As we spend more time indoors, the quality of our indoor environment becomes more and more important, especially for those who deal with allergies, whether seasonal or year-round. When it comes to dealing with allergies, there are elements in the home that can help mitigate the symptoms.
Did you know that your windows can play a crucial role in keeping allergens at bay?
At Golden Windows, we’re committed to learning more about how allergies become present in the home so that we can create styles and treatments that help our clients stay safe and comfortable.
We'll look at simple strategies to help you create an allergy-friendly home using proper window care and maintenance techniques. We'll learn more about the world of indoor allergens—what they are, how they affect us, and most importantly, how to minimize their presence with the right window care and maintenance routines.
Whether you're thinking about upgrading your windows or simply looking for ways to improve your indoor air quality, you've come to the right place. We'll cover everything from selecting allergy-friendly window materials and maintaining proper seals to choosing the best cleaning techniques and window treatments for allergy control.
With these insights and resources, you'll be ready to transform your home into a space that encourages respiratory health and prioritizes your overall well-being. Let's dive in and discover how small changes in window care can make a big difference in allergy-proofing your living space.
Understanding Allergens
Allergies are one of the most common chronic health conditions experienced worldwide. Allergic reactions are often hereditary and can be passed down through generations. Reactions begin in the immune system. When an allergic person encounters the allergen, the immune system may be prone to “overreacting” and work to produce antibodies to fight off the allergen. This is what causes us to sneeze or experience symptoms such as watery or itchy eyes, wheezing, or runny nose.
When it comes to the home, there are four types of allergies that families may experience if they have sensitivities:
Dust Mites: Dust mites are one of the most common indoor allergens. They’re known to survive and thrive in warm, humid environments and feed on dead skin cells. Their feces contain proteins that can trigger allergies and asthma symptoms.
Pollen: While outdoor pollen is a well-known allergen, it can also enter homes through open windows and doors. Certain plants release pollen that can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Pet Dander: Even if you don't have pets, pet dander can still be present indoors since it can easily stick to clothing and shoes. The proteins found in pet dander often cause allergic responses.
Mould: Mould spores are found in damp and poorly ventilated areas, including bathrooms and basements. Exposure to mould can lead to respiratory issues and aggravate allergies.
Understanding these allergens and how they present themselves is the first step to eliminating them or reducing their impacts on the home. By identifying the sources of allergens in your household, you can begin to make actionable changes — including replacing old windows in your home that may be letting these allergens indoors, ultimately creating a safer and healthier home for your family.
Choosing the Right Windows
When it comes to keeping you and your family safe in your home, the need goes beyond physical intruders. It’s just as important to look at the everyday risks, like allergies, that can come from poorly constructed and installed windows.
Here’s what to consider when looking for allergy-proof windows:
Materials: Select window frames made from materials that are moisture and mould resistant. Vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum frames are great choices because they’re less likely to trap allergens and are easy to clean.
Seals: Consider windows with tight seals and quality weatherstripping. Properly sealed windows help prevent allergens like pollen and dust from entering your home, thus improving indoor air quality.
Maintenance: One of the keys to maintaining your windows is choosing styles that are easy to clean and keep up. Smooth surfaces and minimal nooks make it simpler to wipe away dust and allergens, which helps reduce the risk of buildup over time.
Windowpanes: Double or triple pane windows are known for their insulation capabilities, which means they create another barrier between outdoor allergens and the interior of your home.
Expert Advice: At the end of the day, making these decisions entirely on your own can feel daunting. Instead, speak with our team at Golden Windows to learn more about your options. We can recommend window designs and materials that fit your preferences and budget while still prioritizing indoor air quality and allergen reduction.
Window Care & Maintenance Tips
How you care for your windows is just as important as the style and treatment you select.
Sealing and Weatherstripping
Properly sealing and weather-stripping your windows is an essential step in protecting your home and everyone inside and improving indoor air quality. Let’s learn why it’s so important.
- Sealing gaps and cracks around windows prevent outdoor allergens like pollen and dust from entering your living spaces. Over time, these allergens can accumulate indoors, triggering allergies and respiratory issues, especially in sensitive individuals.
- To ensure your window seal works as it should, it’s important to regularly inspect your windows for any signs of wear or damage to the seals and weatherstripping. Replace worn-out weatherstrips right away to help keep a tight seal and prevent allergens from entering the home.
- Consider using high-quality silicone or rubber-based weatherstripping materials for greater durability and more effective results. These materials have a flexible seal that can withstand changes in weather and be used frequently without losing their effectiveness.
- Caulking should be applied around window frames to seal gaps and prevent air leaks. This not only improves energy efficiency but also helps maintain a clean and allergen-free indoor space.
With proper weatherstripping and sealing, your windows can help reduce the risk of allergens in the home and create a more comfortable environment for everyone. Regular cleaning and maintenance will also help keep these elements working at their best.
Window Cleaning Guide
When it comes to keeping your home safe and free from dust, pollen, and other allergens, one of the most important things homeowners can do is keep their windows clean. Here’s why cleaning and inspecting your windows matters.
- Your windows’ surfaces can accumulate dust, pollen, and other allergens regularly. Wipe down all window frames, sills, and glass surfaces consistently using a microfiber cloth or a damp cloth. This helps remove allergens before they enter your air supply.
- Choose hypoallergenic cleaning products that are free from harsh chemicals. Natural options like vinegar and water or mild, soapy water can help clean your windows without leaving irritating residues behind.
- Pay attention to your window treatments, such as blinds or curtains, which can lock in dust and allergens. Vacuum or dry clean these regularly to prevent allergens from building up.
- If you’re sensitive to allergens, consider wearing gloves and a mask when cleaning. This can help minimize your exposure to dust, pollen, and dander.
- When pollen season is in full effect, try to clean your windows more frequently to prevent build-up.
- Remember to clean your window screens, as they can collect a lot of pollen and dust over time. Carefully remove your screens and gently rinse them with water or wipe them down with a damp cloth.
Window Maintenance
Regular maintenance makes a significant difference in keeping your home allergy-free. Knowing how to properly maintain your windows and surrounding areas can help ensure a safe environment and protect the quality of your indoor air.
Keep Windows Closed During High Pollen Days: Monitor pollen levels in your area and keep windows closed during peak pollen times. This will help minimize your exposure to allergens indoors.
Ventilation Maintenance: Make sure that your windows are properly ventilated. This promotes air circulation and reduces moisture buildup, which can contribute to mould growth and aggravate allergies.
Trim Your Landscaping: Trim back trees, shrubs, and plants near windows to prevent pollen and debris from gathering on window surfaces.
Invest in Allergy-Friendly Window Treatments: Choose window treatments that are easy to clean and less likely to trap allergens, such as washable curtains or blinds.
Schedule Professional Inspections: Every so often, schedule inspections with a window maintenance professional to look at the condition of your windows and address any issues before they get out of hand.
Replacing Your Old Windows
When it comes to investing in your home, replacing old windows is a simple and effective way to improve the look and keep harmful allergens at bay. Old windows are more prone to wear and tear and can lead to issues such as leaks, drafts, and poor insulation. All of these factors can compromise the integrity and comfort of your home and allow allergens to enter.
Signs that indicate it's time to replace old windows include:
- Visible Damage (Cracked Frames, Rotted Wood, etc.)
- Drafts and Air Leaks
- Difficulty Operating
- Increased Allergy Symptoms
This is where choosing the right windows makes all the difference. At Golden Windows, our windows are designed with your protection in mind. We offer advanced triple-glazed options to help you keep allergens outside where they belong.
Look at some of our most popular triple-pane options:
GoldenVinyl® 1000 Series
- Available in awning, casement, slider, hung and fixed style
- Select from 4 available colours: white, black, sable, taupe
- 30 Optional and custom colours available
- 4 different Low-E Options, all include Argon gas
- Exterior Brickmould and sill nosing are available
- Standard hardware or upgrade to the Encore™ hardware system
- Enhanced comfort, especially closer to the windows
- Reduction of indoor condensation
GoldenClad® Triple Glaze
- Available in casement, awning, double hung and fixed-style windows
- Select from 4 standard, 30 optional or unlimited custom colours
- Wood interior, available in pine, oak, mahogany, or species of your choice
- Narrow rail profile available for a more modern style
- 4 different Low-E Options, all include Argon gas
- Multiple grille options, including grilles between the glass and simulated divided lights (SDL)
- Standard hardware or upgrade to the Encore™ hardware system
- Enhanced comfort, especially closer to the windows
- Reduction of indoor condensation
Why Professional Window Services Matter
How your windows operate, and function is integral to how they keep you and your family safe. When it’s time to replace your windows, who you choose to work with matters.
Allergens can find their way into your home through the cracks and vulnerabilities in your windows and doors. Professional window manufacturers and suppliers can help minimize your risks by:
- Providing options like allergy-friendly window materials with tight seals and effective weatherstripping
- Ensuring proper installation and reducing gaps that can accumulate with dust and pollen
- Offer guidance and help you choose the best windows and treatments for allergy control
- Help you create a healthier indoor environment overall with reduced allergen exposure
Golden Windows for Window Care & Maintenance Tips
At Golden Windows, we know firsthand that the right windows can make all the difference in your home—from functionality and design to style and, most importantly, safety.
Since 1961, we’ve committed our efforts to creating multi-purpose windows that protect families and their loved ones from harmful allergens that can enter the home through poor window installation and design, helping you optimize your home's wellness. We focus on our customers’ needs and goals, creating aluminum, wood, and vinyl windows that exceed their needs for energy efficiency, natural airflow, easy cleaning, and effortless maintenance.
As a family-owned and operated company servicing Ontario and abroad, we’ve found the perfect balance of function and form. Trust our team to build quality window designs with your safety and comfort in mind.