Your windows are one of the most attractive and expensive features of your home. Unfortunately, you may not know this, but they are also one of the most likely places for mold to grow in your home. Particularly during the winter, condensation and leaks can occur, allowing moisture to build up, which is a recipe for mold growth. In order to prevent damage and possible health concerns, it is important to act quickly to address the cause and remove any mold growth. So, let’s take a look at how you can remove window mold.
Identify the Cause
Mold grows in humid environments, which means that your window is allowing moisture to collect. In order to treat the mold and prevent it from reoccurring, try to identify what is causing the moisture. If the mold is developing in a bathroom or kitchen, it could simply be due to a lack of ventilation, allowing moisture to condense. In other rooms, however, a leak allowing rainfall into the frame may be more likely.
Clean and Repair Leaks
Thoroughly clean the window pane and frame with a mixture of one cup bleach to one cup water. Remember to wear gloves, eye protection, and a face mask. If mold appears to have gotten inside the window frame, you will need to remove the entire window in order to clean the inside or simply have it replaced. Any wet insulation will need to be removed and replaced. Finally, you will need to ensure that any leaks that were allowing water in are repaired to ensure that it does not reoccur.
Inspect Gutters and Roof
If your window frame isn’t leaking, it is possible that clogged gutters or even a roof leak could be causing a leak into your home. This can run down and leak into window frames. Inspect to ensure this isn’t causing your problem.
Look for Ground Water Buildup
If basement windows are your problem, then they may be getting wet because of how close they are to the ground. When it rains, snows, or sprinklers run, groundwater could be collecting against your home and, as a result, windows. You may need to raise the level of your windows and take other steps to direct water away from your home.
Prevent Condensation
Condensation can be a problem, particularly during the winter. During the coldest part of the winter, it can be a good idea to lay down an absorbent cloth on the sill to collect moisture and clean regularly. If the issue is in a bathroom or kitchen, then ensure ventilation is suitable. Always run the fan if you are showering or bathing. Also, consider opening a window and leaving the door open afterward to help air the room out.
Final Thoughts
Remember that even after solving any issues that led to the mold, it is important to remain vigilant. Keep monitoring your windows for mold that may regrow due to improper cleaning or a failure to completely solve the moisture issue.
Contact Us
If your mold problem requires professional assistance, contact Restore Pro. Our mold remediation professionals have more than two decades of experience helping homeowners with their mold problems. Call us at 1-800-847-0114 and connect with us on Facebook.
