Building Maintenance

Algae Removal

What is Algae?

Algae is a simple, non-flowering, and typically aquatic plant of a large group that includes the seaweeds and many single-celled forms. Algae contain chlorophyll but lack true stems, roots, leaves, and vascular tissue. In short, algae and mildew can only survive and thrive where there is a source of water. Mildew (sometimes called mould) is a thin whitish coating consisting of minute fungal hyphae, growing on plants or damp organic material such as paper, wood, wallpaper or walls

Getting to the Root Cause

Algae and mildew thrive in warm but particularly in wet conditions. If algae are growing on a wall then you can be almost certain that there is a water source somewhere nearby. This can be simple to fix and sources of water include dripping or overflowing pipes leaky roofs, broken or blocked drainage systems and the like. If you can take some photos or videos before contacting us and email them to info@germsfreeltd.co.uk then it will really help. Once we have identified and remedied the underlying cause of the conditions facilitating the algae growth then we can set about cleaning u and removing the algae.

Algae Removal

Depending on the amount of algae present, a physical clearance of the bulk of the algae might need to take place. This could involve scraping, forcibly scrubbing or power washing the immediate area to remove as much algae as possible physically before moving on to killing and removing the residue. Mould and algae affected areas will then be cleaned with a mould-killing detergent, like RMR-86 Instant Mould & Mildew Stain Remover, or a simple solution of household bleach and water. We make certain to scrub aggressively to get down into the pores of the concrete. There are commercial strength chemicals and processes available to us as well and we make certain to use the least intrusive method possible.

Mildew or Mould Removal

The majority of mildew removal that we carry out is internal. Modern houses with effective heating systems are breeding grounds for the creation of warm humid environments in which fungi such as mildew thrive.

Working Safely

Removing algae and mildew can be difficult and sometimes dangerous. Working in confined spaces requires specialist training as well as proper accreditation. Working at height to clean algae is also potentially dangerous but for very different reasons. One thing that we will not compromise is safety so when we quote, health and safety is almost certain to be one of the major considerations. Our teams are experienced, qualified and professional. All that we ask is that you respect the need for safe working conditions for everyone.

If you’re interested in speaking with one of our team about our drainage or guttering services, please email: info@germsfreeltd.co.uk or call: 08009991500 or visit our Contact page for more information. Our experienced and reliable teams operate in every area of the UK including Darlington, Greenwich and Chester.