How To Prevent Mold On Your Home Windowsills
Mold eradication and prevention begins with understanding the causes behind its growth. Once you have a better idea of why there’s mold growing on the windowsill, you can take steps to eliminate it at the source.
To help, here is a handy guide on how to prevent mold growth on your windowsills.
What Is Mold?
Mold is a natural part of the world and comes in all sorts of colors and textures. As a member of the fungi family, it needs a damp, humid environment and organic materials to thrive. These materials can include paper, wood and even dust. Often, it is confused with mildew. While both are types of fungus, mold can be more destructive to our homes and health.
Color plays a role in the types of mold with certain greenish-black molds considered to be highly toxic. If you have black mold on the windowsill, it’s important to address it quickly. Of course, indoor mold growth is problematic no matter the color as it may lead to significant property damage as it weakens the surface it grows on. It could also trigger respiratory issues that look like the common cold or flu. Symptoms of mold exposure include:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Runny nose
- Congestion
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
Being exposed to mold long-term may worsen chronic illnesses and can be more harmful for children, the elderly and other vulnerable populations.
What Causes Mold to Grow Around the Windows?
The different types of mold on windowsills are typically due to excess moisture. Windowsills are prone to moisture build-up from leaks due to age-related deterioration and poor installation as well as indoor condensation, which is caused by cooking, bathing and other daily activities. This makes them ideal breeding grounds for mold.
Ways to Prevent Mold Growth
- Clean regularly: Make it a part of your routine housework to wipe away any dust or dirt from your windowsills.
- Install storm windows: Taking steps such as this to insulate the windows during winter helps minimize condensation and, therefore, mold growth.
- Run a dehumidifier: Reduce the amount of moisture in a problematic area with a standalone dehumidifier or combat persistent humidity problems with a whole-house model. Turning down the settings on your humidifiers also helps cut down on moisture.
- Increase air circulation: Circulating air is essential to controlling indoor humidity. Experts recommend utilizing exhaust fans to force moisture outside as well as using fans and open windows to improve overall air circulation.
If attempts to remove mold on your own haven’t been going well, it may be time to bring in the professionals. Mold removal specialists can address mold at the source and remove it effectively by eliminating the entire colony. Performing such a thorough removal is key to safeguarding the long-term well-being of everyone in your home.
Protecting Your Home From Mold
A crucial aspect of preventing mold is to perform routine window maintenance. Doing so involves cleaning regularly, minimizing indoor humidity and ensuring there is proper ventilation and insulation.
If you have any questions on window maintenance or mold removal, please reach out to us. The professionals here at Davis Window and Door can provide expert guidance on keeping your windowsills mold-free and your home safe and comfortable for years to come!