There is nothing quite like relaxing on your home deck while enjoying a freshly barbecued burger and swapping nostalgic stories with friends and family. The problem is when those guests notice a little black, green, or white mold creeping into the common areas.
New Jersey gets anywhere from 40 to 51 inches of annual rainfall (depending on where you are in the Garden State). That is besides the seasonal changes we all enjoy. All that rain can lead to organic growth that risks your wood or other structural material.
If you’ve ever had to remove mold from a wet or shady area of your deck or fence line, you know how much of a battle it can be. With the right strategies, you can turn the tide and ensure your property remains safe, clean, and ready for any upcoming event. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Why Mold and Mildew Matter
Fencing and decking are not cheap. You put a lot of love and care into your home or business, so you want the material fibers to last as long as possible. Otherwise, you risk:
- Structural damage from mold on wood and mildew that retains moisture over time.
- Increased slipperiness from surface material can lead to falls with your family and guests.
- The risk of mold spores floating around your property, exacerbating allergies and respiratory issues.
- Mold penetrates your deck or fence’s surface and damages coatings, paint, and sealants.
Most importantly, mold and mildew will lower the curb appeal of your NJ property. That can lead to expensive HOA fines or not getting full value if you have the home on the market. The strategies below will help you maintain a safe, durable, and attractive outdoor space.
Top Tips to Prevent Mold & Mildew Buildup
#1 – Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning is the most straightforward way to keep dirt, leaves, and other organic materials from cluttering your decking or fence. Using a hose to spray off seasonal dirt or a broom to remove falling leaves ensures a safe structure. You can also go deeper so mold roots won’t take hold with soft washing from a professional team like ours at Rinse Prince.
#2 – Using an Eco-Friendly Mold-Resistant Sealant
Be sure to speak with your deck installer or a local handyperson for advice on a premium-quality wood sealant. Try to stick to eco-friendly products that will not hurt your kids or pets. The goal is to slow down moisture absorption and reapply a new layer about every 1-2 years (depending on climate and weather exposure).
#3 – Boost Sun Exposure & Airflow
Mold and mildew hate the sunlight. When you remove dark, damp areas from your fencing and decking (overhanging trees, bushes, tall grasses, etc.), you allow natural measures to prevent damage. Airflow is just as necessary, so try to avoid stacking furniture or planters on or near your deck.
#4 – Schedule Checks with Pros
The best way to prevent mold is to hire a professional team of soft-washing or power-washing cleaners. Stick to local experts who understand New Jersey’s unique weather systems. Be sure to check online reviews and see if they have a strong social media presence so you can see some before/after photos of their services.
#5 – Quick After-Rain Cleanup
While regular cleaning is good, you also want to aid your decking and fencing after a rainstorm. A long squeegee or heavy push broom will help remove puddles and heavy leaves before they can stick to the surface of your structures and cause additional damage from spreading mold and mildew.
#6 – Proper Moisture Drainage
Look for the drainage issues around your fences and decks. You don’t want a downspout from the roof emptying near your deck or sprinklers spraying your fence every couple of mornings. For decks, you can space your boards out a little so water has a way to flow instead of pooling. For fences, make sure you have clear retention areas or “fence cleaners” with drainage so nothing gathers around posts.
Wrapping Up
Preventing mold and mildew from growing on your New Jersey home’s decks and fences is crucial in property maintenance. It ensures you have a safe, secure, and structurally sound area to enjoy all year round, saving you a lot of money in the long term from expensive repairs.
While these recommendations for mold removal are fantastic as a first step, be sure to contact our team at Rinse Prince for additional support. We can provide the ongoing soft washing services and single-spot cleaning that prolong the usable life of your favorite outdoor spaces.
Give us a call today at (973) 814-2033, and let’s schedule a time to examine your mold and mildew problem.
