As you think of all the things you can add to your new bathroom—decorative tiles, durable vanities, or high-tech showers—stop for a moment to also consider ventilation. An air circulation system is as important in bathroom remodeling as pipework, design, and lighting. After all, it’s the feature that can improve your bathroom’s resistance to mold and mildew, and therefore its cleanliness and your overall health.
Before starting a project, make sure you discuss these points with your contractor.
1. Is the old bathroom susceptible to mold?
Inspect your old bathroom for the following:
- Black splotches above the baseboards or on the ceiling
- Parts of the wall that look wet even if the shower or tub hasn’t been used
- Discoloration around tiles and bath fixtures
If you spot any of these, the space is likely already a breeding ground for mold; fuzzy black, green, or white growths in the drywall will confirm it.
Attack the problem at the root and eliminate mold from the bathroom even before renovation. Ask your contractor if they can recommend a mold remediation specialist in Atlanta for the job. Once you’ve gotten rid of the existing growth, you can take steps to ensure you won’t have the same problem again.
2. Does the room need new windows?
Perhaps your current bathroom has no windows, or not enough windows relative to its size. Either way, that’s probably a good reason why damp-loving mold has grown: air doesn’t circulate sufficiently to help moisture dry.
Consider adding a window, widening one, or installing more, especially if you have a large bathroom. Leaving one open by just a few inches whenever you use the shower, sink, or toilet goes a long way towards improving ventilation.
3. Where can you add a fan?
If improving windows isn’t an option, you should instead add a ventilation fan. You might think placing one in the bathroom is as easy as just putting it on the ceiling, but the right placement depends on your property’s ductwork.
Have your contractor assess where it should go and at what size, as well as determine if a wall or window-sill fan better suits your bathroom’s configuration. Whatever the case, the fan should be near the tub or shower, and push air outside your house instead of another part of your home.
4. What else can you add to improve ventilation?
Aside from using a fan and window, you may also consider getting appliances like a dehumidifier to lower moisture levels in your bathroom. Alternatively, you may consider wall and flooring materials, like waterproof tiles and plywood made of bacteria-resistant glue, to help the cause.
Consult an experienced bathroom remodeling contractor like Sterling Works for more ideas.
Sources:
The Dos and Don’ts of Bathroom Ventilation, BobVila.com
Common Problems with Bathroom Remodeling, AngiesList.com
7 Essential Improvements for Your Next Bathroom Remodel, TheSpruce.com
How to Fix Poor Ventilation in a Bathroom, SFGate.com
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