Celebration Community Standards
The community of Celebration derives its unique character from a mix of compatible architectural styles and from the cooperation of all owners in upholding minimum design, landscaping, and aesthetic standards. A well-kept home appearance increases property values for everyone.
Mold and Algae on the Sides of Your Home
The high humidity of Florida creates a recurring outdoor maintenance problem: mold and algae on exterior surfaces.
Molds are types of fungi and are everywhere in the natural environment. Molds produce “spores” that are spread through the air and can also be spread by water and insects. Mold grows and multiplies wherever there is a suitable place to grow, a nutrient source, and moisture.
Green algae can be found in shaded areas where there is moisture, such as surfaces on the north side of buildings, under the shade of a tree, or under the roof of a patio. Green algae can make the surface very slippery.
What You Can Do – Cleaning Your Home’s Side Walls
Cleaning the sides of your home enhances the “curb appeal” of your home. Periodic and routine cleaning of the surfaces also makes the job easier after the first cleaning. It can be a weekend project that involves moving ladders around the perimeter of your home. So, if you don’t care to tackle this project yourself, there are commercial cleaning companies that can be hired to provide this service.
The most efficient way to clean mold and mildew from the sides of your home is pressure washing. Take care to avoid pointing the stream of water into cracks and crevices that would force water behind the protective exterior of your home. Some pressure washers have a detergent tank for spraying a cleaning solution that is safe for your machine. Never put bleach in your pressure washer. Always use eye protection when using a pressure washer, as the force of the water could blow back debris or cleaning solution into your face.
CAUTION: Commercial cleaning solution runoff may damage plants near the work area. Cover plants or route the runoff so it doesn’t come in contact with the plants. If you choose to use a commercial cleaning solution found in home improvement stores, follow package directions when using a commercial product.
It’s a good idea to rinse the surface with water from a garden hose or the pressure washer to remove the cleaning solution and any remaining mold/algae organic matter.
Don’t Forget Your Fence
Don’t forget to pressure wash your fence when you tackle this cleaning project. Your fence displays as much “curb appeal” as your home and landscape. Cleaning the sides of your home and the surrounding fence is a recurring task in humid Florida, but the results always enhance the overall beauty of your home.
Mold and Algae on Concrete Surfaces
The high humidity of Florida creates a recurring outdoor maintenance problem: mold and algae on concrete surfaces.
Molds are types of fungi and are everywhere in the natural environment. Molds produce “spores” that are spread through the air and can also be spread by water and insects. Mold grows and multiplies wherever there is a suitable place to grow, a nutrient source, and moisture. Concrete, with all its nooks, crannies and pores, is an excellent mold incubator.
Green algae can be found in shaded areas where there is moisture, such as surfaces on the north side of buildings, under the shade of a tree, or under the roof of a concrete patio. Green algae can make the surface very slippery.
The gray or black streaks or splotches found on concrete are black algae. Black algae grows on outdoor surfaces such as concrete or roof shingles, and thrives with moisture and sunlight. Black algae can live on sidewalks and roofs that are exposed to intense sunlight due to the pigmented protective dark color that protects it from the sun.
What You Can Do – Cleaning Concrete Surfaces
Cleaning concrete surfaces enhances the “curb appeal” of your home and helps prevent slippery surfaces that could cause accidents. Periodic and routine cleaning of the concrete surfaces also makes the job easier after the first cleaning. If you don’t care to tackle this project yourself, there are commercial cleaning companies that can be hired to provide this service. Cleaning concrete surfaces is accomplished in three steps:
Step One: Clean your sidewalk, patio, or pavers by sweeping or vacuuming to remove any caked-on dirt or debris from cracks and crevices.
Step Two: A homemade cleaning solution of ¼ to one cup of liquid bleach per gallon of water with a few drops of liquid soap, or a commercial solution found in home improvement stores, will work. Follow package directions when using a commercial product. Soak the area with your solution and let it set for 10-15 minutes to kill the mold and algae. For best results, scrub the surface with a hard-bristled scrub brush. As an alternative to scrubbing, use a pressure washer. Some pressure washers have a detergent tank for spraying a cleaning solution that is safe for your machine. Never put bleach in your pressure washer.
CAUTION: Detergent and bleach runoff can damage or kill plants near the work area. Use a diluted bleach solution (not full strength). Cover plants or route the runoff so it doesn’t come in contact with the plants. Before you begin, put on rubber gloves and avoid inhaling bleach fumes. Always use eye protection when using a pressure washer, as the force of the water could blow back debris or cleaning solution into your face.
Step Three: After scrubbing, rinse with water from a garden hose, or the pressure washer, to remove the cleaning solution and any remaining mold/algae organic matter.
Part of your home’s “curb appeal” includes the appearance of the street curb around your home. Include cleaning (pressure washing) the street curb when you clean concrete surfaces. Cleaning your sidewalks, driveway, and street curb is a recurring task in humid Florida, but the results always enhance the overall beauty of your home.
Mold and Algae on Roofing Surfaces
The high humidity of Florida creates a recurring outdoor maintenance problem: mold and algae on exposed surfaces. After a few years, the “new roof look” turns to discoloration that makes your home look older and weatherworn.
Molds are types of fungi and are everywhere in the natural environment. Molds produce “spores” that are spread through the air and can also be spread by water and insects. Mold grows and multiplies wherever there is a suitable place to grow, a nutrient source, and moisture.
Green algae can be found in shaded areas where there is moisture, such as surfaces on the north side of buildings or roofs under the shade of a tree. Green algae can make a surface very slippery.
The gray or black streaks or splotches found on asphalt shingles or roofing tiles are black algae. Black algae can live on roofs and sidewalks that are exposed to intense sunlight due to the pigmented protective dark color that protects it from the sun.
Cleaning Your Roof
Cleaning the roof enhances the “curb appeal” of your home, but it is a dangerous job and should be accomplished by a professional. There are several commercial cleaning companies that can be hired to provide this service. However, if you choose to do the work, here are some helpful points to consider.
Safety First! Besides using ladders and hoses, walking on steep, wet, and slippery surfaces is hazardous enough, not to mention the possibility of cracking a tile. A professional service may use a padded sheet of plywood to distribute the weight of the technician while working on the roof.
The cleaning method is dependent on your home’s type of roof: asphalt shingle or tile. Pressure washing asphalt shingles is not recommended as the water pressure will loosen and remove the protective granules embedded in the shingles. A chemical agent is best for asphalt shingle cleaning. Use a cleaning agent that is also safe for the environment, as the runoff will certainly splash onto your plants and lawn.
Tile roofs can be pressure washed. The use of a safe cleaning solution will make the job easier. Ensure the professional uses the correct pressure settings so as not to damage the tiles and uses cleaning solutions and techniques that are appropriate for tile.
Finally, after cleaning the roof you will need to clean the debris out of the gutters, ensuring proper water flow and that any French drains are not clogged.
What You Can Do – Preventive Measures
Trees near your home contribute to roof discoloration by providing shade that keeps moisture on the roof and buildup of debris that aids the growth of mold and algae. By keeping trees trimmed away from your home, you help delay the growth of mold and algae on the roof and sides of your home. Have branches that touch the roof or sides of your home removed. Trim the trees surrounding your home so that there is a free flow of air between your home and the trees. This will also help keep the gutters clear of leaves and insects away from your home.
Cleaning your roof is a recurring task in humid Florida, but the results always enhance the overall beauty of your home.