Can Your Windows Make You Sick?

Please note: this is a contributed post.

Windows create a connection with the external world. Sitting behind your windows, you can observe the world, admire the flowers in your garden, or simply witness how quickly – or slowly – time passes. A window is a little bit like a television into reality, but without any of the intrusive commercial breaks. Altogether, windows are thought to improve not only the curb appeal of your property but, also to make life inside the house more enjoyable. It’s well-known that in old times, prisoners were thrown into cells without windows as a way to prevent them from maintaining their sanity. However, the very windows you love and admire can be making you sick if you don’t clean and maintain them on a regular basis.

Mud Splashes Equal Dirty Windows

Indeed, as the rainy weather comes in fall and winter, the outside of your windows accumulate muddy patches, water stains, and dirt. While you might not notice it, a thin layer of sediments can build up and partially obstruct the direct light from getting in. If you’ve heard of the risk of developing SAD – Seasonal Affective Disorder – during the winter, you know that a source of natural sunlight is ideal for improving your mood. You can’t stop the rain from falling, but you can reduce the risk of mud splashes and dirt coming from your driveway with an asphalt driveway installation. Additionally, a porch roof can also protect your front windows from excess dust.

Be happy; keep your windows clean

Closed Windows Shut Out Noise

If you live in a densely urban environment, it’s likely that you’re trying to keep your windows shut to reduce the presence of external pollutants and noise coming inside your home. However, indoor air is filled with microscopic dust and dirt particles that can come from your furniture, your cleaning products, and even your wall paint. While these particles don’t represent a fatal risk, they still affect your health. If you’re in a situation where you can’t refresh the indoor air by opening a few windows, you should consider the addition of a humidifier to help purify the air inside your home. Houseplants can also reduce the presence of harmful toxins throughout the home.

Shutting Out Cold Air and Moisture 

Do you find that event though all your windows are closed, somehow your house still gets cold in winter? Unfortunately, old windows can lose their air-tightness over time letting in cold and humid air from outside. As a result, you might notice mold patches appearing in the affected areas of your home. You can, in old properties, choose to add secondary glazing on the inside of your windows. Heavy curtains can also help to keep the cold air from penetrating your home.

Add curtains in winter

Stop the Noise

Noise pollution is a situation in which noise intrudes your day-to-day life. This can be common if you live in town and hear the sounds of traffic, or noisy neighbors, for example. When your windows can’t keep the outside sounds from disturbing your life, you can develop chronic stress and depression as a result. When moving out is not an option, noise-canceling windows can improve your life significantly. 

Your windows are more than an opening to the outside world. They also let the outside world in.