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EXTERIOR MAINTENANCE:
MILDEW
At
one time or another, most homeowners are faced with dark
discolorations on their bricks, painted surfaces, sidewalks,
etc. Because this discoloration appears gradually, many
homeowners believe it to be a natural accumulation of dirt and
other air borne particles. The fact is, these discolorations are
actually a living, growing organism-- mildew.
Mildew is
caused by the spores of molds. These spores are always present in the air.
Given the proper environment, mildew will grow on virtually any surface.
Houston's semi-tropical climate provides the proper temperature range, as
well as the level of moisture mildews require to thrive.
Most building materials, e.g., wood, bricks, paint, caulking, etc. contain
organic materials. On the surfaces of these materials, mildew finds
the nutrients it needs.
Mildew requires a temperature
range of 40 to 90 degrees, sufficient moisture, and nutrients to
grow. Air borne contaminants, such as dirt and dust, combined with
Houston’s sub-tropical climate, make mildew growth an inescapable
fact of life.
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MAINTENANCE CHECK LIST
Here’s a list of simple maintenance items that can keep your
home looking beautiful and reduce expensive repairs:
__Clean exterior surfaces
__Clean gutters
__Inspect for defective
caulk
__Inspect for rotted wood
__Touch-up damaged paint
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Next
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PRESSURE WASHING
High pressure water is an
effective cleaning agent for many surfaces, particularly masonry
such as bricks, driveways, sidewalks, and patios. High pressure
water literally blasts away dirt, mildew and other
contaminants.
However, painted surfaces should generally not
be cleaned with high pressure water. Not only can such a method
cause damage to the paint and the underlying substrate, it is
ineffective in removing dirt and mildew on such
surfaces.
A wide variety of pressure
washers are available. Their output can range from 1,000 PSI to
5,000 PSI. Machines with outputs above 5,000 PSI are generally
considered water blasters, and are usually used for industrial
applications.
For most residential
applications, an output of 1,500 PSI to 2,500 PSI is
sufficient.
The output of the pressure
washer is controlled and directed with a gun and wand assembly
similar to that found at a self-service car wash. A tip at the end
of the wand shapes the output into a fan, the width of which can be
changed by inserting a different tip.
Though masonry surfaces are
less susceptible to damage from high pressure water, care must be
exercised. Pressurized water is abrasive, and prolonged exposure can
loosen pea gravel and mortar.
In many situations,
pressure washing may not sufficiently clean a surface. Bricks, for
example, are highly porous and mildew and algae can grow in these
pores. In such situations, a diluted bleach solution may be required
to remove the residual fungal growth.
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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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