Window mold can be unsightly and to make matters worse, it can be harmful to your health. The presence of window mold in your home can lead to serious respiratory problems. If you discover mold growing on or around your windows you need to take immediate action to find the source of the problem, and more importantly a cure. Once you have repaired the root cause you should come up with a preventative maintenance plan to avoid any re-occurrence of the problem.
Seven Step Plan to Eliminate Window Mold
Find the Root Cause: Cleaning the window to remove the existing mold is only a temporary fix. You need to perform a thorough inspection to find the root cause of the window mold. If the mold is found along the window frames or on the window sill you may have a leak that occurs when it rains. If the mold is on a bathroom window, you may not have a leak at all. The problem may be lack of ventilation, which could be solved by installing a vent fan.
Inspect the Roof and Gutters If you have inspected the window itself and unveiled no leaks, the problem may be above the window. Check the roof and gutters above the window in question. It may be that the gutter is clogged or the roof has an issue and the rainwater is simply running down inside your wall.
Replace Wet Insulation If the leak was around the perimeter of the window frame, you will need remove the window to replace any wet insulation. Otherwise the mold will return.
Clean the Mold: You can purchase special enzyme-based products that are specifically formulated to clean and kill mold. Or, you can make your own concoction by mixing one cup of bleach with one cup of water. Be sure to wear rubber gloves and open a window to provide adequate ventilation. Use a sponge to wipe up the mold, and continue to scrub lightly until there are no signs of mold remaining.
Redirect Groundwater: If window mold is discovered on a basement window or a door threshold, you may have an issue with drainage around the perimeter of your home. Paved surfaces need a minimum of 1 percent slope for proper drainage. Landscaped areas require 5 times that amount with a minimum slope of 5 percent, measuring a drop of 6 inches at 10 feet from your house.
Caulking & Weather-stripping: With the mold removed, inspect all of your joints and reapply caulking as needed. Replace any worn or damaged weather-stripping.
Preventative Maintenance: To keep the mold from returning, inspect your windows on a regular basis. Look for signs of leaks as well as any mold forming. Clean your window sills on a regular basis with a mixture of vinegar and water, or use a commercial product like Endurance BIO-Barrier which prevents the growth of mold and mildew in high moisture zones like bathrooms and kitchens.
Contact Us:
Do you have window mold in your home? Let the Window Repair Guy perform a thorough inspection and eliminate window mold for good! Contact One Source Renovation, LLC at WindowRepairGuy.com or give us a call at (815)-634-8922.