Imagine a cold, snowy day. You’re relaxing by the window, watching the snowfall when – all of the sudden – you notice mold growing on your windowsill! Winter window mold can be a distressing sight but, luckily, it can be dealt with. Read on to learn where this unwelcome guest comes from and what to do about window mold in the winter.
Where Does Winter Mold Come From?
Many people wonder why window mold seems to grow more often in the winter. The answer is in the cold weather. Cold air on the outside of a window causes the warm, humid air indoors to condense. This moisture collects on the windowsills, where mold then grows. The problem is made even worse by the short winter days, which cut down sun exposure and create a dark, damp environment for mold to thrive.
Luckily, most winter window mold is pretty superficial – that is, it grows only on the surface of the window trims, sills, and casings and usually doesn’t grow any deeper into the materials. That leads us to our first tip for dealing with this winter annoyance!
Tip #1: Clean the Mold
While winter window mold is usually surface level, it still needs to be cleaned up to prevent it from getting worse. When cleaning up any mold, remember safety first! Make sure you’re in a well-ventilated area and wear safety goggles and a mask. Scrub the mold using an over-the-counter mold removal product and clean off the surface with a rag.
Getting rid of the mold is the first step to dealing with it – but there’s still more to do to make sure it doesn’t come back.
Tip #2: Fill the Gaps
Condensation builds up on windows when there are big temperature differences between the outside and inside air. One of the best ways to prevent the build-up of this moisture is to close off any access to the outside air. Fill gaps, cracks, and drafts around your windows with caulk to prevent the flow of cold air and prevent condensation build-up.
Tip #3: Get Some Sun
Just like moisture, mold thrives on dark. Make the environment more hostile for mold spores by letting sunlight into the room. Keep shades open and open curtains as much as possible during the day to keep the windowsills bright and sunny.
Tip #4: Upgrade Your Insulation
If the first three tips fail to keep the window mold away, it might be time to upgrade. New windows with better insulation can prevent condensation build-up and solve the moisture problem for good – and keep your home warmer.
Contact us for Mold Remediation
If you discover mold in your home, Moldguys Restoration is here to help! Whether its preventing winter window mold, home inspections, or specialty mold removal, we can assist you in all your mold remediation needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
