Understanding Artillery Fungus: A Guide for Northern VA Homeowners

Artillery fungus is a common nuisance for homeowners in temperate climates. This fungus thrives in mulch and organic matter around the home, often causing unsightly black spots on exterior surfaces. Manual scrubbing is an effective method for removing artillery fungus and restoring the appearance of your home’s exterior. However, you may require additional pressure washing services like oxidation removal to fully restore the siding after scrubbing.

Here’s what you need to know about artillery fungus and how to address it:

1. Identification: Artillery fungus appears as small, black specks or spots on siding, windows, and other exterior surfaces. These spots are typically less than a millimeter in diameter and may resemble specks of tar or dirt. If left untreated, artillery fungus can accumulate over time, detracting from the beauty of your home’s exterior in Lorton, VA.
2. Causes: Artillery fungus thrives in moist environments, making mulch beds and organic debris common breeding grounds. Rainfall or irrigation can cause the fungus to release spores and launch onto nearby surfaces by pressure buildup within the fungus’s fruiting bodies. In Northern Virginia, where humid conditions and tree shade are prevalent, artillery fungus can be a persistent problem for homeowners.
3. Damage: While artillery fungus does not threaten the structure of your home, it can be an eyesore and degrade its curb appeal. The small, sticky spores produced by the fungus can adhere to siding, windows, and other surfaces, creating unsightly black spots that are difficult to remove.
4. Prevention: Preventing artillery fungus requires minimizing moisture levels in mulch beds and organic debris around your home. Consider using inorganic mulch materials such as stone or rubber to reduce fungal growth. Raking and turning mulch to promote airflow will discourage fungal development. Proper landscaping maintenance can help mitigate the risk of artillery fungus infestation.
5. Removal: If artillery fungus has already appeared on your home’s exterior surfaces, prompt removal is essential to prevent further spread and minimize damage. Scrubbing with appropriate cleaning solutions can effectively remove artillery fungus spores and restore the cleanliness of affected surfaces. After performing this task, contact a professional power washing service in to soft wash your home and perform oxidation removal (if needed) to ensure thorough and efficient removal of artillery fungus, leaving your home looking clean and pristine.

Professional Cleaning Services in Lorton, VA: For homeowners within 30 miles of Woodbridge Virginia, professional pressure washing services can offer a convenient and effective solution for improving artillery fungus and other stubborn stains from exterior surfaces. Experienced technicians can assess the extent of the infestation and tailor their cleaning approach to ensure optimal results while minimizing the risk of damage to your home’s exterior.

Artillery fungus can be a persistent problem, by understanding its causes and implementing preventive measures, you can minimize the risk of infestation and preserve the beauty of your home’s exterior. Outcomes may vary, and the severity of an artillery fungus infestation may result in the inability to effectively remove spores. Because scrubbing may disturb oxidation, pressure washing companies may not offer that service or may set expectations in advance.

Schedule your house wash service by getting a free, instant quote today, let Pro Exterior Wash Plus provide your top-tier pressure washing results.