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Mold is never a healthy substance to have in your Dayton home. It can cause itching, sneezing, and wheezing — not just for you and your family members, but also for your pets. One of the most common places for mold to show up is on window frames and sills. Thankfully, there are some steps you can take to prevent mold on your windows.
Run a Dehumidifier
Mold prefers to grow on moist surfaces. Especially during the moist spring and summer, humidity levels in your home may climb. You may wake up some mornings to condensation on the inside of your window. While this condensation does not mean anything is wrong with your windows themselves, it can cause the frames and sills to become moist and more appealing to mold. Run a dehumidifier to keep your home’s relative humidity between 35 and 45%. You’ll have less interior condensation and prevent mold on your windows.
Keep the Windows Clean
If your windows become dirty, the dust and dirt in the crease between the window glass and frame may grab onto moisture and perpetuate mold growth. Get into the habit of cleaning the inside surfaces of your windows every month. Use a cotton swab dipped in window cleaner to make sure you remove dust from the margin along the side of the glass.
Close the Windows During Rain Storms
When you know rain is coming, remember to close your windows. If a little rain blows in and moistens the frame, it can linger for a while. If this happens often, you may end up with moldy windows. Do you have certain windows that you like to leave open for ventilation even when it’s raining? Consider replacing those windows with awning windows, which provide rain protection even when open, thanks to the way the glass pane pops up over the window opening.
Move Plants Away From Windows
House plants obviously grow best near windows where they can get plenty of sunlight. But if the plants in your Dayton home are too close to your windows, they might be trapping moisture against the windows and contributing to mold growth. Push the plants back a few inches so there is some breathing room between them and the windows. Consider distributing your plants across several windows so you don’t have more than a plant or two in front of each window.
Replace Aging, Deteriorating Windows
If your window frames or sashes are beginning to deteriorate, then mold growth is imminent. Water will seep into the wood, the wood will begin to rot, and mold will grow. Each time it rains, new moisture will be introduced, sometimes getting trapped between the glass panes where it cannot evaporate easily.
If your window frames or sashes are chipping, the glass feels loose in the frame, and mold keeps growing back after you wipe it up with bleach — your windows are most likely so deteriorated that they need to be replaced. New Fibrex® replacement windows remain tightly sealed and are far less likely to develop rot and mold, even as they age.
Follow the tips above to prevent mold on your windows in your Dayton home. If you are still struggling with mold due to deterioration and leaks, contact Renewal by Andersen to schedule a free, in-home consultation. Our technicians will recommend the best windows for your needs.
Topics: Dayton homes, prevent mold on your windows