A: I have the exact same problem in my home even though the siding is fiber cement. If you live north of the equator, black mold and mildew or green algae can grow on the north side of your home. The north-facing position offers the perfect conditions for this organic growth.

Here’s the bad news: there’s no magic paint or coating that I know will keep your siding free of mold, mold, and algae. These three living organisms are almost everywhere. You only need two things to grow: water and food. The north orientation of the houses provides plenty of water.

Since direct sunlight does not wash the north-facing walls, the water there often evaporates more slowly. Morning dew can and does form on all surfaces of the house when the surface temperature drops below the dew point of the air.

These surfaces on the north side of the house lose this dew last, so that mold, mildew and algae can have a drink before the next morning. The ground directly under the siding remains far more humid than the ground on the other sides of the house, with all things being the same. Water evaporates from this soil, and some of this water vapor can also quench the thirst of organisms.

Food for mold, mildew, and algae to grow is readily available in almost all regions of the United States. In Ohio, the numerous deciduous trees, especially maples, emit a fine aerosol. These microscopic drops of elixir contain sugars, which are delicious food for powdery mildew, mold, and algae.

Dust and other pollutants can also be food for some of these organisms. Realize that food is everywhere, even though it is invisible. Old oil-based paints were made from alkyd oil resins. These oils are delicious foods for mildew and mold.

Because of this, some modern deck sealers made with natural oils go black within months after you go to the trouble of making your deck look beautiful. They eat food so that mold and mildew can eat. Some natural oil seals contain chemicals to slow down organic growth.

Three years ago I wrote a book called Roofing Ripoff about why asphalt shingles are falling apart faster than they should. The inspiration for the book came when I discovered that copper ions will add decades to the life of asphalt shingles.

Many have known for hundreds of years that copper is an amazing natural biocide too. This is why the hulls of clipper ships and Old Ironsides, the historic frigate of the US Navy, are clad in copper. I used liquid copper solution to keep algae off decks. The only problem is that the copper will wash off with each rainfall and can create a bluish tinge. Some people are very opposed to using aqueous copper like this one, thinking that it is damaging to the environment.

If you’re having problems with mold and mildew on your vinyl siding, you can experiment with spraying a copper sulfate on the siding. However, if you have valuable landscapes or trees nearby, the copper won’t help them with life. The problem is that the copper on the vinyl siding is temporary and will wash off with repeated rainfall.

I think the easiest thing is to wash the siding once a year around Flag Day. Until then it will be warm and the work will not be too difficult. If you’re washing the house when the siding is still free of mold or mildew, you may be able to achieve this with a garden spray on your garden hose.

Instead of putting dangerous chemicals in the sprayer, just add some powdered oxygen bleach and some liquid dish soap. Spray this solution on the house and let it sit for 15 or 20 minutes. This allows the oxygen bleach to attack and break down invisible food particles. The liquid dish detergent lubricates the surface so that all food peel off with minimal effort when you wash the siding.

This simple cleaning process will keep the siding looking great year round.

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