When you own a home, it becomes your pride and joy. Not only do you want it to be comfortable to live in, but you want it to have major curb appeal too. That curb appeal is why you put so much effort into keeping your yard tidy and your siding clean.
It’s also why it can be so frustrating when you find algae growing on your nice siding.
Not only is it a nuisance that can permanently stain your vinyl siding if not removed promptly, but it can also be harmful to those with allergies. Obviously, neither of those outcomes is desirable.
What you need is to prevent algae from growing on your house in the first place. Here are the tips you need to prevent algae from growing on your exterior siding.
What Causes Algae on Siding
The number one cause of algae growth on siding is water.
Humidity and excessive rain are ideal conditions for algae growth. Those conditions get even better if your home is on a shady lot and does not regularly get direct sunlight that can dry your home off. Make sure to also keep your gutters clean and well maintained so that they aren’t leaking water down the side of your home.
Dense vegetation and vine growth are another major cause of algae growth. If you have bushes up against your home, they can trap moisture and keep air and sunlight out. Vines can also keep siding damp, and they can cause cracks that allow more moisture in.
Algae and mold also love sugar, so trees that drop sap on your home spell trouble. Any one of these factors would contribute to algae growth, but if you have a combination of any of them, then you need to be extra vigilant.
Algae Prevention
Perform regular maintenance on your gutters, trim and prune trees and bushes to make sure they are not against your home. Remove any vines that have taken root, no matter how nice they may look and try to keep your home as dry as possible.