Everyone wants to create a happy and healthy home, whether you live alone, with a partner or have a large family under your roof. The replacement or repair of your windows unlocks a number of benefits for homeowners looking to achieve just that. Increased energy efficiency, security and comfort are all advantages that can be achieved with quality products and professional installation.
Over time, old, tired, damaged or unkempt windows can present a variety of issues, problems that can directly impact the health and well-being of the people within. Damp and mould are just two of the major issues encountered by such individuals. However, it’s exposure to black mould in particular that can cause serious, long term damage.
Silent, often unnoticed and extremely dangerous, black mould is an issue in many homes across the country. Here we take a closer look at the effects of black mould and how its growth can be remedied or prevented, especially on your window frames.
The effects of mould in the home
If you have damp and mould present in your home, you’re generally more likely to suffer from chronic respiratory issues such as infections, allergies and asthma. Individuals who are regularly exposed to mould may also have weaker immune systems. Some individuals are more susceptible to the effects of damp and mould than others. Babies, children, and elderly people are particularly vulnerable, but exposure has a negative effect on health whatever your age. Find out more about the symptoms of black mould poisoning here.
Identifying black mould spores
Black mould is particularly dangerous. If you’re exposed to black mould spores for a long period, it can cause organ failure. The presence of black mould can also affect your pets. But is the mould within your home black mould? Safewise offers some advice for identifying black mould:
“Before you fly off the handles, make sure the mould you’re seeing is, in fact, black mould. The easiest way to identify mould is to look at the colour. Mould can be black, white, green, red, and orange. If your mould is any color other than black, it’s not black mould. Other moulds can be treated with a bleach solution. However, if you’re unsure, you should call a professional rather than handle a potentially dangerous substance yourself.”
Preventing black mould growth
Like all mould and damp, black mould is caused by excess moisture. Excess moisture can be the result of a number of defects, with leaks and rising damp just two of the causes. The growth of mould is also commonly caused and exacerbated by condensation on windows and doors. Whatever the cause of the mould within your home, identifying the source of the problem and rectifying it is essential.
Getting your home healthy and mould-free is possible. In addition to preventing excessively moist air, regulating temperatures indoors and improving ventilation, replacing old or damaged windows is an important step in tackling black mould for good.