Salt air on your porch, afternoon storms rolling in, and summer humidity that never quits — that is Cocodrie living. It is also why mold, mildew, and salt love our exteriors. If you want your siding, railings, and hardware to last, a simple coastal routine makes all the difference. In this guide, you will learn what causes the problem, what actually works here on the marsh edge, and how to set an easy schedule you can stick with. Let’s dive in.
Why Cocodrie homes battle mold and salt
Cocodrie sits right on the Gulf, so your home sees heat, high humidity, and frequent rain. Nearby Houma averages very high humidity in summer and more than 60 inches of rain each year, conditions that let algae and mildew take hold when surfaces stay damp according to climate data for Houma. Salt spray off the water leaves crystals on siding and metal. As the water evaporates, those salts speed up corrosion and wear on coatings.
What you notice outside is faster paint fade or peeling in spots that stay wet or shaded, green or black staining on siding and decks, and rust on hardware. After heavy rain or a surge, trapped moisture can also lead to mold if parts of the structure stay wet for more than a day or two.
What mold, mildew, and salt do
Mold and mildew need moisture. The most effective prevention is moisture control and drying wet areas within 24 to 48 hours, then cleaning with detergent and water per the EPA’s mold cleanup basics. Mold can trigger allergies and irritate lungs, so people with asthma, young children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals should be especially careful per the Louisiana Department of Health.
Salt is hard on metals and finishes. It speeds pitting and corrosion on many metals and can break down paint over time. Where hardware is exposed to direct salt spray, marine-grade stainless steel, especially 316 or 316L, holds up better than many common alternatives as summarized here.
Prevention that works in Cocodrie
Inspect on a simple schedule
- Walk the exterior each season and after big winds. Look for peeling paint, cracked caulk, algae or mildew on shaded walls, and rust on fasteners. Moisture control and good flashing are the foundation of durability per Building Science guidance.
- Peek under the house or in crawl areas for damp spots. Check attic vents and HVAC drains to be sure water is not backing up.
Rinse and wash on a rhythm
- Rinse high-exposure areas with fresh water every 1 to 3 months, and after storms with onshore winds. Focus on windows, railings, metal fixtures, and decks to remove salt deposits as coastal painting pros recommend.
- Plan a soft wash of the full exterior twice a year, typically spring and fall. In very shaded spots or constant salt spray, increase to three or four times per year per coastal washing guidance.
Manage moisture and airflow
- Keep shrubs and vines a few feet off walls so sunlight and breezes can dry surfaces.
- Keep gutters clear and ensure water drains away from the foundation or pilings.
- Condition crawlspaces or use vapor barriers where appropriate to limit ground moisture.
Choose materials that last on the coast
- Siding: Fiber-cement products are popular in coastal zones because they resist moisture and do not support fungal decay. With proper installation and flashing, they are lower maintenance than bare wood near the Gulf according to this overview.
- Paints and primers: Use high-quality exterior acrylic coatings formulated for humid climates. Look for mildew-resistant formulations and follow the label for prep, drying time, and recoat windows. Clean thoroughly before painting and allow surfaces to dry.
- Fasteners and hardware: Choose hot-dip galvanized or, better, 316/316L stainless steel for parts exposed to salt spray see marine-grade stainless guidance. Rinse hardware during your monthly hose-down and touch up small rust spots promptly.
- Sealants and caulk: Inspect joints around windows, doors, and trim yearly and touch up as needed with high-quality exterior sealant rated for coastal exposure.
Clean safely and effectively
- Start with soap and water. Scrub visible growth with a mild detergent and a soft brush, then rinse well. The EPA recommends cleaning and drying first and not relying on biocides for routine care in their mold cleanup basics.
- Consider oxygen-based cleaners for stains. Oxygen bleach products can help with stubborn algae or mildew stains and are gentler on plants and metals when used as directed. Rinse thoroughly.
- Go easy on pressure. Soft washing uses low pressure plus cleaners to lift stains without forcing water behind siding. If you use a pressure washer, set the PSI for your material and keep the tip at a safe distance.
- Use chlorine bleach only when needed. Save it for specific disinfection tasks, such as post-flood cleanup. Follow the label, ventilate, protect skin and eyes, never mix with ammonia or acids, and rinse thoroughly.
- Protect yourself. Wear gloves, eye protection, and an N95 respirator when disturbing mold. People with lung disease or allergies should avoid direct cleanup.
After flooding or a big storm
- Wait for the all-clear and document damage. Take photos before moving items.
- Remove standing water and start drying within 24 to 48 hours. Discard water-soaked porous materials like insulation or carpet padding if they cannot be dried quickly per FEMA/CDC-aligned guidance.
- Follow local disposal and cleanup rules. Terrebonne Parish posts updates on debris handling and flood safety, which are helpful after storms on the parish FloodSafe page.
Cocodrie exterior care calendar
- Monthly
- Hose-rinse windows, railings, decks, and exposed metal to remove salt.
- Trim vegetation away from walls. Spot-check for rust or peeling paint.
- Quarterly
- Walk the perimeter. Check caulk, gutters, downspouts, and flashing.
- Look under the house for damp areas and confirm ventilation or vapor barriers are working.
- Spring and Fall
- Schedule a soft wash of siding. Clean gutters and check the roof and flashing.
- Inspect decks and railings for biological growth and fastener corrosion.
- After any storm or flood
- Put safety first, then dry, clean, and document. Call licensed pros if large areas are wet or moldy.
A clean, dry exterior boosts curb appeal and protects your home’s value. If you are planning updates, considering a coastal second home, or getting ready to sell, let our local team help you make smart choices for Cocodrie conditions. Reach out to Good Earth Realty Houma for friendly, expert guidance.
FAQs
How often should I wash a Cocodrie home’s exterior?
- In our humid, salty climate, plan a soft wash twice a year, plus quick fresh-water rinses every 1 to 3 months and after storms.
Is soft washing better than pressure washing for siding?
- Yes for most materials. Low pressure plus cleaners lifts algae and mildew without driving water behind siding or damaging paint.
What hardware resists rust near the Gulf?
- Marine-grade stainless steel, especially 316 or 316L, outperforms many common metals in seaside exposure when you also rinse salt regularly.
What is the safest first step for mold or mildew on siding?
- Scrub with mild detergent and water, then rinse and let it dry. Save stronger disinfectants for special cases like post-flood cleanup.
When should I call a professional for mold?
- If growth covers more than about 10 square feet, if it is in ducts, or if you suspect hidden mold after flooding, bring in a licensed remediation pro.
