Your home is probably your pride and joy. Yet, even with all of the good memories and the safe haven it provides, it seems like it’s a never-ending quest to keep everything maintained in proper order. Mowing the lawn. Changing air filters. Recaulking windows. It’s the gift that keeps on giving.

Among all of the issues that may arise, there’s always the fear of mold. It’s unsightly, it affects your health, and can cause costly damage to your home. So what can you do to prevent its growth on your window sills?

What Causes Mold to Grow on Windows?

Mold requires two things to thrive (1) moisture, and (2) organic matter to feast on. This means that pretty much any window in humid Texas is a prime environment for mold to grow, especially if the frame is made out of wood.

Other factors that increase the likelihood of mold growth include increased temperatures, accumulated dirt, and condensation due to the substantial temperature change from indoors to outdoors.

Why It’s Important to Prevent Mold on Windows

Mold can cause a lot of damage to property, the most common issues being:

• Rotten wood, which compromises the structural integrity of your home
• Reduced indoor air quality
• Unpleasant smells in your home
• Water stains along the roof and walls
• Respiratory issues for family members with asthma

How to Prevent Mold from Growing on Your Windows

There are several things you can do to prevent mold growing on windows:

1. Keep the fan on your thermostat set to “on”. Maintaining a steady airflow around your home prevents moisture buildup. By the same token, if your bathrooms don’t have an exhaust fan, make it a priority to install one, regardless of whether or not there are windows in your bathroom.
2. Wipe away condensation. Wiping away condensation prevents moisture from accumulating on your windowsills and penetrating the frames. Use a dry sponge or towel to soak up the moisture.
3. Install a humidistat.  This little gadget is affordable and regulates the level of humidity inside your home. For optimum levels, keep humidity at 40% during the warmer months at 60% during winter. In addition to keeping moisture down, it also promotes energy efficiency with your air conditioner, so it’s a win-win.
4. Inspect your windows. If you live in a particularly humid climate, take the time to do a thorough inspection of your windows. Mold typically starts growing at the bottom of the windowsill. If you see any mold growth, clean the window frames with a mixture that’s 50% water and 50% bleach before drying it up with a towel. Wear gloves and safety goggles while cleaning it.
5. Recaulk your window frames. While you’re inspecting the windows for any signs of mold, look to see if you can feel any drafts coming in from outside. If so, use a damp cloth to wipe the frames, dry it up, and apply a new layer of caulk around the windows.
6. Keep your home clean. Since both moisture and dust particles provide mold with fertile ground, letting dust to build up inside your home is an invitation for mold to set up shop on your window sills.

Learn more about keeping your windows in great shape with the help of Allied Siding & Windows

If you’re a Texas resident and you’ve been thinking about providing maintenance to your windows, don’t hesitate to call Allied Siding & Windows! Contact us for more information about our services or stop by one of our showrooms in Austin, Dallas, or Houston!