Mildew and Mold Love August — Here’s How to Stop Them

If you've started noticing green or black streaks creeping along your siding, roof, deck, or fencing, you’re not imagining things — August is prime time for mold and mildew to take over your home's exterior. With heat, humidity, and scattered rainstorms, this time of year creates the perfect environment for unwanted growth.

Your roof is especially vulnerable, as it holds moisture and traps heat — making it the perfect place for algae, mildew, and mold to thrive. Left untreated, those dark stains can shorten the lifespan of your shingles and lead to long-term damage.

At Ducky Power Wash, we know how quickly mildew can spread and how stubborn it can be. That’s why we offer expert power washing services in Richmond and surrounding areas to eliminate mold and keep your property looking fresh and protected.

Why August Is Mold and Mildew Season

Mildew and mold thrive in warm, damp, shaded environments — three conditions that are common across Central Virginia in August. The long, hot days combined with frequent humidity and occasional rain showers create moisture build up on surfaces like siding, roofs, decks, patios, and fences. When that moisture doesn’t dry quickly, it becomes a breeding ground for algae, mold, and mildew.

Even if your home looks clean from a distance, mildew often starts in subtle spots like:

• Behind shutters or gutters

• Under roof overhangs or shaded siding

• Along rooflines where tree cover creates constant shade

• Between deck boards or on the north-facing side of your home

Without early removal, this buildup doesn’t just grow — it sets into the surface, becoming harder to remove and more likely to damage finishes or materials.

The Long-Term Risks of Ignoring Mold and Mildew

Many homeowners think of mold and mildew as just an eyesore but leaving them untreated can result in long-term damage to your home and health. Mildew can eat away at paint, stains, and roofing granules, leading to discoloration, peeling, or premature deterioration. On roofs, mildew and algae growth can weaken shingles and lead to costly repairs or even early roof replacement.

Prolonged exposure can also affect air quality, especially around windows, doors, or vents. Mold spores may aggravate allergies or asthma for people and pets.

Other potential consequences of ignoring exterior mildew include:

• Rotting wood on decks, stairs, and fencing

• Warped or stained siding that decreases curb appeal

• Weakened or stained shingles that reduce roof lifespan

• Permanent staining that even repainting can't cover

• Structural weakening in areas with excessive moisture buildup

Why Power Washing Is the Best Solution

While mildew removers and DIY scrubbing can offer a temporary fix, they rarely eliminate the root of the problem — and they’re time-consuming. Professional power washing is the most effective and efficient way to clean mildew-covered surfaces and prevent it from coming back too soon.

At Ducky Power Wash, we use pressure settings that are matched to the material being cleaned — high enough to remove the grime, but gentle enough to protect the surface. We also use eco-friendly cleaning solutions that break down organic growth at the source.

Power washing is ideal for removing mildew from:

• Roofs and roof edges (when safely accessible)

• Vinyl and wood siding

• Composite and wood decks

• Fences (vinyl, wood, or metal)

• Patios, walkways, and outdoor furniture

• Brick and concrete walls

By choosing professional power washing, you're not just cleaning — you're protecting your home from deterioration, maintaining property value, and extending the life of your roof and other exterior surfaces.

Why Late Summer Is the Right Time to Act

Waiting too long to address mildew growth can lead to bigger problems come fall. As the weather cools and moisture gets trapped in crevices, mold can settle deeper into surfaces and become more difficult to remove. Leaves will soon start to fall, creating additional debris on your roof and in your gutters — both of which trap moisture and feed mold.

Scheduling your power washing in August gives your home a clean slate before the fall buildup begins. It also gives surfaces time to fully dry in the sun, creating a better foundation for long-term cleanliness and even paint or sealant applications if you’re planning home improvements.

Plus, August is a great time to beat the fall rush. Many homeowners wait until just before the holidays to schedule exterior cleaning, but by then, availability is limited. Acting now gives you more flexibility and ensures your home looks its best for back-to-school, Labor Day guests, and beyond.