How to Prevent Soaked Walls in Your Bathroom
by Elias Deukmajian | Bathrooms
Condensation on walls occurs when moisture and warmth is combined with cool, dry air. Therefore, when you run hot water or generate steam—i.e. moisture and warmth—in an otherwise cool and dry bathroom, then your walls and ceiling wind up collecting the condensation. While condensation in and of itself isn’t a worry, the after-effects of condensation on your bathroom walls can be troubling. If you are renovating or remodeling your bathroom currently, it is important to select paint and other materials in specific options that are particularly bathroom-friendly—in other words, they can withstand higher temperatures and high condensation levels. Flooring, cabinetry, paint, and wallpaper, can all be greatly affected by consistently high moisture levels. Therefore, consulting with a professional is critical. If you are considering renovating your bathroom, or would like tips on how to deal with the excess moisture in your bathroom, these few points may help you to remember:
The need for adequate ventilation
Houses usually produce a fair amount of moisture, just through daily activities and weather changes. While usually homes are designed to withstand such environmental factors, not every space is well-equipped to deal with larger quantities of moisture all at once. After a hot, steamy shower or bath, your walls collect drops of dew and moisture. The longer this moisture is let to sit on the surfaces, the more damage that occurs over time. The best way to counteract heightened levels of moisture in a bathroom after baths and showers is to have adequate ventilation. Bathrooms are usually small, so it takes some creativity to ensure proper ventilation. This can be achieved through installing the right windows to maximize airflow as well as bathroom ceiling fans or vents. You should be sure to consult with professionals on this one before you decide to punch a hole in the wall for a new window.
Utilizing quality materials that can take moisture
Not all remodeling materials will be able to hold up to such intense levels of moisture that are produced in a bathroom. Knowing where to go and what to look for is half the battle when it comes to choosing the right materials for your bathroom, because along with adequate ventilation, you also need to consider what type of material your vanity should be made of and what types of paint or flooring to install that will best repel liquid. Certain materials should especially be avoided in bathrooms, such as wood flooring; unless adequately protected, it can easily become damaged or warped by the continual moisture production.
Other potential problems too much moisture causes
Excessive amounts of moisture without ventilation can have an adverse effect on your health in the long run. Bathrooms are especially susceptible to mold growth, which can take a toll on your lungs. Over time, moisture seeps into the walls and floors, and in the dark spaces in your walls, mold will begin to grow. Mold damage is costly to repair, so it’s best to avoid all together. While mold thrives in moisture, so do certain bugs. Fruit flies especially love to cultivate in warm, moist areas like bathrooms. It is ill-advised to keep potted plants in your bathroom for this reason. Adding a ceiling fan in your bathroom that draws the moisture up and out of the room in addition to at least a small window for maximal air flow is the best plan of attack to prevent mold from developing or bugs from nesting.
The remodeling experts at Kitchen Emporium have remodeled countless kitchens for clients in the areas of San Fernando Valley, San Diego, and San Marcos in Southern California. Having encountered our fair share of remodeling projects, bathroom remodeling is always accompanied by the issue of creating adequate ventilation for the space. We offer our clients plenty of options when it comes to solutions for this issue, and we don’t think you should have to sacrifice in aesthetic. Bathroom fans can be unsightly and loud—we can help you find the right fan that will do the job and remain unobtrusive. Paint, vanities, flooring, wall paneling and paint—you name it, we can help. If you’ve had enough of your water-soaked bathroom walls, contact us directly to schedule a consultation—we can help you find the right solution that fits your needs and your budget.
