Mold on windows and slopes: what to do and how to get rid of it? How to treat it?

Modern plastic windows are very popular. They are characterized by a good level of noise insulation and provide reliable protection against cold weather. Moreover, they do not require any special care. However, their operation often causes various problems, including the appearance of mold. It can appear both on windows and on slopes. And in addition to being aesthetically unappealing, this phenomenon can pose a serious health hazard. But how do you remove fungus on windows? Let's try to understand this issue in detail.

CAUSES OF MOLD FORMATION

Mold formation on the elements of plastic windows, as well as on slopes, is associated with favorable indoor conditions. The fungus grows where it is damp. Therefore, black mold most often grows in apartments, offices, and private homes with high humidity levels (over 60%). Its appearance can also be facilitated by the lack of fresh air supply (lack of ventilation).

The most favorable conditions for the appearance of mold are warm air temperatures in the range of 15-27 ° C. And this temperature is quite comfortable for people. Therefore, we ourselves create optimal conditions for the fungus, but we may not even be aware of it.

Mold can be caused by:

• Incorrect installation of external slopes;
• violation of internal slopes manufacturing technologies;
• incorrect installation of the entire window structure;
• irrational dimensions of window sills and slopes, which impairs air circulation;
• incorrect choice of double-glazed windows;
• violation of plastic windows regulation.

Typically, mold growth peaks in the off-season and winter. During the heating season, windows are often covered with condensation droplets, which increases the overall humidity level in the room and creates a particularly favorable environment for the fungus directly on the surface of the windows. And many people also reduce ventilation to a minimum during the cold season. Of course, against this background, mold is very often activated, especially in the area of window sills or slopes. And it is definitely impossible to ignore this phenomenon.

WHY IS MOLD DANGEROUS?

Mold fungi, as we have already mentioned, are not just an aesthetically unappealing phenomenon. They are really dangerous to health. Such organisms synthesize mycotoxins, powerful poisons of natural origin that spread in the environment and negatively affect the human body. They can lead to a variety of health problems, including:

• diseases of the respiratory system, ranging from an increased risk of colds to chronic coughs and even asthma;
• various allergies;
• chronic fatigue, decreased concentration, increased drowsiness and weakness;
• dermatological diseases, irritation of the mucous membranes;
• frequent headaches;
• decreased quality of nighttime rest, insomnia, and wakefulness in the morning.

The unpleasant symptoms that mold can cause are associated with mycotoxin intoxication. These substances can accumulate in the body, so the intensity of the malaise may increase over time.

HOW TO GET RID OF MOLD?

In fact, getting rid of mold on windows is far from easy. The fact is that the fungus penetrates deep into the structure of the windows, so simply washing it off is not enough. Tiny spores that are invisible to the eye will remain in the window elements, inside the slopes and window sill, and very quickly lead to the appearance of the fungus again. Therefore, the treatment must be more radical. Experts recommend:

• Wash off visible traces of mold using a regular sponge and clean water.
• Treat surfaces with a mold remover. Chlorine-containing products, such as Sanilite, can be a good choice. These are tablets designed to prepare a working solution. Keep in mind that they (and the solution) should be used only with gloves, in a well-ventilated area, and avoid contact with mucous membranes and skin. The solution should be left on the surfaces to allow the chlorine to penetrate deeply, and then rinse off with clean water.
• Afterwards, the window and slopes should be dried well. In the cold season, you should use a fan heater or a regular hair dryer.

If mold appears on plastic or plasterboard slopes, experts recommend replacing them with new ones. When dismantling, check for fungus on deeper elements and treat them if necessary.

Many people wonder how to get rid of mold on wooden windows. Chlorine-containing products can also be used to treat wood. However, it should be borne in mind that they can lighten the wood slightly. After the treatment, it is recommended to coat the windows with a varnish with antifungal components to help restore the color and reduce the risk of mold reappearance.

PREVENTING MOLD

Having figured out how to get rid of mold on windows, you should also take measures to prevent its re-emergence. To do this, it is recommended:

• control the humidity and temperature in the room - in the cold season, the temperature should be kept at 20-22 °C, and the humidity should not exceed 55%;
• ventilate the house several times a day;
• eliminate sources of moisture, including repairing pipes, stopping drying clothes in the house, and removing indoor plants;
• open curtains and raise blinds every morning to ensure air circulation near the windows;
• provide the room with an air conditioning and/or ventilation system if necessary;
• if necessary, provide the premises with an air conditioning and/or ventilation system;regularly clean, remove dirt, dust and condensation;
• if there is a high risk of fungus, carry out preventive treatment with antifungal agents (the same chlorine solution) with reliable drying of the surface.

In fact, it is much easier to prevent mold in a house than to get rid of it. But at the same time, high-quality treatment will help eliminate fungus on windows and slopes.