How To Avoid Bathroom Damp
Taking steps to prevent bathroom damp is the best way to avoid the problems it can cause. Wet areas like bathrooms, laundries and kitchens are prone to damage caused by damp but luckily there are strategies that will help control the situation. Here are some of the best ways to avoid bathroom damp.
Damp is caused when condensation and moisture is unable to evaporate, preventing the surfaces in the bathroom from drying out. Many surfaces in a bathroom are porous and so are able to absorb moisture. However, if these surfaces are not able to dry out effectively, damp develops. Constantly wet areas like bathrooms, toilets, laundries and kitchens are prone to the effects of dampness, causing peeling paint and wallpaper, development of mould and fungi, stained patches and unpleasant odours and even causing allergies to the human occupants.
The main cause of damp is lack of effective ventilation in the room. Wet areas need good air circulation in order to be able to breathe and dry out before being exposed to more water. Fresh air coming into the room, and being able to circulate around the room, acts to dry out the walls and ceiling and helps to remove damp odours and prevent damage from occurring.
Some simple ways to help keep the bathroom dry and free from damp include fixing any taps that drip; airing and washing towels and bathmats regularly and drying them in the sun; washing the shower curtain in a vinegar solution to keep mould at bay; keeping tiles and glass clean and free from mould. If you have any wooden items in your bathroom, take these out into sunshine on a regular basis as well.
Fresh air is the best way to keep damp at bay. The bathroom window needs to be open after baths and showers, to allow steam to escape and prevent condensation forming. During the day in mild weather, keeping the window and door open will go a long way to preventing damp issues. The weather has an effect on this process as well. In warmer weather, moisture tends to evaporate more quickly but in winter, artificial heating in the bathroom can help the drying process and avoid the problems associated with constantly damp surfaces. Structural changes might be necessary in extreme cases, to avoid damp problems and these are best carried out during a bathroom renovation.
When planning to renovate the bathroom, consider the size of the current window. If it is small, or poorly located, replacing it with a larger, airier window will help with the circulation of fresh air to dry and cleanse the whole room. Fitting an extractor fan is a really effective way of avoiding damp and its problems. The fan extracts steam and moisture as it is formed by running hot water in the bath or shower; this keeps the room steam-free and prevents condensation and moisture damage.
One of your main goals for renovating might be to get rid of the damp. These best ways to avoid bathroom damp will cut down on your cleaning time, save you money and provide a healthier bathroom atmosphere for the whole family.