Keep Your Deck Mold Free with Pressure Washing from Squeegee Pro.
Slowing mold growth on your deck boards is more than about maintaining a sharp aesthetic appeal to your outdoor space; it’s vital for keeping decking material safe and free from damage for years to come. After all, this is the area where you enjoy time with your family, entertain friends and loved ones, and it’s an extension of your home that must be properly cleaned on a regular basis to make sure it looks great all year round.
So what causes deck mold to grow, and what mold inhibitors can you employ to prevent mold growth from ruining your favorite outdoor area and protecting the investment you have put into creating this exterior fun zone for you and your family?
Check out these tips on how to prevent mold on your deck and remember, you can always call the mold experts at Squeegee Pro to restore your deck and keep it in tip-top shape!
What Causes Mold Growth?
Mold grows in damp, dark places that retain moisture buildup due to poor drainage or lack of sunlight. Add to that layers of moist debris such as dirt and leaves, which allow mold spores to proliferate and spread out all over the surface on which they have spawned.
That combination is the ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew, and when we’re talking about a wood deck, the material often locks in moisture, and mold can become deeply ingrained into your outdoor space. As a result, it’s no longer safe for you and your family to enjoy until the mold is eliminated and the deck surface properly sealed.
Don’t have a wood deck? Composite decking material is also highly susceptible to mold growth if not maintained well enough.
Preventing Mold and Mildew from Growing on Deck Boards
Don’t surrender your deck to the scourge of mold and mildew; you can fight back! Here are some of the best ways to prevent mold growth from taking over your patio or deck:
Regular Cleaning
This is a pretty easy step you can take, and it’s one of the best and most effective methods for preventing mold from proliferating on your deck surface. Sweep your deck a minimum of once a week to get rid of the organic debris such as leaves, branches, and dirt that can trap moisture and foster mold spores.
Don’t forget to clean in between the deck boards and dismantle the gunk that gets stuck in between! Mold growth in and under the boards is even tougher to eliminate and can cause damage that gets costly to repair.
Redirect Water Away from Your Deck Boards
Poor drainage is only making life harder for your deck to remain mold free. The more moisture buildup allowed to stay on your deck surface or underneath, the more likely you’re going to have mold growth and potential structural integrity issues that can lead to expensive repair and replacement costs.
The best way to keep excess water off your deck surface is by redirecting it away and ensuring the water isn’t pooling under the deck either. Check all gutters and downspouts around the home. Cleaning those out regularly will prevent them from overflowing and spilling down onto your deck surface.
Apply Mold-Resistant Sealant to Your Deck Surface
This is particularly important for deck surfaces that are made of wood. Mold inhibitors like water-repellent, mold-resistant sealants applied to your deck surface are ideal for reducing moisture and protecting the wood against mold and mildew buildup and UV damage from constant direct sunlight.
Stay current on your sealant by applying it every one to three years based on the climate in which your deck is located and the manufacturer’s instructions for the product you have chosen to use.
Don't Let Mold Stick Around
Mold is extremely toxic and grows very quickly. If you spot green, black, or white spots along your deck surface, don’t wait to remove it; act now and act fast. The longer it stays on your wood or composite decking materials, the harder it gets to eliminate it completely.
But if you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s best to call the experts in to protect your deck and prevent mold growth from accelerating any further. Toxic mold is not a DIY job that you should take on yourself as it could make you or your family sick and possibly damage your deck material.
Patio & Deck Cleaning for Mold Prevention
Regular patio and deck cleaning is essential to prevent the growth of mold, mildew, and algae that can damage your outdoor surfaces and make them slippery or unsafe. By removing built-up dirt, leaves, and moisture-retaining debris, you stop mold spores from taking hold and spreading. A thorough cleaning with the right pressure-washing technique and eco-friendly cleaning solutions not only restores your deck’s natural beauty but also extends its lifespan. Routine maintenance ensures your outdoor space stays fresh, clean, and inviting all year round.
Call Squeegee Pro Today!
Don’t let mold and mildew ruin your deck. Keep it mold-free with Squeegee Pro. Call us today to schedule an appointment to eradicate mold from your deck surface and prevent it from coming back again in the future.
