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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JACKSON, Wyo. – The Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation will start another fence removal project this coming weekend with the option to camp overnight.

JHWF is asking volunteers to join them when they start removing fences for two days in Upper Gros Ventre from September 19-20.

“We’re going to help the US Forest Service dismantle several obsolete fences over the weekend, from a buckrail fence on Saturday to a barbed wire fence on Sunday,” the foundation said.

JHWF has also received special amenities in the Goosewing Guard Station for volunteers who want to camp overnight at the station. This includes the use of the indoor bathroom, the possible use of the sleeping quarters and the hot water, as well as permission to set up tents on the station lawn of the guard station, which is usually not open to the public.

Availability for overnight stays in isolated bedrooms may be limited, so RSVP is required.

The fence team will finish work by noon on Saturday so the volunteers have time to explore the area. Sunday work should be done by the afternoon to allow for the 1:45 am drive time from the project site back to Jackson and to ensure that the volunteers return at a reasonable hour.

Everyone planning a camp is responsible for their own food, tent and overnight materials. An indoor stove will be available, but volunteers should consider bringing their own camping stove to minimize indoor use. Water and indoor pools are available to us as volunteers.

PROJECT Difficulties: This project assessment has a difficulty level of 7 (on a scale of 1 to 10).

Most of the work takes place in open sagebrush apartments. Most of the heavy lifting is done on day one when removing the post and rail fence. Water will be available on site, but conditions during the day are likely to be hot with no shade.

Expect overnight temperatures to drop near or below freezing. Expect to work mostly on flat terrain, with the possibility of the terrain becoming more varied depending on the type of flooring. Please bring a mask, headscarf or other face covering.

DRIVING DIFFICULTY: This project review has a driving difficulty rating of 8 (on a scale of 1 to 10).

The project locations are along Upper Gros Ventre Road above Upper Slide Lake. A mile up the road from Kelly Warm Springs, Gros Ventre Road begins to deteriorate significantly when it hits the USFS boundary. JHWF recommends vehicles with all-wheel drive and / or high ground clearance for this trip.

Rain is not expected, but JHWF will be monitoring the weather as these dirt roads can deteriorate significantly during and shortly after storms.

Closure of Gros Ventre Road

Upper Gros Ventre Road is currently under construction, which means that there will be closures on days when the road is being repaired, preventing travel between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm and between 1:00 pm and 5:00 pm. Road closures are not expected over the weekend.Volunteers who report should check their email on Friday night to make sure plans haven’t changed.

equipment

You should wear layered clothing, long trousers and sturdy shoes, and bring a rain jacket. Sun or glasses are also a must. Sun protection (hat and sun protection lotion) and insect spray are strongly recommended.

JHWF also recommends that volunteers check the status of their tetanus shots in the event of scratches or punctures through old fences, especially barbed wire. JHWF provides work gloves and has tools on site.

COVID-19:

• Please refrain from volunteering if you have had a fever or other COVID 19 symptoms in the fourteen (14) days prior to the volunteer date.
• Immediately report all COVID 19-like symptoms that occur during volunteering to the employees of the JHWF and immediately stop all voluntary activities.
• Maintain as much space as possible between you, other volunteers, and supporters of the organization. This procedure is also required for staff-to-staff contact to limit exposure.
• Use a surgical mask or improvised masks such as scarves, bandanas, and handkerchiefs in case you need to be less than six feet from someone else.
• Wash or disinfect your hands after using the toilet, sneezing / coughing, and before eating or distributing food or drinks.
• Only use work gloves and hand tools or those that have been specially issued to you by the JHWF.
• Only carpools with members of your household group.

RSVP on [email protected] if you want to participate. If you have not yet filled out the JHWF waiver, you will receive the voluntary fence exemption for 2020 as well as a COVID-19 waiver. Both are required.

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