What grows on houses in Greensboro?
Warm, wet summers make Greensboro a natural home for exterior growth. The north side of a house, and any wall shaded by oaks or pines, stays damp and picks up green algae first. Mildew shows up as black or gray spotting, especially under eaves and around porches.
Other things that make siding look tired:
- A yellow-green film from spring tree and pine pollen.
- Orange splash marks near the ground from red clay and mulch beds.
- Rust streaks below hose spigots, gutter hangers and light fixtures.
- Cobwebs, wasp nests and dirt dauber tubes under soffits.
- Dust and road grime on homes close to busy streets.
Most of this is cosmetic at first. Left alone, algae and mildew hold moisture against the siding and can make the finish break down faster.

