It’s easy to let home maintenance slide. You might be too busy or too tired. That’s fair enough, but what happens if you don’t power wash your house?
The short answer is that dirt and organic growth will degrade your Bethel Park home. The humidity and ample rainfall in Allegheny County speed up this process. It also helps algae, moss, and mildew thrive.
In this post, we’ll examine the consequences of neglecting this task. Exterior home care has become a big button issue in the post-COVID world.
The Environmental Impact on Homes in Bethel Park, PA
We have hot, humid summers and icy cold winters. That means that algae, mold, and mildew thrive in the summer. They go dormant in the winter but bloom again in spring.
Many homes are near wooded areas, which increases the chance of pests and insects. When you combine these with dirt and grime, you’ve got a recipe for damage.
What’s more, algae on your roof does more than impact its structural integrity. It also absorbs sunshine. The end result is that your home is warmer inside, which decreases energy efficiency.
Signs Your House Needs Pressure Washing
Now that you have a rough idea of what happens if you don’t power wash your house let’s look at signs that show that your home needs attention.
Visible Mold and Mildew Growth
You’ll usually see these in shaded areas and crevices in siding, brick, and concrete. It’ll spread and encompass the whole surface if you ignore it. This growth does more than damage your home’s curb appeal, though. It’s also a red flag for buyers, affecting your property value.
You might think you can relax if you’re not selling your home. Unfortunately, you’re putting your family at risk. Mold and mildew can trigger allergies and respiratory issues.
Dirt and Grime Build Up
Pollutants and dust accumulate on your home’s exteriors. It dulls the finish, lowering your property’s curb appeal. The longer it stays in place, the more damage it can do. By removing these elements, you make a good impression on potential buyers. This’ll encourage them to make a good offer.
Paint and Surface Degradation
Pollutants combine with moisture to create an acidic compound. The combination causes paint to peel and wood to rot. Over time, the surface degrades, leading to expensive repairs and replacements.
Potential Risks of Not Power Washing Your Home
Now, let’s look at what happens if you don’t power wash your house regularly.
Structural Damage Over Time
Organic growth like algae and mold are more than a safety hazard. The longer they stay in contact with your Bethel Park home, the more damage they do. They work their way into hairline cracks, enlarging them.
Pollutants combine with moisture to form acidic compounds. These erode the exterior surfaces. In either case, you’re looking at long-term structural damage.
Decreased Property Value
Dirt and organic growth make your property look neglected. Considering how competitive Bethel Park’s real estate market is, you can’t afford this. You need to impress buyers as they step out of their vehicles.
If they see signs of mold, they’ll wonder if there’s structural damage. If they’re still willing to make an offer, it won’t be a good one. It’s only human to overinflate the cost of maintenance when you’re looking for a home.
Regular cleaning helps you maintain good curb appeal. It’s important not just for aesthetics but also to get the best possible price for your home.
Decreased Safety
Pollutants can contain hard chemicals that irritate the airways. However, it’s organic growth that poses the greatest risk.
We hear a lot about how dangerous toxic mold is. What we hear less about is that almost any mold and mildew spores can affect the respiratory tract. They can cause an allergic reaction, rhinitis, and trigger asthma attacks.
Algae is also problematic. When it gets underfoot, it can become very slippery. This poses a significant slipping hazard.
Lower Energy Efficiency
Algae on the roof looks unsightly. It leaves black streaks and adds an air of neglect. However, that’s only a small part of the problem.
More importantly, the plants absorb the sun’s rays, superheating the underlying surface. This causes the building materials to degrade faster. It also makes your home warmer inside.
Finally, the algae and dirt prevent the roof from reflecting sunlight and heat. The effect is that your home gets even warmer inside. Therefore, your HVAC has to work harder, reducing your house’s energy efficiency.
Why Regular Power Washing Is Essential
You now know what happens if you don’t power wash your house. You’re looking at long-term damage and a lower property value. Now let’s look at the benefits of power washing services:
- Maintains your home’s appearance by removing dirt that dulls the finish
- Prevents further damage from pollutants and organic growth
- Extends the lifespan of exterior materials by removing harmful compounds
- Removes traces of dirt and mold that can detract from your property value
- Helps improve the air quality around your home by clearing away mold and mildew
- Saves you time and money on maintenance because your surfaces last longer
- Removes slipping hazards that might cause your family harm
Regularly cleaning your home exterior makes it look brighter. This has a similar effect to painting at a fraction of the cost and effort.
We recommend calling us before looking for contractors to refinish your home’s exterior. You’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results. If you still want a new look, the cleaning prepares the surface very well. The new finish will adhere well and last longer.
Contact Pro Kleen Industries Today!
What happens if you don’t power wash your house in Bethel Park? The exterior surfaces won’t last as long, and you’ll need to spend more time and money on maintenance. You’re also endangering your family and negatively impacting your property value.
It’s all so needless when a quick call to Pro Kleen Industries LLC at 724-344-2534 makes exterior cleaning effortless. Learn more now.
