Dealing with Fascia Mould? A UK Homeowner's Guide to Exterior Stains

Do you see bad green or black stains on your house? Many people in the UK have this problem. The wet UK air helps things grow on homes.

The stains look bad. But they can also be a sign of a real problem. A leaky gutter can cause stains. You need to know what causes the stains. Then you can fix them. We clean the outside of homes. We have seen it all. This guide will show you what causes stains. It will give you tips to make your home shine.

Green Stains from Algae and Mildew

Do you see a green film on your house boards? This is often on the shady side of a home. The cause is almost always algae.

• What is it?

Algae are like tiny plants. They love wet, dark places. They just need a wet spot with no sun to grow. Mildew is a fungus. It looks like a grey or white dust.

• Why does it grow there?

The boards on your roof edge are a good home. It rains on them a lot. Parts of your home that get no sun stay wet. This lets algae and mildew grow there.

• Is it harmful?

Algae is not bad for plastic boards. But it makes them wet and sticky. This traps dirt. It can feed mould. On wood boards, it can trap water. This can make the wood rot.

Black Streaks from Bad Gutters

This is a big problem we see. The stain shows that your gutters are not working right. Do you see black lines on your house boards? Look at your gutters first.

• The Link to Your Gutters:

Gutters move rain water off your roof. Leaves and moss can block them. Then the water spills out. It runs down your house boards. A small leak can do this too. Just a few leaves can start the problem.

• Why it Makes Mould:

The boards get wet all the time. This is a perfect home for mould. Mould looks dark. It can be slimy. It grows in lines from the leak.

• How to See the Signs:

Look at your gutters. Do the black lines start near them? This is a clear sign of a leak. Watch your gutters when it rains. This will show you the problem.

This wetness can cause real harm. It can make wood rot. It can even harm the wood under the roof. This can cost a lot of money to fix.

Dirt, Dust, and Moss from the Air 

Stains can also be just trapped dirt. But this is often due to wet spots. Wet spots come from green growth.

Think of a wet spot like sticky tape. Rain washes dirt off a dry wall. But dirt will stick to a wet, slimy wall. It stays there. It builds up a thick layer of grime. This grime is hard to clean.

Moss can also fall from the roof. It can get stuck in the gutter. Moss clumps hold water like a sponge. This makes a wet spot for stains and rot.

Tips to Keep Your House Boards Clean

A pro can clean stains well. But you can do things to help. We tell all our clients to do these things.

• Clean Your Gutters First: 

This is our most key tip. Clean gutters do not leak. This stops the main cause of dark mould. We say to clean them one time a year.

• Wash Your Boards Each Year:

A soft wash can help. Do this as part of your home care each year. For light green stains, use warm water and soap.

• How to Clean Mould in a Safe Way:

For bad mould, you may need a strong cleaner. A mix of bleach and water can work. But you must be very safe. Try it on a small spot first. Wear gloves to keep your hands safe. Wear glasses to keep your eyes safe. Make sure your ladder is safe. Working on a ladder with a cleaner is not safe. If you are not sure, call a pro.

• Let More Air and Sun In:

Cut back big trees or plants near your home. This is a good and easy step. More sun and air helps the walls dry fast. Mould does not like dry places.

Conclusion: Keep Your House Boards Fresh and Clean

The stains on your house boards are a sign. They tell you there is too much water. The cause could be a dark spot. Or it could be a bad gutter. Finding the cause is the key. This helps the fix last a long time.

You can stop most stains from forming. Just clean your gutters a lot. For bad stains, a pro clean is the best choice. It is safe and works well.

Our team has safe tools to work up high. We use good cleaners that are safe for the earth. Our cleaners stop new growth for a time. A wash you do at home can not do that.

Want your house to look its best? Want to stop harm from water? Learn more about our professional Fascia & Soffit Cleaning service. Ask us for a free price today.