The siding and trim of your home can become discolored with mold and mildew. This can be an issue in damp or humid climates, but it can also affect the shady side of homes in drier areas. Fortunately, you may be able to repair the damage with just a little more than a fresh coat of paint. 

1. Find the Source

There is no point in repairing and repainting exterior mold if the source of the problem isn't addressed, as otherwise, the mold will simply return. The most likely source is an issue with the gutters on your roof. If they are overflowing or misaligned, then water will run over and behind the siding. Water damage and mold will follow soon after. 

2. Make Necessary Repairs

Not only must the cause of the damage be repaired, but any damage that is more than superficial must also be addressed. Wood is where water damage will be most severe. If you have wood siding, trim, or eaves, then it must all be checked for moisture rot. You can press gently into the wooden boards and trim with a flathead screwdriver or your nail. The screwdriver or nail will dent the wood easily if it is softening due to rot. Any rotten boards must be replaced before painting. 

3. Remove the Remaining Mold

Once all repairs are made, the surface must be prepared for painting. If mold and mildew are left on the siding and trim, then you may have stains or new mold growth appear through the fresh paint. Your painting crew can prep the surface by washing it with a moldicide product or diluted bleach. They will often use a pressure washer for this as the hard spray will also help remove the stains. 

4. Prime and Seal

A thorough cleaning may not remove all stains, but that is okay as long as the mildew and mold are dead. A mold and stain sealing primer is the next tool for eliminating the problem for good. Your painters will put a coat of primer on every surface to be painted. Stains will be safely sealed in so they can't leach through the final coats of paint.

5. Apply Sufficient Coats

To ensure even coverage and a durable finish, at least two coats of paint will be applied over the primer. Each coat should dry completely before the next one is applied. If mold is a major concern for your home's exterior, a special paint that contains mold-killing components like zinc may be used for the final coat. 

Contact local house painters to learn more.