How Mold & Mildew Can Impact Your Deck

Deck owners face a number of environmental threats, such as long hours of sunlight exposure, harsh rains, high winds, wear and tear from repeated use, and much more. However, many people forget about the ever-present threat of mold and mildew. These fungus organisms tend to form in places that are dark and constantly damp: conditions which are frequently found in the structure of your deck. On this blog, we’ll explore why mold and mildew can be so damaging and what you can do to prevent them from harming your deck.

The Effects of Mold & Mildew

Mold and mildew in your deck should be treated with the same level of seriousness and urgency that you would show when you find these fungi in your own home: they can have the same damaging effects. For starters, both of these organisms require organic material to act as a food source in order to take root and spread, which includes wood. This makes mold and mildew extremely difficult to remove once it has taken root and also means it’s a contributor to wood rot, an issue which could result in your deck structure weakening significantly.

Mold and mildew both have other effects as well. For starts, they have a distinct, musty smell that’s difficult to mask or get rid of without getting rid of the substances completely. Likewise, while most of these fungi are harmless, black mold is toxic, and too much exposure could lead to serious health problems. You definitely wouldn’t want that around your home, family, children, patrons, or anyone who comes in contact with your deck.

Defending Against Mold & Mildew

So what can you do to get rid of these problems or prevent them from forming in the first place? Prevention is the most effective way of getting rid of mold, so the best thing you can do is thoroughly waterproof your deck . Sealing your deck and protecting it from water intrusion means you’ll deny mold spores one of the key components they need to take root and thrive: a water source. Thus, your deck will stay protected.

The next most important thing you should do is carefully inspect your deck for any cracks or areas where water may be able to penetrate down into your deck structure. Even a small crack can be enough for water to intrude and start causing mold to grow, so you should speak with a Los Angeles deck waterproofing and construction expert to inquire about resurfacing your deck and getting rid of a mold problem that may have emerged.

Finally, make sure your deck is properly sloped and that water flows in the direction you want it to. All decks should have some sort of a drainage system, so make sure no water can get stuck on your deck and accumulate into puddles (known as “ ponding ”), and be sure to get these spots repaired as soon as possible if you notice them.

Got a problem with your deck? Call Capital Deck & Stair Waterproofing at (888) 508-2966 to request an estimate for your repair, waterproofing, and sealing services.