How to Prevent Mould and Mildew Growth Around Your Windows
26th July 2024Mould and mildew growth are common problems faced by homeowners, especially in damp environments around the house such as bathrooms and near windows. Mould and mildew can not only ruin the aesthetic appeal of your home as a whole but if left unchecked, can also lead to health and respiratory conditions such as allergies. Thankfully, there is much you can do as a homeowner to mitigate the problem and in this post, we look at some ways you can prevent mould and mildew growth around your windows.
What is Mould and Mildew?
Mould and mildew are terms that can refer to a broad category of fungi that thrive in damp environments. They can take on many different appearances depending on the particular strain, with commonly occurring types of mould and mildew in households appearing as black, green or even white spots.
If left unchecked, mould and mildew can have a negative impact on your home and its residents. The growth of mould and mildew can lead to damage to your property, including damage to your window frames, walls and insulation. Additionally, the spores that are released by mould and mildew can also cause allergies and respiratory problems, especially in households with elderly or young children.
Preventative Measures
Given the numerous harmful effects that mould and mildew can have, you’re probably wondering how you can mitigate the damage. Here are some preventative measures you can take to limit the growth of mould and mildew around your windows:
Improving Ventilation
Proper ventilation is necessary to prevent the buildup of moisture. This is especially the case with windows which tend to experience a greater buildup of moisture during rainy days. Some of the ways that you can improve ventilation include using dehumidifiers near your windows, keeping your windows and even installing exhaust fans.
Applying Mould Resistant Sealants or Paints
The next time you’re resealing your repainting your windows, you can also consider opting for mould resistant sealants or paints. These typically have added compounds that enable them to hinder the growth of mould and mildew, allowing you to have cleaner windows.
Regular Window Maintenance
Maintaining your windows regularly and ensuring that the window seals, caulking and weatherstripping are all in good condition is another important step you can take to minimise the infiltration of water. If there are any leaks, ensure that you repair them immediately. When cleaning your windows, take some time to inspect them as well to check if any repairs are necessary.