Mold is nasty, and that’s just a fact of life. The problem is that it can grow almost anywhere, from dirty dishes in the kitchen to a water leak in the basement. One place you might not expect to see it is on your fence outside. Here are some things you should know when it comes to dealing with this pest.
Identifying the Mold
First of all, you need to know what kind of mold you are dealing with today. Most of the time, mold will do the most damage to wood fences. Even if other fences are resistant to mold, that doesn’t mean they are completely unaffected. There is orange mold, yellow mold, green mold, and white mold. Occasionally you will see black mold but that tends to be much more common indoors and not outside. But still, it is possible to run into black mold, which is the worst of the bunch. If you have a wooden fence and it is starting to lean, then you know that a mold problem is evident. If you notice rotting, cracking, or splitting, then it could be another telltale sign that you are now dealing with a mold infestation. If gates open more slowly all of a sudden, or latches and hinges are mysteriously rusty, then it can also indicate the presence of a mold colony.
Removing It
If you are lucky enough to catch the mold while it is still forming, then all you need to do is scrub with hot water and some soap. However, if it is more advanced than that, you will have to consult fence professionals who will have a better idea of how to proceed. Vinegar and bleach can make a difference, but be careful not to splash the plants or other landscaping elements around the fence. Sometimes, all you need is a pressure washer and some determination.
Getting a New Fence
In some cases, it could be much easier just to tear down the affected fence and replace it. The posts, boards, rails, and nails could all be covered in mold. Sometimes, getting rid of the mold isn’t enough, because the fence itself can’t be saved.
Choose Hercules Fence Northern Virginia for All of Your Fencing Needs
Hercules Fence Northern Virginia has countless fencing options for your home and commercial property. Whether you’re excited about a beautiful vinyl chain link fence or already planning out your custom wood commercial fence, we are ready to help you frame and secure your property. Hercules Fence Northern Virginia has been providing homeowners with quality fences for over 50 years. We are well equipped to meet your needs, whether they are residential or commercial. Contact us to see how a beautiful wood fence can protect your property by giving us a call at 703-551-2609 or visiting us online. To see examples of our work, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Flickr.