What Is This Growing On The Outside Of My Window?

Jandrews · 10-04-2010, 05:05 PM

I have this going on with several different windows at my house. All, of course, is on the outside. It appears to be some sort of mold spore, and doesn't come off in rain or normal washing. I'd like the braintrust to help determine what it is and then I will determine what to do about it.

Thanks in advance.

JA

sc_rufctr · 10-04-2010, 05:15 PM

It's mold (obviously)... Use some bleach to clean it off NOW! Don't wait or procrastinate in any way.

Mold can be bad for peoples health especially if someone in the family is allergic... (my ex wife was)

In Aus we have bathroom cleaners that are basically thickened bleach.
I'm sure you can find a similar product locally.

sc_rufctr · 10-04-2010, 05:16 PM

thickened bleach - Google Search

Hugh R · 10-04-2010, 05:20 PM

10:1 water:Bleach in a spray bottle will do the trick. Spray a couple of times.

Jandrews · 10-04-2010, 05:25 PM

Ok, great....nice, quick answers...thanks!!

I'll get after it right away with a bleach solution, but since this is on the outside, is this really "dangerous"? Isn't mold everywhere in the air?

Any idea what causes it to collect on the outside of windows? Any way to prevent it from re-collecting there?

Thanks again!

JA

Heel n Toe · 10-04-2010, 10:33 PM

Are you sure it's on the outside? That looks like a double pane window... if the seal is broken, that could be growing between the panes.

sc_rufctr · 10-05-2010, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Heel n Toe

Are you sure it's on the outside? That looks like a double pane window... if the seal is broken, that could be growing between the panes.

Oh crap... I think you're right. Yikes!

tabs · 10-05-2010, 12:45 AM

I have seen this kind of thing before....those are Alien Spores come down to host in and transform themselves into the hosts form. Are we sure that it is JA who is writing this and not part of the alien plan to take over the earth?

Rednine11 · 10-05-2010, 05:08 AM

that does look like a seal failure...

MRM · 10-05-2010, 05:11 AM

It would be unusual to have a growth on the outside of your window. Sometimes you can get growths like lichens that grow on tree bark if you have a warm, moist climate. If you can't scrape it off with a finger, and it's not on the inside, then it is on the inside.

Don't freak out. Mold is indeed everywhere in the local environment and if that is mold in the glass, it came from the same local environment that you live in. This means that you are already exposed to it and it doesn't hurt you. Mold rarely causes health problems unless you have a specific allergy, and even then you need to inhale it or get some on you.

If the growth is on the inside, you have what is called a seal failure. I couldn't make out the seal detail or brand of window, but it looks like a high-end fixed casement from about the mid 1990s. Double pane windows are sealed with a vacuum between the panes. High efficiency windows have argon gas sealed between the panes. Either way, there are a couple of problems that can cause the seal between the panes to break. Then outside air gets in, condensation forms and is trapped, and you get funny stains or growing things.

A seal failure itself is not a big deal. It won't cause further damage to the home or window. It just looks like crap and to some extent you lose the insulation value of the high-E double panes.

Windows of that vintage were notorious for seal failures. The better brands have 10 or 20 year warranties on their glass against seal failures. Look in the corners of the windows and see if there is a manufacturer's mark etched on the glass. It should give you the brand and it might give you the date. Call that company's 1-800 number and see if they'll send you a replacement sash. You'll probably have to install it yourself, but replacing a sash is well within the capabilities of almost any homeowner. At worst, a window repair vendor will charge $50 to $100 to swap out the sash for you.

Let us know what you find as you look at them closer.

VINMAN · 10-05-2010, 06:28 AM

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

if there is no mark or it is outside the warranty period, then you can get tax rebates from the feds and many states for a new window that meets Energy Star specs.

our local utility gives out incentives too, so check yours if you need to replace

Heel n Toe · 10-05-2010, 12:29 PM

Or you could just leave it. It's kinda beautiful. Like snowflakes.

Jandrews · 10-06-2010, 07:10 PM

Sorry guys....just now checking back in on this thread!

Excellent questions, and special thanks to MRM for such a thoughtful and comprehensive reply!

You know, since that particular window is about 15 feet off the ground, I am not 100% SURE that it IS on the outside. Your description of how this could occur between the panes certainly makes sense. This weekend, I will get the ladder out and get some bleach on a scrub brush and see if it comes off. If not, we have our answer.

As for the windows, they are Milgard Vinyl windows, installed in our new home construction in 2006, and come with a full (parts and labor) lifetime warranty. I had one fixed window crack (actually due to debris from a bad windstorm), and they came out and replaced the window and installed it, no questions asked.

So the good news is, if there is a seal issue or some other need for replacement, I think I will be in good shape. Either way, I'll check into whether this is exterior or in between panes, and will report back here.

Thanks A LOT for the guidance and ideas!!

JA

MBAtarga · 10-07-2010, 03:36 PM

Andromeda strain

89-944NA · 89-944NA's Garage

spores for the pod people...don't sleep until you get the sash replaced

HardDrive · 10-07-2010, 10:04 PM

*quietly enjoys acid flashback while looking at second photo*