Window Mould – Our Guide to Preventing Growth and Damage

Most people don’t like warm and humid temperatures for good reasons. They’re often stuffy, sticky, and uncomfortable. They also increase the prevalence of pests, like mosquitoes. Another reason to dislike excess humidity is the growth of mould, which is a health risk when left treated.

Mould growth in a home often comprises air quality and building structure, which can lead to a host of health issues and safety hazards. It can also grow on your windows, especially when there’s been an excess of rain. The more moisture that accumulates on your windows, the higher the chance of developing mould.

The Hazards of Mould

When you allow your windows to remain moist, it provides an ideal environment for mould to grow. Incorrectly installed windows often have components that release more moisture, furnishing the fungus with more nutrients to grow. Mould is known to cause a variety of illnesses and can cause reactions like skin rashes, coughing, and eye irritation. In fact, mould growth is a common cause of unspecified sicknesses in groups of people who have spent time in the same facility. In the case of a loosely installed window, it is essential to opt for window replacement or sealing to reduce any incidence of mould growth.

Although mould is known to be dangerous to health, it is also hazardous to building structures. Mould can damage building finishes, furnishings, and materials. Faulty windows and moisture collection will create problems with ventilation systems and indoor climate control, which will impact air quality. For these reasons, the prevention of mould growth in every building is incredibly essential.

Causes of Mould

Mould can grow on your windows for numerous reasons, but they have two leading causes: surface temperature differences and vapour pressure. Preventing and eliminating mould is highly dependent on these two factors.

Suppose you want to remove mould caused by surface temperature. In that case, you must increase the overall temperature of the room with your climate-control system, which will raise the window’s surface temperature. You can also install more substantial insulation to reduce temperature shifts, preventing the need to alter the indoor climate drastically.

To combat mould caused by vapour pressure, you must dehumidify a room and configure your ventilation systems to direct heavy-moisture air sources outside. That way, this air won’t be filtered back into your building, exacerbating the mould problem.

Preventing Mould Growth

Prevention is key to eliminating all possibilities of mould growth. Whether you’re a homeowner or a building manager, it is vital to conduct routine inspections of your windows for leaks, interior condensation, or drafts. If you observe any moisture accumulation, ensure that you clean it immediately given mould’s ability to increase quickly.

Leaky or faulty air ducts, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems can also contribute to moisture accumulation. Ensure that these are inspected regularly to guarantee adequate ventilation in the property, primarily in rooms with higher moisture levels.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, mould is a common substance that plagues even the most urban of properties. They are harmful organisms that can wreak havoc on people’s health, the structure of a building, and its facade. Fortunately, there are many tried and tested ways to prevent them.

Apex Facades is an Australian company that specialises in rope access, high rise window glazing, and facade maintenance and repairs. Get in touch with us today to discuss what we can do for you.