As temperatures and humidity levels increase, we will begin to see mold, mildew, and algae on the exterior of homes around the island. Now is a great time to closely inspect your home’s façade and remedy any issues that you may see before they get worse.
The first step is to inspect and evaluate your home’s appearance.
- Thoroughly visually assess the entire façade of your home. If there are areas on your home or fence that need attention, determine whether to perform these yourself or through a contractor.
- Everyone knows that mildew is prevalent throughout Lowcountry homes due to our climate. With our humidity, comes mildew, mold, and algae. This is a very common problem and can be eliminated in several ways.
- When power washing, pay close attention to how it is performed to lessen the possibility of damage to the siding if too much pressure is applied. For those who prefer more ecologically friendly or “green” products, there are commercial products available as well.
- Survey the entire exterior of your home, including your fence and garage regularly (especially during the rainier and more humid months) to look for mold, mildew, algae, and dirt, and tackle it when you see it.
- After thoroughly cleaning the home, fence, and garage, should it be determined that repainting is necessary, mildew-resistant paints should be used. These include exterior enamels or paints containing a Mildewcide. Stained or naturally weathered wood siding can be protected by the use of a water-repellent finish.
- As a reminder, all cleaning products should first be checked for content, and Manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) should be adhered to along with using
- Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) to ensure safety.
By performing routine inspections for exterior mold, mildew, algae, and dirt and tackling problems as you see them, you will preserve the look and property value of your home for many years.
Please be reminded that per the CC&Rs (Covenants, Conditions, and Restrictions), it is the owners’ responsibility to maintain the property in accordance with the Community Standards. Please see below.
5.2 Owner’s Responsibility. Each Owner shall maintain his or her Unit, and all structures, parking areas, driveways, landscaping, fences, and other improvements comprising the Unit, in a manner consistent with the Community-Wide Standard, the Design Guidelines, and the Zoning Ordinance, and all applicable covenants, unless such maintenance responsibility is otherwise assumed by or assigned to the Association. Each Owner shall also maintain the driveway and mailbox serving his or her Unit and all landscaping, including street trees, located in any right-of-way immediately adjacent to the Owner’s Unit.
