Mold & Mildew on Your Home’s Exterior: What Richmond Homeowners Need To Know
Posted on March 10, 2026
As winter weather fades away in Central Virginia and the temperatures start climbing, Richmond-area homeowners are stepping outside and taking stock of what the season left behind, For many, what they’re finding on their siding, trim, and painted surfaces isn’t pretty. If you’re seeing dark streaks, greenish patches, and fuzzy growth that wasn’t as visible during colder months, you’re likely dealing with mold or mildew.
Unfortunately, you’re far from alone. Richmond’s climate is perfectly suited for mold and mildew growth on exterior surfaces. Here’s what you need to know and what you can do about it:
Why Richmond Is a Hotspot For Mold & Mildew
It comes down to geography and climate. Richmond sits in a region that gets the worst when it comes to mold-friendly conditions. Humid summers keep humidity levels high, winters bring stretches of wet overcast weather with little sun, and the city’s abundant tree canopy keeps many homes shaded and damp for extended periods. Simply, mold loves these conditions.
Mildew thrives in these conditions as well. Wood siding, painting surfaces, and even fiber cement can harbor mildew when the conditions are right. After a Virginia winter, which typically delivers weeks of rain, fog, and damp cold, you can notice growth that has been quietly developing since the fall.
How Do Both Affect Your Exterior?
Mildew is a surface-level fungal growth, typically flat, powdery, and gray or white depending on its early stages but can turn yellow or brown over time. Mildew lives on the surface of paint and materials and while its unsightly, is generally easier to address.
Mold tends to be darker shades, like black, green, or deep gray, and is more likely to penetrate beneath the paint surface and into the material beneath. On wood siding or trim, mold can accelerate deterioration and become much more difficult and expensive to remediate if left unchecked.
Where To Look On Your Home’s Exterior
As you inspect your home this spring, we recommend paying attention to the following areas for mold and mildew:
- North-facing walls: These surfaces get the least sun through the day, meaning they stay damp longer after rain. North-facing siding and trim are almost always the first place mold and mildew appear.
- Areas beneath overhangs & eaves: Spot where airflow is limited and moisture can linger without evaporating quickly are prime for mildew growth.
- Around gutters & downspouts: Any area where water is regularly present, especially if they’re overflowing or not directing water far enough from the home, are vulnerable.
- Shaded areas: Landscaping that sits close to the home can trap moisture against the siding and reduce airflow, causing persistently damp conditions.
- Window & door trim: Horizontal surfaces where water can pool are common entry points for moisture and subsequent mold growth.
How To Fix Mold & Mildew Growth
Many homeowners’ first instinct is to grab a pressure washer and blast the growth away. Cleaning is always the first step, but it’s important to understand what cleaning can do and can’t do. Pressure washing or soft washing with the appropriate cleaning solutions can remove surface mildew and prepare the surface for painting. However, if the underlying paint film is compromised, or if the conditions that caused the growth in the first place aren’t addressed, it will come back.
A lasting solution involves proper surface preparation, repair of any compromised caulking or damaged material, and application of high-quality exterior paints that includes mildewcide additives. Modern premium exterior paints are formulated to actively inhibit mold and mildew growth.
Spring Is The Time to Act
The window between the end of winter and the arrival of Richmond’s hot, humid summer is the ideal time to tackle exterior mold, mildew, and painting projects. If you want the job done right, look no further than the expert painters of CertaPro Painters of NW Richmond & Midlothian, VA! Schedule your free estimate today to see how we can take care of mold and buildup on your home before painting your exterior.
