Why is proper bathroom ventilation so important? We explain!

A well-designed bathroom is not only about correctly positioning each piece of sanitaryware, but also about a properly designed ventilation system for the room. What is it for? Is its presence really that important? What are the consequences of a lack of ventilation in the bathroom? You’ll find all that below. Find out!

Bathroom ventilation: is it a necessity?

Before we move on to whether bathroom ventilation is a necessity, it’s worth explaining exactly what it is. This term refers to a system that enables contaminated air to be extracted from the room and fresh air to be supplied in its place. In a bathroom, it plays an extremely important role — it also allows the excess steam produced during each household member’s bath or shower to be removed.

Is it really necessary? Absolutely! Ventilation in bathrooms is strictly regulated for every type of building, both private and public. However, not only for compliance reasons should every bathroom have it.

What are the consequences of a lack of ventilation in the bathroom?

Properly functioning ventilation is important for correct air circulation throughout the entire home, as it is largely via this route that contaminated air from other rooms is extracted.

Primarily, however, it determines the condition of the bathroom itself. A lack of ventilation in the bathroom leads to a multitude of problems, which not only damage the building, but also affect the health of the occupants. Moisture settling on the walls, ceiling or even cupboards will penetrate them, creating an environment ideal for the growth of fungi and bacteria, and even dangerous mould.

Ineffective ventilation will make the bathroom feel stuffy, which significantly reduces the comfort of using it. Unfortunately, this is not the biggest problem — far more serious can be the illnesses that such living conditions often trigger among occupants. This will primarily mean feeling unwell, but not only that. Very often these are allergies, as well as more serious respiratory conditions.

How can you tell that the bathroom ventilation is insufficient?

You can spot problems with the proper functioning of bathroom ventilation very easily. How? Simply have a look around its interior after a bath or shower. What should you look out for?

One sign of inadequate ventilation is water vapour condensing on the wall tiles, floor, mirror or, if there is one in the bathroom, the window. If the problem is severe, you will also notice droplets on the ceiling. It is also worth looking at the walls and ceiling to check whether mould has appeared. Its presence will indicate that the problem is already advanced.

Constantly damp towels or moisture on the surfaces of furniture, and even on toiletries that stand in the bathroom, can also point to inadequate ventilation. If you have bath mats in the bathroom, they will be damp too.

How to improve bathroom ventilation?

One of the basic systems is natural (gravity) ventilation. What if it doesn’t deliver the expected results? The first point to check is the ventilation grille above the shower or bath (these are usually the places where it is installed, though this is not a necessity). Simply place your hand against it — you should be able to feel air movement.

If there is none, it may indicate a blockage in the shaft at some level, which is where the ventilation insufficiency comes from. In such cases, the ventilation should be cleaned, reporting the need to the building management if you live in a block of flats, or ordering the service from specialists if you own a detached house.

If the problem is more advanced, mechanical ventilation may be a good solution. Installing a small electric fan will allow moisture to be removed efficiently. Do also remember that a bathroom with a window but without ventilation is not the best solution. A tightly closed window (e.g. due to the weather or for security) does not remove moisture, causing it to accumulate in the room. So even in bathrooms with a window, it is worth ensuring the presence of another ventilation system.