Philpaint Inc.: Mildew Removal

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.

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.

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, Sharpstown, and surrounding areas.