Mold is a living organism. It depends on other organisms for food and survival. Mold exists in different colors such as black, white, purple, green, and orange. Black mold is commonly found on wood decks. When mold grows on deck, it may cause problems including serious health hazards. This article explains the dangers of mold and how to remove mold from wood decks.
Dangers of Mold
There are many dangers associated with the growth of mold on decks. Below are the most common:
Rot on Wood Surfaces
When there is enough moisture, mold will continue growing and lead to wood rot. It also eats into the deck stains applied to protect the wood surface. This deteriorates the wood surface and may cause structural damage.
Risk of Injury
When mold forms on wood it makes the surface slippery. Walking on such a slippery surface is a serious health hazard that may cause injury or fractures. This is most dangerous if the mold grows on staircases.
Respiratory Health Complications
When molds grow, the spores easily spread into the air and cause air pollution in poorly ventilated areas. When inhaled, these spores can cause respiratory complications such as chest congestion and difficulty in breathing.
How To Remove Molds From Wood Surfaces
Are you tired of molds? Here are five ways to remove mold from a wood deck:
Using Deck Cleaners
Chemical cleaners are formulated with strong ingredients that kill molds on any wooden surface. A common ingredient found in chemical deck cleaners is mildewicide. It eradicates all molds and forms a barrier surface that prevents the growth of young molds.
Using the Pressure Washing Machine
A pressure washing machine is another effective way to clean mold from a stained wood deck. It produces a highly pressurized water stream that is strong enough to remove mold from wood surfaces. It also works faster than other methods.
After mold removal using a pressure washing machine, you should still apply mildewcide on the surface to prevent new growth. When using a pressure washing machine, care should be taken to avoid damaging the deck.
Stand about two feet from the deck and use a machine with a wider nozzle. When spraying over softwood structures such as pine, set the pressure level to between 500-600 psi.
Using Household Detergents
Because of the high price of deck cleaner, you may opt for household detergents such as white vinegar, laundry detergent, and oxygen bleach to remove mold from wood decks. Simply make a concentrated solution of water and the cleaning agent. Use a hard brush to clean the mold-infested area.
Household detergents also work like wood deck detergents. They can kill growing molds and form a protective barrier on the surface against the growth of new molds. They are also gentle with minimal effect on the surrounding environment.
Trisodium Phosphate
Trisodium is an effective cleaning agent used mostly in industries to clean chemicals from surfaces. It is also a powerful cleaning remedy for mold and mildew. It comes in handy if the household detergents are unable to clear mold completely.
Mix Trisodium Phosphate with water and apply the solution on the deck surface. Scrub with a hard brush and rinse using clean water. To avoid the risk of corrosion to the skin and eyes, ensure you wear hand gloves and eye shields when using the cleaner.
Remediation
Mold remediation is the cleaning and removal of extreme mold infestation. Mold remediation is normally done by a remediation contractor. If you realize that the growth of mold is so extensive, with much damage, then you may hire a remediation expert.
How To Prevent the Growth of Mold
The most effective remedy against the growth of molds on decks is to prevent further growth. Follow the tips below to prevent mold from growing on your deck:
Keep the Deck Dry
Mold thrives in damp conditions even with proper ventilation. To keep mold away, always keep your deck dry. If possible, remove any objects that may block sun rays from reaching the deck.
Remove Top Covers
To ensure there is no moisture build-up on the surface, consider removing any awnings or covers over the deck. You can roll them back after the deck surface is properly ventilated and dry.
Use Deck Sealants
A deck sealant is a clear liquid that keeps the deck dry by preventing the wooden surface from absorbing any moisture. When applied over the surface, it retains the deck’s real color and preserves the wood grain.
Apply deck sealants over the surface once every year. This enables the deck to dry faster after a heavy downpour since it doesn’t absorb rainwater.
Use Deck Stains
Deck stains are solvents used to protect the surface against mold, mildew, and damage from the sun’s rays. Unlike sealants, deck stains have color pigments that change the surface color of the wood. When selecting wood stains, select the type that dries faster and is enhanced by herbicide additives. This prevents the growth of mold and mildew on the surface.
Remove Stuck Debris
Leaves, twigs, branches, and debris are potential mold contributors. When they pile on the surface, they form a conducive breeding ground for mold. To prevent debris from building up, clean the deck surface frequently.
Mold can destroy your deck if not controlled. It also has the potential to cause serious health hazards and illnesses. With that in mind, ensure you remove molds whenever you notice any growth.
