How_to_Fix_Window_Seat_MildewBay windows are a beautiful home feature.They allow lots of bright, natural light to shine into a room, they bring a touch of the outdoors inside, and they offer a cozy place to curl up with a cup of coffee or a great novel.

However, there is one thing that can quickly ruin a bay window seat. Mildew.

Discovering mildew under a bay window cushion can be devastating. If you find yourself in this unfortunate situation, here are the steps you should take to fix window seat mildew.

Finding the Source of the Moisture

Mildew can only grow in areas where moisture is present. The first step towards fixing window seat mildew is to figure out just where that moisture is coming from. There are several scenarios that can lead to moisture buildup near a bay window, even if the seat is insulated.

In some cases, humid indoor air can condense on the cool window seat. That condensation can easily become trapped beneath the cushions. The lack of airflow under the cushions means that the moisture simply stays trapped, creating the damp, dark environment that mildew thrives upon. In this case, the best fix for the window seat could be to reduce indoor humidity with an electric dehumidifier and add foam insulation under the window seat.

In other cases, condensation on the window glass might have dripped down and seeped beneath the seat cousins. In this case, homeowners should take steps to reduce indoor humidity and stop the leaks that caused the condensation in the first place. Storm windows can be helpful, but they can be a temporary fix. Leaks don’t get smaller and a storm window is really more of a Band-Aid solution. To eliminate leaks and prevent water from getting into your home, the best course of action is t

o replace the bay window with new, energy-efficient insulated materials.

When Condensation Isn’t the Problem

If you’ve attempted to isolate the problem and you cannot find any condensation, an air or water leak may be the culprit. During a rain storm or cold snap, do your best to identify the source of the leak and take steps to caulk and insulate the window. This can reduce the size of the leak, but will not solve the problem. For a permanent fix for window seat mildew, replacement bay windows are the best option.

Mildew in a home is not only unsightly, but it can quickly spread and become a more serious, more dangerous problem. If you love your home’s bay windows, but they are old and leaky, it’s probably time to discuss your options for replacement. The team at Legacy Remodeling in Pittsburgh is here to help you fix you window seat mildew. We can assess the current state of your bay window, recommend the right replacement product and oversee the installation of your new bay window. Contact us today to start the conversation.