The Hazards of Having Mold and Mildew on Your Deck

The Hazards of Having Mold and Mildew on Your Deck
overhead view of terrace

Mold and mildew are ugly little fungi that latch happily onto all kinds of porous and non-porous materials (stone, concrete, tile, etc.), thriving best where it’s especially damp. With an outdoor deck, rain, swimming pools, humidity, and other moisture can easily leave your deck susceptible to these frustrating microorganisms.

Don’t be tempted to write these intruders off as harmless. The following are just some of the hazards posed by a moldy, mildew-covered deck.

They Can Threaten Your Deck’s Integrity

Although mold and mildew appear to exist purely on the surface of your deck, they’re likely causing deeper damage than you realize. Unless your deck is made from a truly non-porous material or has been properly sealed and protected, the microscopic roots of the fungi will reach down beyond the surface.

cracked concrete

In nature, mold and mildew play the important role of helping to break down decomposing organic matter. Unfortunately, because mold and mildew need very little to grow, most deck materials have sufficient nutrients to keep them plenty happy. As the fungi do what they naturally do on your deck, the integrity of the material will eventually begin to break down, making it vulnerable to chips, cracks, crumbling, and other damage.

Mold and Mildew Are Hazardous to Human Health

Even if you don’t care about the appearance of your deck, you should be aware of the risks that significant mold and mildew exposure can pose to human health. Almost any type of mold can cause some problems for individuals with allergies, asthma, and other sensitivities, but certain groups—like the genus Aspergillus—can produce dangerous toxins and cause serious illness and infection.

Mildew is technically a type of mold, but it prefers flat surfaces and tends to affect plants the most. It’s considered less harmful than other types of mold, but its spores can certainly create breathing problems if they are inhaled, especially in those with already poor respiratory health.

They’re Not Great for Your Property Value

Some of the hazards posed by these fungi are more financial than physical. In addition to the structural and surface damage that mold and mildew can cause your deck, their appearance alone can be a major hit to your property’s curb appeal. They can spread quickly across the surface of your deck, creating unsightly gray, green, and black splotches that can be tough to eliminate without fungicides that penetrate into the material to kill the roots. If you’re trying to sell your home or commercial property, this can be a big drawback.

We Strive to Be One of the Best Waterproofing Companies in Los Angeles, CA

As professional waterproofing contractors in Los Angeles, we at Capital Deck & Stair help home and business owners throughout the area protect their patios, pool decks, and other outdoor spaces from the damaging effects of moisture, mold, and mildew. Call us today at (424) 339-0953 to learn more about how our residential and commercial waterproofing, resurfacing, and sealing services can keep your deck beautiful and functional for years to come.

Source:

  1. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aspergillosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369619