Mold Prevention Maintenance for Home Exterior

Roof

There are many types of roofing available in today's market. Protex 63, Procleans products and Oxy-Mold MX-500 are compatible with all types of roofing. The roofing manufacturer's recommendations should be carefully observed at all times.

Trim back tree branches that scrape against or overhang the roof. Keep branches away from chimney to avoid fire hazard and allow proper draft for safe and efficient chimney operation.
Examine all roof flashing and the flashing around chimneys, vent stacks, roof edges, dormers, and skylights. If flashing has cracked or pulled away, call in an expert to repair.
Make sure that the chimney cover (cap) is in good condition, and that it is tall enough to prevent creosote build-up.
Check vents and louvers for free air movement. Clean screens and remove bird nests, spiders, insects, and dust.
If there are wind turbines on the roof, check ball bearings. Clear gable vents of bird's nests and other obstructions.
Carefully remove debris build-up in valleys and at wall-to-roof intersections. When removing debris, make sure that it doesn't enter and clog downspouts.
Check the drip edge for rust and to ensure that it is properly positioned to prevent seepage under the roofing and to direct drainage away from the fascia board.
Check the lower edge of roof sheathing for water damage.
Kill mold, mildew and green algae with Oxy-Mold MX-500 per label instructions.
Remove moss and lichen growth with a moss killer, broom, or garden hose. Wash roof with commercial roof cleaner.
Pressure washing can damage shingles or shorten shingle life. Follow roofing manufacturer's recommendations or consult a professional roofer or home cleaner.
Direct water down the roof, never up under the shingles.

Gutters/Downspouts

Check for damaged gutters, downspouts, hangers, and strainers.
Clean out gutters and downspouts with a blower, garden hose stream, or small broom.
Using a hose will help pinpoint leaks and other trouble spots. Be sure to prevent debris from entering and clogging downspouts.
Check for leaks and rust.
Check the condition of paint on gutters
Use gutter sealer on loose joints or replace gutter sections according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Make sure that downspouts are clear of debris and drain away from the house.
Install "leaf guard" system to prevent leaves and other extraneous materials from accumulating in the gutters.
Wash with Procleans XPC.
Apply Protex 63™. Repeat as necessary every 12 to 24+ months.

Fascia/Soffit/Eaves

Inspect fascia board for mold, mildew, algae, rot or peeling paint.
Check soffit vents for clear air flow and remove any obstructions.
Wash once or twice yearly with Procleans XPC™
Apply Protex 63™. Repeat as necessary, every 12 to 24+ months.

Siding/Cladding

As in roofing, there are many options for exterior cladding or siding available in the modern housing market. Some perform better than others in specific climatic environments. The manufacturer's recommendations should be closely followed in the original installation of a specific product as well as in its care and maintenance. The CAMPRO product line has proven safe and effective on all types of cladding when applied following recommendations and product instructions.

Check bricks or blocks for cracked mortar or loose joints. Loose mortar should be removed and replaced along with missing mortar. This is called "re-pointing" and is best accomplished by a professional mason. Kill existing mold with Oxy-Mold MX-500™ and wash twice yearly with Procleans VSC™.
Examine all trim for tightness of fit, damage, or decay.
Check the condition of caulking where two different materials meet, such as where wood siding joins the foundation wall.
Check aluminum and vinyl siding for loose or missing pieces, lifting or warping. Kill existing mold with Oxy-Mold MX-500™ and wash twice yearly with Procleans VSC™.
Check painted surfaces for paint failure (peeling, chipping, blistering, chalking), or water damage. Kill existing mold with Oxy-Mold MX-500™ and wash twice yearly with Procleans XPC™.
Check all surfaces for mold, mildew or green algae. Kill and remove as directed for each type surface apply Protex 63™. Repeat as necessary every 12 to 24+ months.

Windows/Doors

Inspect and re-caulk siding joints as necessary around windows, utility penetrations, and doors.
Check locking mechanism to make sure window is sealed when locked.
Check that weather-stripping around doors and windows seals tightly to prevent water from entering.
Check for mold, mildew and green algae.
Kill existing mold with Oxy-Mold MX-500™ and wash twice yearly with Procleans VSC (vinyl).
Apply Protex 63™ to cleaned, dry surface. Repeat as necessary every 12 to 24+ months.

Decks

Decks and railings may be constructed of a number of different materials including natural woods, preservative treated wood, composites (consisting of recycled plastics) and wood residues, vinyl and PVC. Each type of decking has advantages and disadvantages in terms of economics, longevity and maintenance requirements. All decking products will support the growth of mold, mildew and algae on the decking surface when airborne organic particles form a film on the surface, providing a food source for mold growth. Wood decks and composite decking containing recycled wood residues are especially prone to mold growth because the contained cellulose provides an excellent food source. All decking and accessories will perform best and remain attractive longer if a simple preventative maintenance program is followed. The CAMPRO product line has proven safe and effective on all types of cladding when applied following recommendations and product instructions.

Wood and composite deck performance and longevity begin with proper construction. If you are building a new deck or having one built make sure that the manufacturer's or supplier's specifications and recommendations are complied with to the smallest details.

Basic Construction Guidelines

Slope deck at a minimum of 1/8" per lineal foot away from any house wall.
Gap the deck boards at least 1/8", some manufacturers suggest ¼".
Provide for natural ventilation of the area under the deck. Use open lattice, not solid perimeter walls. Space screening shrubs apart and at least 12'' away from the deck.
Do not allow downspouts to discharge on or under the deck
Do not allow sump pumps to discharge under the deck.
Do not allow clothes dryers or bathroom vents to discharge onto or under the deck.
Do not use bark or softwood mulch adjacent to or under the deck. Use hardwood mulch or stone.
Treat cleaned, dry deck with Protex 63™ four to six weeks after installation to resist moisture penetration, mold, mildew and algae growth and staining.

A good preventative maintenance program will enhance deck performance and preserve the aesthetic and investment value.

General Maintenance & Use Guidelines

Dry sweep or rinse-off the deck weekly (with garden hose) during months when the average daily temperature is 50° F or above. This is especially important during periods of high pollen counts. If a pressure washer is used keep the pressure as low as possible and always below 1,200 psi. Use a fan tip and hold tip 10" to 12" above the deck surface.
Adjust sprinkler systems to miss deck.
Keep roof gutters clean and fully functional.
Raise potted plants and planters on small blocks to allow for ventilation.
Place grills on protective mats to minimize grease and cooking stains.
Move doormats and other floor coverings frequently to allow area to dry and receive sunlight.
Rinse solid or liquid fertilizer residue from deck as soon as possible.
Wash deck periodically with Procleans DC™. Treat cleaned deck with Protex 63™ protective coating every 1 to 2 years as necessary.

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, stains occur and mold, mildew and algae appear. Remove stains following the manufacturer's instructions. Some composite decking is more resistant to some commercial cleaning products than are others. For example, some deck manufacturer's approve the use of sodium hypochlorite (house hold bleach), Oxalic Acid ( strong acid used to restore pressure treated wood to a "new look") and even Hydrochloric Acid while others suggest the kinder and more environmentally friendly sodium percarbonate (hydrogen peroxide) bleach .

Basic Dos and Don'ts

Always follow the product manufacturer's instructions.
Always test any cleaner or chemical on an inconspicuous part of your deck before applying to the entire deck. Pieces of deck board retained from construction may also be used.
Always follow the General Maintenance Guidelines listed above.
Never mix cleaning compounds unless recommended by the product manufacturers.
Never apply solvents such as paint thinner, charcoal lighter, gasoline, acetone, or benzene to a deck surface.
Never use a metal shovel to remove ice or snow unless it is equipped with a plastic edge.

Care and Maintenance Guidelines

General dirt and grime: Wash deck with Procleans DC™. If dirt and staining is ground in or heavy use Procleans DCSR™, then rinse with clear water.
High pressure can permanently damage most deck materials. If a pressure washer is used, keep the pressure under 1,000psi and use a fan nozzle held at least 10" above the deck surface.
Cooking Oil and Grease: Soak up large oil spills with paper towels. Coat area with common cat litter or commercial absorbent and allow to remain for 24 hours. Remove absorbent and wash area with Procleans O-2™. Smaller oil stains may be removed with Procleans O-2™ or household degreasing detergents.
Food stains including sauces, condiments and beverages (coffee, tea, juices, wine and sodas): Clean area with Procleans O-2™ or Procleans DCSR™.
Leaf and Tannin stains: Apply Procleans O-2™, following instructions on the package. Several applications may be required. Some heavy stains may require the application of a cleaner containing Oxalic Acid. These products should be used with care and first applied to a test area to check for adverse reactions.
Rust stains: Use a cleaner containing Phosphoric or Oxalic Acid. Use these products with care and apply to a test patch before general use.
Mold, mildew and algae: Chlorine based cleaners are effective in removing the stain caused by dead spores but are not effective mold killers and can damage the deck and adjacent vegetation. Apply Oxy-Mold MX-500 to kill the mold, mildew and algae the clean the deck with Procleans DCSR™. Rinse the deck with clear water, allow to dry. Apply Protex 63™ per the label instructions.