Getting Rid of Mold from Exterior Masonry Walls

Well-maintained masonry walls offer long-lasting beauty and durability that enhance the value of commercial properties. 

One of the biggest challenges in protecting your asset is mold. Mold is a type of fungus that thrives on porous surfaces like limestone, concrete and brick. These building materials act like a sponge, absorbing moisture and creating favorable conditions for mold to grow. Mold is more likely to appear near plants, on or near columns, and on other surfaces exposed to moisture and dirt. 

Mold forms an ugly grime which degrades the appearance of your building and cannot be removed with conventional cleaning products. Specialized methods and cleaners are required to get rid of mold growth and keep it away. 

Problems Caused by Mold

Mold will grow in almost any location where moisture is allowed to remain for any length of time. Ignoring early signs of growth only makes the problem worse. Not only does mold give your building a dirty, outdated appearance, it may also affect the strength and durability of your masonry over the long term. 

Mold also has harmful effects on human health. Inhalation of mold spores may aggravate symptoms of asthma, allergies and other respiratory conditions. Ingestion by mouth may lead to nausea, and skin contact can cause irritation and rashes. 

Because of its potential health effects, safety precautions must be taken when cleaning mold. Technicians should wear protective gear to prevent contact with skin or lungs. 

Professional Mold Removal

At Mid America Specialty Services, we use gentle cleaners and pump sprayers to remove mold from masonry surfaces and protect against new growth for up to two weeks. 

The first step in the cleaning process is to sweep away excess dirt and debris before wetting the surface. It is best to avoid harsh acidic products which may degrade the masonry. Instead, Mid America uses gentle but effective cleaners that remove scum created by mold buildup. It is also important to use caution to prevent cleaning products formulated for masonry from damaging other building materials like metal or glass. 

Preventing Future Mold Growth

Controlling mold starts with identifying sources of growth. Check areas where moisture is likely to accumulate and seep into masonry, such as basements, window wells, gutters, cracks and leaks. 

Your first line of defense against mold is to keep these vulnerable surfaces dry as much as possible. Your second priority is to not allow standing water to remain in place. That means promptly cleaning away excess water with a mop or boom after precipitation, for example. 

Make sure water isn’t allowed to drain onto concrete walkways or masonry walls. Gutters and downspouts should move water away from the building, entryways and walkways. Choose a landscape design that keeps trees, shrubs and other plants away from masonry surfaces. 

Clean masonry regularly with an appropriate detergent, carefully following the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a scrub broom and rinse with clean water before allowing the surface to dry completely. 

In addition to routine cleaning and maintenance, have exterior masonry treated with a sealer to protect against moisture and mold growth. A quality sealer stops moisture from seeping through while letting fresh air move freely through the substrate. 

If you need to remove unsightly mold growth from limestone, concrete, brick or other porous masonry, our experts are here to help. Call Mid America Specialty Services at 800-544-4576 or contact us online at any time.