Exterior finishes for woodwork and architectural details are made of many materials. Some of these materials include natural untreated wood products, which are vulnerable to problems with moisture, mold and water damage. Therefore, you want to make sure that the finishes on the exterior of your home are protected from this type of damage. The following guide will help protect the exterior fixtures and finishes of your home from serious moisture and mold problems that could lead to costly repairs:
Inspecting the Exterior Fixtures and Finishes for Signs of Water Entering and Potential for Mold Problems to Develop
To start protecting exterior fixtures from moisture and mold problems, you want to do routine inspections. Part of the maintenance that needs to be done is the cleaning and regular painting of the vulnerable finishes. This is a good time to look for signs of moisture problems, which can be in the form of watermarks, mildew spots and obvious signs of paint bubbling and wood rotting. It is also important to take note of any surface damage and check behind the exterior finishes for problems with moisture and mold that may be spreading inside your home, which will require more extensive repairs and can be serious problems.
Doing the Right Maintenance and Using the Right Materials to Prevent Mold Growth from Starting
It is important that you do the right maintenance to prevent exterior mold growth from starting in the first place, which should start with cleaning. In addition to keeping vulnerable exterior finishes clean, you also want to make sure that you do regular caulking and painting to prevent water and moisture from getting behind finishes, which is where serious problems with mold growth usually start.
Cleaning Up Problems with Mold and Moisture Using the Right Cleaners to Prevent Future Mold Growth
When there is mold or mildew growth on the exterior finishes, the first thing you will want to do is clean the material. It is important to use commercial cleaners that help inhibit mold growth when cleaning up mold growth. You want to make sure that the mold spores are removed and that they do not come back when moisture problems return. Keep the exterior surfaces clean to help prevent these problems from developing.
Repairing Existing Materials That Have Been Damaged by Moisture and Mold Problems
Sometimes, moisture can penetrate existing materials that you have on the exterior of your home, and you want to make sure that these problems are repaired before they get out of control. In the area where you suspect a problem, remove the finish and look for signs of mold or mildew. If you see mold growth, you will want to remove and replace all the materials that have been affected by the mold to ensure the problem does not spread to other areas of your home.
Using Materials with Durable Finishes That Are Resistant to Moisture and Mold Problems When Doing Repairs or Improvements
Lastly, you want to make sure that any new finishes that you use for repairs or improvements have durable finishes. For this, it is recommended that you use materials like polyurethane or metal architectural fixtures that are water-resistant and will last for generations with a little routine maintenance and cleaning. Whenever possible, it is a good idea to replace the old wood and other vulnerable materials with modern building products that are more resistant to wear and weathering for any outdoor finishes around your home.
It is important to choose the right protection for the exterior finishes of your home. If you want to protect your home from damage, contact architectural products service to get the right materials to protect your exterior fixtures from problems with mold and moisture.