Published by Drew Dykes | July 8, 2018 | Updated: July 10, 2018
At Dykes Services, we understand how challenging it can be to keep up with exterior maintenance on your Florida home. With all the rain and humidity that our sunshine state summers have to offer, maintaining your home’s exterior can be one tough task to tackle. So, I wanted to take a few minutes to go over some helpful strategies for battling mother nature and keeping your property in top condition.
Why Mold and Algae Are a Serious Problem
First, let me explain why mold and algae build-up is a major concern for Florida homeowners. Beyond the obvious aesthetic issues of having unsightly growth covering your home, mold and algae can significantly impact your property value if you’re considering selling.
More importantly, mold and algae can cause permanent damage to virtually any surface if left untreated for extended periods. This is why most HOAs recommend yearly pressure washing of your home’s exterior. Some problem areas like pool decks, screen enclosures, soffits, and fences may need more frequent attention depending on your surrounding landscape and environmental conditions.
The Health Risks You Need to Know About
While exterior mold and algae may not pose the same immediate health threats as indoor mold, they can still create significant health risks for you and your family. Children are particularly susceptible to these health hazards, especially since they spend considerable time in pool areas and other outdoor spaces while playing.
Here’s what many homeowners don’t realize: mold and mildew can actually migrate inside your home if left untreated on your roof for too long. Even if you can’t see it, airborne mold spores could be negatively affecting your family’s health. For our minds and bodies to function properly, we need clean, fresh air to breathe. Much of the toxic mold in the air cannot be detected by the naked eye, which is why proactive maintenance is so crucial.
Essential Property Maintenance Strategies
There are several steps you can take as a homeowner or renter to maintain your home’s exterior properly and ensure it remains a safe, healthy environment for your family and visitors.
With quality equipment and the right techniques, you can clean virtually any surface around your property. At Dykes Services, we use several proven methods that deliver impressive results every time:
- Surface Cleaning – For flat, hard surfaces
- Soft Washing – For delicate materials and roofing
- Pressure Cleaning – For tough stains and heavy buildup
- Combination Approaches – Customized solutions for specific challenges
Your Florida Home Maintenance Checklist
Here are the essential maintenance tasks every Florida homeowner should prioritize:
Regular Inspections and Cleaning:
- Keep all gutters clean and clear of debris
- Direct all water flow away from the home or building foundation
- Ensure your roof is clean and clear of debris
- Consider using paints with mold-resistant features
Professional Pressure Washing Services:
Regular pressure washing should include all exterior surfaces:
- Home siding and walls
- Driveways and walkways
- Pool decks and patios
- Screen enclosures
- Soffits and eaves
- Pavers and decorative stonework
- Fences and any surface where mold and mildew are forming
We recommend yearly or bi-yearly cleaning depending on your surrounding environment and the amount of shade and moisture your property receives.
Why Professional Service Makes the Difference
Let’s be honest – it’s hot out there! Without proper equipment, DIY pressure washing could take you days or even weeks to complete adequately. Beyond the time investment, there’s an important safety consideration: mold is a living organism classified as a fungus, which means effective treatment requires specific chemical mixtures to guarantee the best results.
This is where inexperience can become dangerous and costly. If your chemical mixture is too strong, you risk killing valuable plants and shrubbery around your cleaning areas. Too weak, and the solution won’t be effective enough to thoroughly eliminate the mold and algae problem.
Choose Dykes Services for Professional Results
Dykes Services is fully licensed and insured, with the right equipment and experience to handle all your exterior cleaning needs. If you’d prefer to leave the challenging work to the professionals, we’re here to help!
Ready to get started? Contact Dykes Services today and let us restore your property’s beauty and protect your family’s health.
For more information about our services or to schedule a consultation, visit us at www.dykesservices.com or call us at (386) 847-3626. You can also find us on Google, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube for tips, before-and-after photos, and customer testimonials.
