Sink and countertop in sunken bay window - mould and rotting wood question

[NutsForMutts]

Our new kitchen design (purchased and about to be installed, no going back) involves the sink going into a Victorian sunken bay window looking out to the side return area. The main window's back ledge will be cut off to accomodate the units going in, with normal backings, and there will be false cupboards (meaning just covered at the front, not functional) in the bay corners and with no backing.

We can get our quartz worktop with a same material backsplash cut to either leave space back to the window panes or fit it as closely as possible to the glass.

We never open these windows but they are a bit old and crumbly Victorian sashes so I'm concerned about them essentially disintegrating over time like other windows in the house have. (And on the outside you can stick a finger through the wood already.)

We get persistent black mold every winter where the glass meets the wood, mainly at the bottom part that will be below the sink and units. I'm not sure how we are going to deal with that, or do we just expose ourselves us to this health risk.

I think theoretically if we have the quartz cut to the units, not overhanging the back, we could get on the counter and wipe down the glass where the condensation forms. But it could be like a daily thing, and eventually we may not be hopping up on counters.

Bit of a 'mare but this kitchen design is full of compromises.

Any thoughts on how we should proceed?

So the glass goes below the counter, effectively?

on external walls with kitchen cabinets, generally I think the advice is not to fit them all the way to the wall- leave a gap (which could be covered with a grate) and also a vent in the base so air can circulate. Some people suggest a small heat source in the air gap.

if it’s glass and you get condensation on the windows presumably that will run down to the sill that’s under the counter, so I’d try to solve that, maybe by sealing the line where the counter meets the glass so the condensation from the window above can be wiped at bench level. I guess making the window smaller isn’t an option so you don’t have glass below counter height?

Thanks @Glipsy. Yes the glass goes down a good six inches or more below the counter. Can't really bring it up without replacing three Victorian sash windows entirely. We may have a hot tap installed that would need a heated tank, which might help at least one window with some warmth. You're right that the water must drip down, but I'd still be nervous that it would form on its own under the counter line if it were sealed up above the counter line. tricky!!

Would you consider having the windows replaced first? This is the ideal solution. But a pricey one of course.

This is going to cause a real serious maintainence issue and if it is black mould then health problems. You can't put kitchen cabinets in front of a window with known ongoing damp issues and just ignore it!

If you get either new double glazed windows or possibly refurbish the existing windows (which will be cheaper) then the consensation on the windows will be resolved and then you could build up behind them. still not great as you can't do any thing if the window needs replacing without taking the kitchen units out but...

Can you add a couple of computer fans into the back of the cupboards that face the window to provide some air movement. We did similar in a previous house and it was surprisingly effective. This also works well for cupboards/built in wardrobes against outside walls.

A hot tap is going to just add to the moisture running down those windows. I think you will need to get the window changed. I think it will save you money in the long run. I can't imagine what damage all that condensation running down under your units will do.

I'd get a cheaper kitchen and sort the windows. What is the point of expensive kitchen fittings in a damp, cold house?

I mean I'm sure you thought of that already but for me the fabric of the house is a priority.

If you don't have the damp worries, the sink unit can have a neat back panel and there will still be a little window ledge. Will you want to open the window or is there another window in the room? We needed a window hook/ pole for the sash behind our sink.

Ok I read the OP properly, you ordered it. I would leave a gap between unit and window. Try and make it possible to replace window later.

Thanks @NotMeNoNo I think that is our best bet, to replace the windows when possible. We're not bothered about ever opening the windows, since we haven't in 12 years, but they're obviously going to cause problems as they are. Hopefully that won't have to involve ripping out the new cabinets!! (can you install windows from outside??)

It might be wise if one can be opened in the the event of a fire. Especially as it's a kitchen.

Could you post pics? It might be possible to replace the window with the kitchen in place if there is enough of a gap but obviously there is a risk of the kitchen getting damaged. Also it would be difficult/impossible to seal, paint and finish the insides of the widows so there might be drafts from gaps?

@Geneticsbunny this is a similar house in our area with the format, looks like they replaced the windows!! @Mosaic123 The room is a kitchen diner with glass doors at the back and opens onto the hallway toward the front door, so hopefully no big fire risks.

If you have the worktop right up against the windows like the pic, you won't be able to replace them without taking the worktop and cupboards out.

Thanks @Geneticsbunny . Have a feeling this will be a problematic bodge in our lives...not the first one