Choosing stucco siding for your home in Kansas City is typically a good decision. Stucco is plaster-based and coarse, which means that it’s incredibly hard and just slightly porous. This makes it a naturally mold-resistant material. However, because it’s not completely nonporous, mold can still grow on the surface if the conditions are right. In this article, you’ll find a few tips for dealing with mold on stucco and learn how to clean mold on stucco to prevent it from returning in the future.
Why Does Mold Grow on Stucco?
Mold can basically grow anywhere where there is moisture and some kind of “food” to support its growth. Mold usually feeds on organic materials, which means that it can even feed on dirt. An area or surface that’s consistently damp will create ideal growth conditions for mold, so it can be a real problem in more humid areas and especially during the summer. But if you’re struggling with stubborn stucco mold, there’s a decent possibility that your stucco was not installed properly to begin with.
Preventing Black Mold on Stucco
The best way to prevent mold from growing on your stucco walls is to keep them clean. If you notice that dirt or mud has begun to collect on the stucco, you’ll need to wash it off, as dirt and mud contain nutrients that can support mold growth. If the weather has been highly humid for long periods of time, consider using a dehumidifier or a heater to dry the stucco in order to prevent the moisture from attracting mold. You should also consider using a mildewcide paint to help add an extra layer of protection against mold.
The Best Way to Clean Stucco
The good news is that it isn’t the end for your stucco siding when a little mold appears. If you do spot mold growth on your stucco walls, you can use diluted bleach to kill it. Start by creating a cleaning solution from five parts water and one part bleach. Spray this solution thoroughly over all the moldy areas. Make sure that you use gloves to protect your skin! For the best results, you may want to scrub the affected areas with a sponge before rinsing. Either way, you should notice results nearly instantly. Treating mold on stucco with a bleach solution should also help prevent future growth.
It May Be Time to Replace Your Stucco Siding
If your stucco siding is already decades old and showing noticeable wear and tear, or if you keep treating the mold but it always comes back, then it may be time to invest in new siding from a competent stucco siding contractor. If you live in the Kansas City metropolitan area, Johnson County Siding & Window Co. is the name to know. We offer high-performance acrylic stucco siding that looks great and is easy to keep clean. Contact us today to learn more. In the meantime, feel free to explore some of our previous stucco siding installations for some design inspiration.
