Serving Norfolk County, Haldimand, Brant and surrounding areas.
Serving Norfolk County, Haldimand, Brant and Surrounding AreasÂ
EDUCATIONAL GUIDE
What Is Growing on My Property
Â
Mold, mildew, algae, and moss are more than just eyesores—they are living growths that thrive in damp, shaded environments. Left untreated, these organisms can damage your property's surfaces and create slippery, unsafe conditions for your family, friends and customers.
Algae and Green Staining
Algae is one of the most common exterior issues, typically appearing as green streaks or a slimy film on siding, roofs, and concrete. It thrives in humid environments and spreads rapidly through airborne spores.
While it may seem like a purely cosmetic problem, a build-up of algae can become extremely slippery on walkways and trap moisture against your home's structure, leading to secondary issues like rot.
Black Algae (Black Lichen)
Black algae, often called black lichen, shows up as dark, stubborn streaks or patches on roofs, siding, cement window sills and other exterior surfaces. Unlike simple dirt, it roots itself into shingles and porous materials, slowly breaking them down over time.
It traps moisture, holds heat, and can shorten the life of your roof or siding. Because it bonds so tightly to the surface, it usually cannot be removed with basic household cleaners and needs professional soft washing to be treated safely and effectively.
Black Streaking
On many homes, retail and office buildings, the black streaking you see on siding and roofs is usually a type of algae (often called Gloeocapsa magma). It feeds on moisture, dust and organic material on the surface, and it spreads fastest on sides that stay shaded or damp. In very damp spots, mold and mildew can mix in, making the streaks look darker and patchy. Professional soft washing and pressure washing with the right cleaners removes this growth safely and helps slow it from coming back.
Mildew on Exterior Surfaces
Mildew is a surface-level fungus that typically appears as flat, gray, white, or yellowish patches on your siding and trim. Unlike the deep-rooting nature of mold, mildew remains primarily on the surface but quickly spreads in damp, shaded areas where moisture often collects.
While it is less structural than mold, it is an early warning sign of excessive moisture. If left untreated, mildew creates a slippery film and can eventually dull your paint or lead to more stubborn organic growth that is harder to remove without professional intervention.
Roof Stains
Those dark streaks and patchy stains on asphalt shingle roofs are often caused by algae that feeds on the limestone filler in the shingles. In humid areas, this algae spreads down the roof in streaks, holding moisture and making the roof look old and neglected. Left alone, it can shorten the life of the shingles. Professional soft washing uses low pressure and the right cleaners to safely remove these stains and help protect your roof.
Moss on Roofs and Hard Surfaces
Unlike algae or mold, moss is a complex plant that anchors itself into surfaces using shallow roots. It thrives in damp, shaded areas where moisture lingers, often forming thick, sponge-like carpets on roof shingles, between walkway pavers, and along building foundations.
The primary concern with moss is its ability to hold significant amounts of water against your structure. On roofs, this moisture can cause shingles to lift and wood to rot, while on hard surfaces, its growth can lead to shifting pavers and cracking concrete over time. Professional removal is essential to stop structural damage before it starts.
Slippery Walkways and Steps
When algae, mildew and moss grow on concrete, pavers and steps, they create a slick film that becomes very slippery when wet. This is a common cause of slip-and-fall hazards around homes, condos and commercial properties. Regular professional cleaning removes this buildup, restores traction and helps keep walkways, patios and entry areas safer for family, guests and customers.
SpidersÂ
In our lakeside communities, we have lots of spiders. Spiders love siding, mortar between bricks, decks, railings, soffits and light fixtures. Over time they leave behind webs, egg sacs and dark spider droppings on siding, trim and outdoor structures. A professional pressure wash removes webs, droppings and residue so your home or building looks fresh, bright and truly clean.