It seems like every year I have to scrub mold away from my entry and garage doors as well as certain spots on my foundation. I use bleach and water, and honestly, it looks like the mold is killed and the problem arrested. But then it returns, and I go through the process again. What will stop it from reoccurring?
Signed, Mired in Mold
A:Dear Mired in Mold,
This mold around your front door is definitely not the best way for you to go green around your home. Seriously, you first need to look at any factors contributing to the mold. In other words, why is there excessive wetness/moisture in the area. Additionally, why is there a lack of sunshine in the area?
Here are some things to consider:
• Do you have plants or bushes too close to the entryway and/or foundation?
• Do you have improper run off of storm water?
• Do you have gutters that leak, have split and dropped, or even are missing across the entryway?
• Is the entryway not exposed to the sun? It is virtually impossible for mold to grow in dry, sunny areas. Mold is not unlike a mushroom, in that they both thrive in dark, moist areas.
You said that you washed your entryway area and foundation with bleach and water. Good for you! But that is about 50% of what really needs to be done to stop the problem. Once you have cleaned the area, you need to apply a mold inhibitor. There are several products on the market, including both green products and chemical-based.
The application is simple and relatively inexpensive. Once you have applied the inhibitor, you need to determine whether the affected area needs a fresh coat of stain, paint or sealer applied. Remember: Washing and cleaning is only a temporary Band-Aid.
Perhaps you need to consider an awning over your doorway if you suspect that water or moisture is penetrating your entryway, and of course, always be mindful of needed gutter repair. I have found that for a number of my customers who love shrubs and plants framing their doorways and the front of their homes, that when they significantly thin out and/or stopped growing, the mold becomes much less significant or even disappears. A home that cannot breathe will inevitably grow mold.
In addition to aesthetics and air quality, it is extremely important to keep mold in check in order to preserve the structural integrity of your home. When mold is left unchecked, it will work in concert with water and break down any stains, paints or sealers that are protecting your wood. Once these protective coatings are penetrated, your home’s siding, sheathing and structural integrity will all become greatly compromised because of rotting.
Kaile Warren of Windham is CEO/Founder of the national handyman franchise Rent-A-Husband. Kaile is also a national home improvement expert for the CBS Early Show, HGTV and Parade Magazine. When not on the road or working he spends his time teaching his newly adopted white shepherd, Maintenance, how-to ... Send your questions for Kaile to editor@themaineswitch.com.