The "North Side" Green: Why Your Twin Ports Home is Turning Colors (and How to Fix It)
If you live in Duluth, Superior, or Hermantown, you’ve likely looked at the shady side of your house and noticed a fuzzy green or black film creeping up the siding. In our region, this isn't just a cosmetic issue—it’s a byproduct of our unique lake-effect humidity and long winters.
What is actually growing on your house?
In the Northland, we primarily deal with two invaders: Algae and Mildew.
Green Algae: Thrives on vinyl and wood siding that doesn't get much sun. It loves the moisture from Lake Superior.
Gloeocapsa Magma: These are the black streaks you see on roofs in Hermantown. This bacteria actually eats the limestone in your shingles, making them brittle over time.
The Danger of the "DIY" Pressure Washer
Many homeowners head to the local hardware store, grab a rental pressure washer, and try to "blast" the green away. This is a $10,000 mistake.
Water Intrusion: High pressure can force water behind your siding, leading to hidden mold in your walls.
Oxidation Stripping: If you have "chalky" siding, high pressure will leave permanent zebra stripes on your home.
Shingle Damage: Using high pressure on a roof will blast away the protective granules, cutting years off its lifespan.
The Up North Solution: Safe Soft Washing
At Up North Pressure Washing, we don't use high pressure on your siding or roof. Instead, we use a specialized Soft Wash system:
Kills at the Root: Our eco-friendly treatments kill the spores, so the green stays away longer than a standard wash.
Low Pressure: We use the same pressure as a garden hose to ensure your siding and landscaping remain undamaged.
2-Year Guarantee: We are so confident in our process that we guarantee the organic growth stays gone for two full years.
Trust the Local Experts
Whether you have a historic estate in Congdon Park or a modern home in Hermantown, your property is a massive investment. We are $1M Fully Insured, and dedicated to the highest standard of clean in the Twin Ports.
