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Black mould is a common issue that affects many renters and homeowners, despite their efforts to maintain a clean property. If left unaddressed, this issue may result in significant harm to your health and overall wellness.
There are, however, viable solutions to consider – from classic white vinegar and warm water to upgrading your window hardware. By following our top tips, you can learn all you need to know to maintain windows and take care of dirt and grime in no time.
Black mould is a common type of fungi that can thrive in when you have a high humidity level in your home or significant mounts of window condensation around window sills, walls, ceilings, showers, and tiles. It is often black or dark green in colour and has a musty odour. Exposure to black mould can sometimes cause respiratory issues like coughing and sneezing, so it’s imperative to get rid of this when you can.
Stachybotrys chartarum is the most prevalent type of black mould and is commonly known as “toxic black mould” due to its ability to cause health problems. There are other types of black mould, such as Alternaria, Acremonium, Fusarium, and Cladosporium, which can also cause health issues but are not as severe as Stachybotrys chartarum.
There are a number of causes of black mould, and some of the most common include:
The presence of black mould is commonly attributed to elevated humidity levels, especially in areas with inadequate ventilation. The reason for this is that mould flourishes in environments that are damp and moist. Appliances like dryers and even not using a ventilation fan in your bathroom or kitchen can result in high humidity levels.
Excess moisture in a home caused by leaky roofs and pipes can provide an environment for the growth of black mould.
Poor ventilation can also cause black mould as it will not allow the humidity and moisture to be properly circulated throughout the space. Even opening a window can decrease the chances of mould accumulation!
There are a variety of methods to eliminate black mould from windows, including the following steps:
The first step is to identify the black mould. Black mould can vary in colour from dark green to grey or black, and it may have a fuzzy or slimy texture with a musty odour. If you’re not sure how to do this, a professional from Euroseal can help!
For effective removal of black mould, experts recommend the use of a commercial all-purpose cleaner that contains bleach or ammonia and apply it to the affected area. When using products like this, we recommend wearing protective gear such as gloves or a mask to reduce your exposure to any harsh chemicals that may harm your respiratory system. If you want to make sure you completely remove all mould spores, you can use a wet/dry vacuum when you’re finishing up.
Once you’ve cleaned and disinfected the windows, let them air dry completely. This is critical to ensuring mould doesn’t continue to grow. As we mentioned, mould thrives in damp environments, so even leaving a little moisture leftover gives mould all it needs to continue thriving. We recommend everyday ensuring that your windows are dry. If you’re noticing a build-up of condensation continually, it might be a sign that your windows need to be replaced!
Once the windows are dry, a paint or sealant that resists mould can be applied around your window sill and walls to prevent future growth. This will create a barrier between the windows and their surroundings, blocking the accumulation of mould spores on the windows in the future. This is a great way to keep mould from doing any further damage to your paint work.
One of the best ways to prevent black mould is to increase ventilation in your home. Open windows and use exhaust fans to circulate air, and install fans in humid rooms to reduce mould growth – this will help to circulate air and lower the humidity. If you have appliances like free-standing dryers that may make a room more humid, consider opening a window to let all humid air escape and avoid it settling onto cold walls and windows.
Once you’ve taken all of the above steps, it’s important that you monitor the area for any new signs of black mould. You should regularly inspect window sills and other areas where black mould may grow. If you see any signs of mould, immediately clean and disinfect the area to prevent it from spreading. If you notice any other signs of poor window installation like black mould, call in the professionals from Euroseal!
In order to prevent the return of black mould, it is important to keep the humidity levels in your home at a low level. One of the most effective ways to do this is to increase ventilation and use a dehumidifier. The dehumidifier will be able to draw water from the air and deposit it into a container, lowering your humidity levels.
The removal of any sources of excess moisture in a home is necessary, and this should be done as quickly as possible. Examples of moisture-related issues in a home may consist of pipe leaks, condensation on windows and walls, or dampness in the basement or attic. You should also check for any signs of water damage, such as discoloration or staining on the walls, and take steps to fix any issues.
Exposure to black mould poses various risks, which include:
Black mould can be a serious issue in your home, so it’s important to take steps to remove it and prevent it from returning. By following these steps, you can help ensure that your windows remain free of black mould for the long term and ensure that your home remains a safe and healthy environment for you and your family. If you think that your black mould situation could be due to poor window installation, don’t delay and contact Euroseal Windows and Doors, your trusted window company in Concord. Our team of professionals can install windows that are eco-friendly, watertight, keeping your home dry and warm year-round!
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