How Do I Remove Algae from My Composite Cladding?

Composite cladding is an excellent material that homeowners utilise to cover external walls of their property. There are many advantages composite cladding provides, such as preventing moisture from entering your home. Composite cladding can also provide insulation for your property and protect your home/property from external weathering effects. Composite cladding will enhance your home and add some beauty to it. As with any other material, composite cladding will still require some maintenance to keep it looking at its best and avoid the accumulation of mould, mildew and algae.

Conditions that favour the growth of mould and mildew on composite cladding

Lack of maintenance – Cleaning your new plastic-wood exterior wall is imperative to ensure you are still pleased with its appearance years down the line. Maintaining your cladding via thorough cleaning will not only retain its aesthetic appearance, but it will also ensure its durability. The build-up of organic matter can eventually lead to decay which will massively hinder the structure of your cladding boards and potentially lead to the purchase of replacement materials.

Scratches and imprints – Mould and mildew can thrive on surfaces of composite cladding where scratches and marks are situated. These scratches peel off the protective layer on the cladding board, making it more susceptible to moisture absorption. Also, if the scratch is deep enough, this can cause a small, shaded area on the surface of the cladding board. Mould, mildew, and algae favour darker conditions to thrive, meaning you are more likely to experience these issues with deep cuts in your cladding board.

What are algaes, and how do they grow on composite cladding?

Algae is a group of microscopic plants that grow on wet surfaces because of a lack of sunlight and the right amount of moisture. To thrive, algae must be in moist conditions, which is why you see mould and algae problems in humid environments. Mould and mildew can potentially gather on the surface of your cladding boards if the climate is suitable. If your cladding lies in the shade and is in a damp area, there is a higher chance that algae will develop. 

Although composite cladding is much less likely to attract the growth of mould, mildew and green algae, these things can still thrive if the climate is right. You’re less likely to experience this with composite cladding when compared with timber because composite cladding has a protective layer that promotes surface runoff, meaning the boards absorb less water. As mentioned previously, algae need moisture to grow, and you will not see the growth of microscopic vegetation in very dry environments.

How do you remove mould and algae?

Step One – Get the Materials that You Need

The first thing to do when you want to remove algae from your composite cladding is to get all the equipment you need. You will need a soft bristle brush, a bucket, water, and soap.

Also, you can purchase a special composite material cleaner in the market. There are plenty of composite cladding cleaners that will remove algae effectively, such as COMPO-CLEAN.

 Step Two – Make the Cleaning Solution

After you have gathered what you need, you can make your warm, soapy solution. How you combine them depends on the cleaner that you want to use. Mix water with your soap or detergent in a bucket until you start to see bubbles.

If you are using a unique composite cladding cleaner, you should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines on mixing. After mixing, you should get your brush ready for the next task.

Step Three – Scrub Algae off Your Composite Cladding

You can now start to apply the solution to the affected areas. Let the solution soak into the surface for a couple of minutes. If you tried warm soapy water and a brush and this is still not working, you can attempt to use vinegar and baking soda.

We recommend that you use a brush that you attach to a pole so that you will reach the top of your cladding easily.

Step Four – Wash Your Composite Cladding

You should use a water hose to rinse your composite cladding. Make sure that you remove all the stains from the surface of your cladding with water. After that, you should leave the cladding to dry.

To conclude, if you observe mould, mildew or a build-up of algae on the surface, you should not be in fear. You can easily remove these things with basic equipment if you notice an accumulation of algae.