What Happens When You Neglect Your Exterior Surfaces?

May 31, 2023
HomeWhat Happens When You Neglect Your Exterior Surfaces?

What happens when you neglect your exterior surfaces?

What Happens When You Neglect Your Exterior Surfaces?

That’s a great question, and one not too many consumers ask. Certain things, like a car for example, are washed multiple times a year, and for good reason. We clean the inside of our homes constantly, because keeping them clean is nice, but also important to our health. So why not clean your siding, roof, or concrete driveway? When your home’s exterior surfaces are not properly maintained, they accumulate dirt, grime, and other types of unsightly buildup like algae, bacteria, and mold. This buildup slowly causes irreversible damage to the surface. Here are specific types of damage that can occur without regular power washing and surface protection applications: 

Damage to the surface:

Dirt and debris can cause scratches, stains, and discoloration on exterior surfaces, making them look old and worn out. This happens to surfaces such as vinyl, aluminum, wood, stucco, concrete, brick, and asphalt shingles. The adage, ‘They don’t make things like they used to,’ is quite true, and that hard reality is one of the main reasons exterior surfaces don’t hold up over time. Over the last fifty years or so, manufacturers have rushed to not only save on material costs, but also build in safety features to exterior surfaces. For example, asphalt shingles contain a fraction of the asphalt that they used to, and now fillers like limestone make up a big portion of the shingle. They are more fire-resistant, yes, but they break down much quicker as well. To boot, limestone filler is food for a certain photosynthesizing bacteria called Gloeocapsa Magma, which feeds on the shingles and causes damage. So, yes, they don’t make things like they used to!

Damage to Paint and Sealants:

Buildup on exterior surfaces can cause damage to paint and sealants, making them less effective and ultimately reducing the lifespan of the surface. Paint and various types of sealants are great. They make things look great around the home, but they too need regular maintenance to work correctly and last long. Your concrete is a great example. Aggregate concrete, mostly found on driveways, needs to be washed and sealed every two years. The driveway takes the worst beating of all the exterior surfaces because it doesn’t just deal with dirt and grime, but salt and harmful UV rays from the sun. This type of damage is unavoidable, but regular maintenance and applications will extend the life of the surface much more.

Structural Damage:

Lack of maintenance can also create moisture buildup, which leads to rot, rust, and corrosion. This, in turn, causes structural damage to the building or surface if left unchecked. The best example for this is a pressure-treated wood deck. Annual washing is a must and sealant should be applied every two or three years. If not, the wood will absorb contaminants, which will slowly rot the wood. It doesn’t take too long for the rot to start weakening the wood, and before long replacement is the only option. 

Mold and Mildew Growth:

Mold and Mildew Growth:

When surfaces are not cleaned regularly, they become an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow. These organisms cause damage to the surface, create an unpleasant odor, and can also cause health problems for those who live in or around the building. Mold is nasty stuff and breathing it in regularly puts you at risk for developing hypersensitivity, pneumonitis, and other lung and immune system issues. If mold and mildew is not regularly eradicated from your home, they will not only do damage to your surface, but to your family. 

Overall, neglecting exterior surface maintenance can lead to costly repairs and a reduction in the value of the property. Regular maintenance can help prevent these issues and extend the lifespan of the exterior surfaces. Let Pristine Clean will handle your home’s exterior cleaning needs.

GET A FREE QUOTE