Cooler Weather = Window Condensation = Mould

As the weather gets cooler and cooler, you may notice your windows developing that slick sheen of moisture. In many cases, it can be just a little bit of mist near the bottom of the window but in others, it can cover a large area and be a constant fixture. Beware – where there is constant moisture, there is mould.

Why Do Windows Sweat?
As the air cools outside, the windows themselves become colder. When the warm air from inside your home hits that cold window pane, it can no longer keep any moisture in suspension and so it begins to condense against the glass.

This signifies two major problems:

• Constant moisture will lead to mould – that’s a sure-fire recipe.
• It indicates poor ventilation in your home – which is another ingredient in the recipe for an unhealthy house. If the moisture is literally running down your windows in droplets, then it’s quite probable that there are other undesirable elements in the air.

Those older, leaky homes may be hard to heat, but the constant in-flow of air does also tend to keep window condensation at bay. Modern homes, with improvements in window and door technology, insulation and vapor-barriers, are designed to be airtight – and that’s where the problem can begin.

What’s the solution?

• Ventilation is the key to a healthy home and to inhibiting mould growth. Opening the windows is a no-brainer.
• Exhaust fans are another way to get rid of lingering moisture in key areas like kitchens and bathrooms. If you already have them installed, then running them for short periods of time during the day is another good idea.

The good and the bad: You can get rid of this chronic problem fairly easily but it may just cost you since you’ll be letting heat out along with the dampness. A heat recovery ventilator (HRV) is designed to fix this problem. It uses something called a heat exchange core to transfer heat from outgoing stale air to incoming fresh air so that heat isn’t lost. It can recover up to 85 percent of heat that would usually be lost.

Let GSE Help
Don’t take a chance – mould is a serious issue proven to affect human health. If you already have mould forming around your windows or anywhere else in your home, we can help. Our experienced technicians offer professional, certified services to help you deal with environmental issues, including mould removal services.

In the Toronto area contact GreenStreamEnvironmental.ca at (416) 818-9414. Contact us for a quote today.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414. You’ll be glad you did.