Since you presumably approach and exit your home several times daily, maintaining your asphalt driveway is important. The driveway is a spot that is frequently overlooked whether you travel by foot or by car.
A form of mold called mildew thrives in moist, shaded locations. Along with being unattractive, mildew can be dangerous to walk on because of how slippery its surface is. It isn’t much you can do to prevent mildew except to fix the water drainage in your driveway.
Maintain regular driveway cleanings to eradicate any mildew and prevent its regrowth. If mold forms on your concrete driveways, the first step is to block off the area from your kids and pets until the mold can be removed.
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Why Should You Remove Mold From Asphalt Driveway?
Shortness of breath, coughing, and other bodily symptoms are just a few of the physical effects that mold spores can have. Of course, there is a distinction between ordinary molds and the dangerous black mold we read about in the news.
Hiring mold remediation professionals to carefully remove this potential health hazard is best if you suspect poisonous black mold is growing on your bricks, concrete, or paving stones. Almost all homeowners eventually deal with the issue of mold.
Moisture and the absence of direct sunlight are all that mold needs to thrive. Thus, mold can grow both inside and outside the property. Cleaning must be done very carefully to avoid damaging surfaces that are delicate or prone to damage.
Steps To Remove Mold From Asphalt Driveway
Clean The Area
Removing mold or algae when dry surfaces will be simpler and safer. Mold can more easily release its spores into the air in a moist, damp environment, making it easier to eliminate the mold.
If feasible, let the area be exposed to sunshine to help the mold and surface dry out and reduce the spread of mold spores. A fan or heater suitable for outdoor use will also help dry the area.
Once the area has dried, use a stiff broom to eliminate as much mold or algae as possible. For especially difficult locations, a plastic scraper could also be required.
Power Wash The Driveway
The first two procedures of drying off and brushing the area might be sufficient to eliminate any minor mold or algae build-up. If not, pressure washing is frequently very efficient in removing mold and algae from driveways.
If you don’t already have one, you can get one rather cheaply to have on hand for this project and others in the future. Additionally, you can rent one or hire someone to power wash your surfaces.
It’s possible that after power washing paved walks or driveways, you’ll need to restock the joint sand between the stones. A professional clean and seal paver service often includes this.
Apply Chlorine Bleach
Shower curtain liners may be cleaned and mildew-free by washing them with vinegar or bleach when you see a little mold or mildew on them. Your hardscapes could experience the same thing. People who have plants shouldn’t use bleach as their first line of defense, but you can try it if pressure washing doesn’t help.
If you use this method to get rid of mold, consider spraying the area with a solution of water and white vinegar first. A deck brush or scrub brush might be needed to remove any persistent stains after you have sprayed the area with the vinegar solution and given it a few minutes to work its magic.
If vinegar is ineffective, you can also try making your mold-killing spray solution by combining about a cup of bleach with each gallon of water. Bleach can have a more detrimental effect on the environment and even alter the color of some bricks and pavers.
So, before spraying a broad area, try this alternative in a discreet location first. You must also ensure that no runoff enters a storm drain and safeguard neighboring plants and grass.
Use A Commercial Mold Cleaner
If vinegar or bleach don’t work, it shouldn’t be difficult to discover efficient products in your neighborhood garden shop or home improvement store. If you have a little mold or algae issue, you might choose a specific general cleaning product like a road wash.
It could be necessary to use a mold stain remover if your hardscape has become stained due to the mold. Most of these products need you to spray the affected area, give it a few minutes to perform its magic, scrub the area with a brush, and then rinse it with water.
Conclusion
Ensure the area can periodically dry out and has adequate airflow to avoid future mold or algae problems. Creating drainage routes or cutting overhanging trees and bushes may be required to prevent standing water.
Clean up the driveway’s leftover mold spots. Once you’re done, rinse the driveway to eliminate any last bits of bleach. Once the asphalt dries, the mold stains ought to disappear. Use a scour brush to attack any mold stains as needed.
