressure
washer can be used to clean painted surfaces, the most effective
method utilizes chemical cleaning agents and a low pressure process.
A chemical
injector attached to the pressure washer allows for rapid and
thorough application of the cleaning solution.
The most common cleaning solutions use
chlorine bleach to kill mildew and mold, and a detergent to loosen
dirt. The solution should be applied and allowed to activate for a
period of 10 to 15 minutes, and then the surface should be
thoroughly rinsed.
Additional applications of the solution may
be necessary, particularly in areas with heavy mildew growth. A pump
up sprayer can be
used to treat small areas with a more concentrated
solution.
High pressure water will remove most visible
dirt and mildew. However, pressurized water will not kill mildew,
nor the mold spores which cause it.
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SIDING
While the primary purpose of siding is to protect your home
from the elements, siding can also have a dramatic impact on
the visual charateristics of the home. In addition, the type
of siding you choose can have a significant impact on
maintenance requirements.
In repair situations, it is generally necessary to match
the existing siding for esthetic purposes. However, there
are situations in which it is possible to replace some
areas of siding, such as gables, without detracting from
the appearance of the home.
Until the middle of the twentieth century, wood was the primary
material used for siding. After World War II aluminum and vinyl
were introduced as low maintenance alternatives. Though both
are still used today, vinyl siding has become more popular,
particularly in the Northeast.
More recently, fiber-cement sidings have been introduced and
are quickly becoming the product of choice. These sidings are
rot resistant, dimensionally stable, and impervious to insect
damage. Their stability helps them hold paint better.
Fiber-cement sidings look much like wood, and with the
introduction of dimensional boards (such as 1”x4” and 1”x6”)
fiber cement can also be used for many trim applications.
All types of siding can be painted. However, vinyl and aluminum
sidings should always be painted with a color the same as, or
lighter than, the original color. Darker colors will absorb heat,
and can cause the siding to buckle and deform.
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Philpaint provides professional interior and exterior painting services throughout
Southwest Houston, including the following communities:
Bellaire, West University, Rice Village, Southampton, Montrose,
The Heights, Braeswood, Meyerland, Tanglewood, River Oaks, and
surrounding areas.
© Philpaint
Incorporated 2006 All rights reserved. |
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