Window Condensation Mould: Single-Glazed Homes in Adelaide

Every winter morning, your windows are dripping wet. Water pools on the sills, runs down the walls, and feeds mould that keeps coming back no matter how often you clean it. If this sounds like your Adelaide home, single glazing is likely the root cause.

Why Single Glazing Creates Mould

Single-glazed windows have extremely poor thermal insulation. On cold Adelaide nights, the glass surface drops well below the dew point, causing water vapour in the warm indoor air to condense on the glass and frames. This daily cycle of wetting provides everything wall mould and window frame mould need to thrive.

The Scale of the Problem

Most pre-2005 Adelaide homes have single glazing. That’s the majority of housing stock in Burnside, Norwood, Unley, Prospect, Charles Sturt, and many other suburbs. The problem is worst on south-facing and east-facing windows that don’t get afternoon sun.

Solutions

Short-term: wipe windows dry each morning, improve room ventilation, use a dehumidifier. Long-term: retrofit double glazing or secondary glazing, which addresses the thermal bridge permanently. Full condensation control guide.

If window condensation has already caused mould damage to walls, sills, or curtains, professional remediation ensures spores in the plasterboard and timber are properly treated.