How Professional Painters in Coquitlam Manage Algae and Mildew Before Painting an Exterior

Algae and mildew on exterior surfaces are a common problem in Coquitlam and throughout the Lower Mainland because of our mild oceanic climate and winter rainy season. Professional painters are tasked with managing algae and mildew before painting an exterior building surface. In today’s blog article we are going to talk about how professional painters handle algae and mildew.

Assessment

The first part to any painting project is to assess what needs to be done and the condition of what is there. The painter is going to look at how much algae or mildew there is and how it can be quickly and efficiently removed.

Cleaning

Usually algae and mildew is removed with power washing. Power washing is powerful and will also remove dirt and flaking paint. Sometimes extra elbow grease is needed with brushes. After cleaning, the painter may determine that some pieces of trim are sufficiently damaged that they need replacing altogether before painting, which may or may not be something they can do. Don’t worry—a professional painter will have already thought of this before starting and have a plan.

Paint

Your professional Coquitlam painter will know that there are paints designed to withstand algae and mildew growth. If you have a particularly bad problem with this, such as on a building with large surfaces facing north, the painter may elect to use specific paints to combat the problem or may want to use a primer designed to prevent a mold problem.

While mildew or mold and algae are not the same thing, they both stem from wet surfaces that stay wet, or do not get a lot of sun. Hot, sunny surfaces to not have the same problems as damp, shady ones. Talk to your professional painter about your exterior surfaces if you have concerns. The painter will know a lot more about combatting mildew and algae growth than you will.

Level 5 Painting are experienced and dependable interior and exterior, residential and commercial painters based in Surrey, British Columbia. The Level 5 Painting crew performs at the highest industry standards to exceed your expectations and deliver painting projects with phenomenal results. 

If you have any questions about this article or would like to talk to us about your next painting project, then please call us at (604) 910-4828.