Why You Need to Keep Moisture Out of Your Home

Having a home requires a certain amount of maintenance and care. It’s important to pay attention to certain things because they can end up causing significant problems for your family and your belongings. One example of this is moisture and mold buildup in your home. There are multiple sources in your home that can cause this, and one of them is your windows. In this case, getting replacement windows near Berkeley, CA, may be necessary. If you notice moisture accumulating in between your window panes, frost on the inside of your window during the winter, or a layer of mildew or mold around your window frames, this is a definite indication that something needs to be done.

The biggest problem that can occur with moisture in your home is the growth of mold and mildew. These are both closely related types of fungus, which thrive in damp conditions. Mold spores can come into your home through doors and windows, but they won’t be an issue unless there are areas where moisture is continually present. While this can occur around ductwork and in other areas of your home, it can also happen when windows no longer have their original seal.

Over time, a window’s seal can fail due to fluctuation in temperature, and general aging. One of the first signs that this is happening is when you start to notice moisture buildup between the panes in your windows. In the winter, you may notice that frost is building up around your windows on the interior of your home. You might even start to notice a thin, white buildup on your window frame. These are all indications that your windows are allowing moisture to enter your home. If you allow mold and mildew to flourish in your home, it can cause allergic reactions in your family, resulting in sniffling, sneezing, itchy skin, and other hay fever-like symptoms. It can even emit serious toxins, which can cause further damage to your family’s health. Mold can also destroy the surfaces on which it grows over time, and even if you clean it off, you may never be able to return the items back to their original state.

When mold growth happens, it’s possible to clean it using a detergent or biocide like bleach. However, you must also address the source of the moisture. In this case, we are talking about windows that are insufficiently sealed against the outside. Often, window replacement is your only option. You’ll want to consider what kind of framing material you choose, with fiberglass and vinyl being excellent repellants to moisture. Wood is also a popular option, and it’s made more resistant to the elements by utilizing cladding on the outside.

If you’ve noticed any mold or mildew around your windows, it’s best to talk to a professional right away. Your provider of replacement windows near Berkeley, CA, can give you an in-home consultation for free, and they’ll guide you through the process. Give them a call right away, and get your home back to being a safe and comfortable environment.