Mould Removal Gold Coast – 3 Mistakes to Avoid

| Posted by Soonah Walkom | in Mould Removal

Mould Removal – The 3 Biggest Mistakes Gold Coast Families Make when Removing Mould from their Driveways, Walls, Roofs, Fences and Garden Areas.

Adult-Coughing-from-mould-sickness

Mould in and around your home can cause illness

Mould Removal 101: I think we can all agree that mould in general is a bad thing. Not only does it look unsightly, but it also makes your home feel unclean.But did you know it has been identified as causing serious health issues such as asthma; lung disease; fatigue, and learning difficulties in children?In this blog we talk about the 3 biggest mistakes people make when using a high-pressure wash to treat mould, mildew and fungus on the exterior of your home – and how to avoid them.We’ll also include some useful links at the end of the blog to further information.

 1. Power Washing– using cold water

Time and time again we see families choosing the cheapest power washer to come to their home and remove mould on their driveways; garden walls; fences; roof; gutters; and/or outdoor areas.This is not a good thing, and we’ll tell you why.As with all things in life, cheaper is often not better. When it comes to mould removal, many providers of high pressure cleaning services will use a cold-water wash. This will make your family home look like new! You’ll be immediately impressed with how sparkling and wonderful your house looks and feels.   However when you live on the Gold Coast, whether it is in Sanctuary Cove, Carrara, Burleigh or Broadbeach Waters, our climate with lots of rain and high humidity, is the perfect breeding ground for mould and bacteria. After a power-clean with cold water, within weeks or months, the mould will come back.At Astute Asset Management, we use hot water 100% of the time, with a water temperature of 100 degrees Celsius. We know that it’s an effective way to permanently treat and remove mould from walls, roof, gutter, driveway or garden areas. Not only will you be thrilled with the results, but your home will continue to sparkle long after we’ve said good-bye. Below is a video of our hot-water pressure clean showing mould and mildew removal of a Gold Coast Brick garden wall.

Yes – eventually the mould will come back thanks to the Queensland climate. However with hot water power washing, it will take years; not weeks or months versus the cold water wash. So no surprises there, that the cheaper cold water wash option will cost you more in the long-run.Call or email us for a mould removal quote or click here to learn more about our high-pressure hot water wash (coming soon).

2. Removing mould – not using safe and effective chemicals

Mould-Removal-ChemicalsSome High Pressure mould removal specialists will only use cold water to clean your home. Not only are they not telling you how hot water is more effective, but they are also not telling you that using a safe chemical with the water gives a better result as it attacks the root cause of the mould. The extra chemicals in the water kill harmful bacteria that create those dark black patches on the surface of your home’s walls, roof, fence or driveway in the first place. Or those white chalky spots on the brick-work on your patio.At Astute Asset Management, we use and recommend So Safe chemicals. We are certified in their use and understand what will be the best and safest chemical to use on your hard surface to attack the mould at its roots – not just on the surface.Did you realise the chemical you use is different depending on the type of surface and what you are trying to remove from that surface? If you are unsure – we recommend you ask a specialist. Check out the mould removal chemical specification sheets from our preferred supplier So Safe that we use.

3. Not using a Sealant 

Why are we talking about sealants when I just want the mould removed from my driveway, patio or brick home? I hear you ask. Good question!
Gold Coast driveway after mould removal and before sealant applied

BEFORE: Gold Coast driveway after mould removal and before sealant applied

It’s a fantastic start to have the perfect hot water wash with the safest chemicals to eradicate mould from your home’s exterior.However, what’s even better, is to have a final sealant applied once the job is done. This is because a good sealant is a great strategy to help prevent water intrusion that leads to mildew.What most people don’t know, is hard surfaces such as bricks are highly porous, meaning they will soak up all that water from lots of rain. Just the type of rain we get from our heavy summer storms on the Gold Coast, Brisbane and in South East Queensland. The water from the rain can cause the brick (or other porous hard surface) to deteriorate, and therefore allow water into your home or foundations.
gold-coast-driveway-after-sealing-sealant-applied

AFTER: Gold Coast Driveway with Sealant and colour applied

This, combined with high humidity, can in turn cause toxic mould, mildew or fungus to grow in your house; on your roof; or on your driveway.By adding a sealant after your wash, you can make sure your walls will be protected from this deterioration; and therefore keep your family dry and safe from toxic mould.A top tip from our experts is to add a colour to your sealant for example, when applying it to your driveway. As you can see in the before and after photos on the left, it really lifts the whole appearance of your home and makes it feel like new. Perfect to add value if you’re about to put up a ‘for sale’ sign out front.Call or email us for a quote or click here to learn more about our sealants (coming soon).

Testimonials for Exterior Mould Removal

5 stars: A very professional approach from beginning to finished product. The external areas were the final stage in our renovations and have really put the icing on the cake so to speak. All concrete surfaces plus the mouldy old sail poles and the very dirty sails are all sparkling. Ben, you are a thorough professional. Many thanks from Pam and I. Dane Orchard
5 stars: I am absolutely AMAZED with the results of my driveway, front fence and patio area. Ben is extremely professional, courteous and his attention to detail is very impressive. Definitely recommend!! Leina Broughton
 5 stars: “WOW – I just had Ben from Astute Asset Management come and give my house a “spring clean” … what I asked from Astute was a general clean of my driveway and back patio – and what I received from Ben was a complete overhaul of my hard surfaces – he even cleaned my solar panels … Ben went above and beyond all expectations – and I would certainly recommend Astute for a cleanup of your house – business premises – or fencing – even your solar panels – I am sure I will get a better solar rebate now that they are cleaned up and “bat poo free”!!! Highly Highly recommended!!!! thanks Ben” Angelique Sheedy

Useful links:

At the beginning of the blog, we promised you useful links to further information related to this topic, so here they are…