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+--- Thread: The Red Algae Menace: Why Your White Walls are Turning Pink (/showthread.php?tid=74002)
The Red Algae Menace: Why Your White Walls are Turning Pink - jbproperty - 12-15-2025
Take a drive through any estate in County Galway, and you will see it: a reddish-pink stain streaking down the walls of otherwise beautiful homes. This is Trentepohlia, commonly known as Red Algae. It is arguably the most common exterior problem in the West of Ireland, and it is notoriously difficult to remove without professional help. If you are searching for power washing Galway to fix this issue, you need to know that water alone won't work. JB Property Maintenance has the solution.
Why is it So Common in Galway?
Red algae thrives in damp, humid environments with clean air. Ironically, Galway’s lack of heavy industrial pollution allows this algae to flourish. It loves the moisture from the Atlantic breeze. It typically starts on north or west-facing walls that don't get much sun to dry them out.
The Mistake of Standard Power Washing
Many homeowners try to blast red algae off with a domestic pressure washer. This often makes the problem worse.
- It doesn't kill the root: You might blast off the visible red pigment, but the spores remain deep in the roughcast or render.
- It damages the wall: To get the color off, you have to hold the lance very close. This can strip the paint or "blow" the pebble dash, leading to costly repairs.
- It returns quickly: Because the spores are still there, the algae will bloom again within months, often thicker than before.
The JB Property Maintenance Solution
We treat red algae as an infection, not just dirt. We use a specialized biocide treatment.
- Step 1: Application: We apply a professional-grade algicide to the wall. This foams up and clings to the surface.
- Step 2: Dwell Time: We let it sit. The chemical penetrates the microscopic pores of the wall, killing the algae at the root level.
- Step 3: Gentle Rinse: Once the algae is dead, it releases its grip on the wall. We can then rinse it away with low pressure (soft washing) or, in some cases, let the weather naturally wash the dead residue away over the following weeks.
Long-Lasting Results
Because we kill the spores, our treatment lasts much longer than a water-only wash. Your walls stay white for years, not months. This treatment also works on "Green Algae" and "Black Fungus," sanitizing your entire exterior.
Don't Paint Over It!
A common mistake is painting over red algae. This is a waste of money. The algae will continue to grow through the new paint, causing it to flake and bubble within a year. You must have the walls professionally treated and cleaned by JB Property Maintenance before any painting can begin.
Conclusion Restore the bright, clean look of your home. Trust the experts in power washing Galway to treat red algae effectively and safely. Contact JB Property Maintenance to banish the red stain for good.