With the weather warming up and the days getting brighter, many Brits will be focusing their energy on garden improvements, but there’s one common household task that’s frequently overlooked that is best done now. Experts at GFD Homes are warning that ignoring your windows this season could leave your home vulnerable to hidden damp and mould problems later in the year.
While many associate mould and moisture issues with colder months, spring is a key time for preventative maintenance.
GFD homes owner Ian Richardson said: “What we often see is that winter weather has already taken its toll on window frames and seals, but because the worst of the cold is over, homeowners tend to switch off from thinking about their windows until the following autumn. In reality, spring is when moisture can creep in through small gaps and cracks, creating the perfect conditions for damp patches and mould to form – especially as ventilation habits change with the seasons.”
Homes take a beating over winter with constant freezing and thawing combined with condensation. These things can cause sealant to shrink, frame joints to weaken and cracks to form in caulking.
Ian adds: “Gaps in sealant and frames might seem insignificant, but even small breaches allow water and humidity to settle into window recesses and the surrounding walls.
“With spring rainfall and fluctuating temperatures, these gaps act as entry points for moisture, and when that moisture isn’t ventilated away effectively, it contributes to mould spores thriving.”
If moisture ingress isn’t addressed early, the long-term costs can be substantial. Professional mould treatment inside the home can range from £300 to £1,000, depending on the extent of the infestation, and replacing rotting timber window frames could cost £500 to £1,200 per window, especially if structural damage has developed.
To keep your home safe and dry, Richardson recommends checking your home over before next winter. Start by inspecting all external frames and seals for visible cracks or peeling, paying close attention to the most exposed areas such as south or west facing windows.
From there, check internal damp signs such as discoloration, peeling paint or musty smells then test for draughts.
Any easy way to check for draughts is lighting an incense stick and slowly moving it around your windows.
If the smoke wavers, is drawn inwards or blows horizontally it is a clear sign that air is entering through a gap or crack. This technique is particularly useful on mild spring days when larger draughts might not be as obvious but can still contribute to long-term moisture problems and energy loss if left unresolved.