Why Has Mould Grown Around Your New Windows?

CONTENTS

• Why does mould grow around windows?
• What are the health risks of mould?
• Do uPVC windows prevent mould?
• Why mould is growing around your new windows
• How to prevent mould around your windows
• What to do when you see mould
• Get in touch

When you fit double-glazed or uPVC windows into your house, you may be surprised to find mould growing around the window. Although these windows are designed to keep heat inside and prevent condensation, they are still susceptible to mould growth and damage.

We are the UK’s leading mould remediation company, offering thorough mould removal services with our innovative technology and solutions. All our technicians are Dewpoint-accredited and qualified to identify the source of mould to effectively remove it.

Read on to find out more about why mould is growing around your windows.

Why does mould grow around windows?

There are various reasons why mould could be growing around your windows. Homes with older structures that rely on wooden window sills are more vulnerable to mould due to wood’s porous nature. When this happens, it can lead to rot and a decline in structural integrity.

However, even in newer homes with up-to-date materials, it could still be at risk of mould. These factors that cause mould include:

• Condensation
• Damp
• Leaking or burst pipes
• Poorly fitted window frames
• Poor roof integrity
• Lack of ventilation

What are the health risks of mould?

Most people will not react badly to mould and may find they initially have little to no reaction. However, those suffering from allergies are more likely to have flare-ups or worsened symptoms of a chronic illness. Individuals might suffer from:

• Wheezing
• Sneezing
• Chest tightness
• Headaches
• Fatigue

Children are especially vulnerable to mould because of their developing bodies which is proven to cause asthma by changing how the lungs function. Healthy individuals may begin to display symptoms of chronic illnesses if they continue to live with mould, triggering illnesses like:

• Arthritis
• Lupus
• Sarcoidosis

Do uPVC windows prevent mould?

Double-glazed windows are excellent solutions to insulation issues. These windows contain two or more glass panes, separated by a heat transfer, providing improved insulation and less room for drafts or heat escapes.

Because these windows improve temperature regulation and control ventilation, they remove some elements that mould needs to grow. However, this does not mean mould will never grow around the window. It is still a possibility if certain factors trigger it.

Why mould is growing around your new windows

If mould is growing around your new windows, there could be some issues with the structure itself. There is a possibility they were incorrectly fitted, or the heat transfer has failed, however this may not be the sole issue.

Mould grows in areas that are damp, humid, and lack ventilation. If a window area is in a damp, warm place that rarely sees sunlight, it is more vulnerable to mould growth. The issue will not be with the windows, but with the environment itself, which needs to change.

How to prevent mould around your windows

To prevent mould from growing around your uPVC windows, you must take some steps to change the environment on your property. It is ideal to find the source of any difficulties like humidity, moisture, and ventilation problems. Some things to try would be to:

• Clean regularly
• Use dehumidifiers or moisture captures on window sills
• Install extractor fans in the bathroom and kitchen
• Dry clothes outside
• Open doors and windows to circulate air
• Wipe down condensation when you see it

What to do when you see mould

If you see mould, you must contact a mould removal company immediately. By tackling it yourself, you may exacerbate the growth or harm yourself. Scrubbing or aggravating the mould triggers it to release airborne spores, which you might inhale and react to.

DIY solutions like vinegar or bleach may remove the surface mould, but this will not tackle the issue at the core. Mould requires professional solutions to remove it at the source, which is often deep inside. Bleach might also irritate your skin and airways due to the hazardous nature of it.

When mould grows on a surface, this usually means that it is deep in the material it is growing on and will be difficult to remove on your own. By bringing in professional assistance, you can be sure all mould traces are removed.

Get in touch

At ICE Cleaning, our mould remediation services are some of the most effective nationwide. Our technicians can identify the source of the mould, and with our lifetime guarantee*, we will return free of charge if the mould comes back.

Get in touch with our team today to find out more at 0208 066 0360 or enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk, where we assist you at any hour of the day, 24/7. Our technicians are stations nationwide, 365 days a year, and can be on-site at your earliest convenience in an emergency.

*subject to advisories