Do you need a vent in the bathroom?

When it comes to washroom renovations, ventilation should never be overlooked. Without proper ventilation, your washroom and the health of its users can be compromised, and there are knock-on effects that can impact the very fabric of the building. 

Bathrooms, by their very nature, are wet, humid environments. Running water, particularly hot water, puts moisture into the air which will inevitably find its way onto cold surfaces and in areas where airflow is poor. The result? Damp, mould and mildew and even rot in some cases. In any event, you are looking at bacteria buildup, which can lead to all kinds of problems both physically and hygienically.

Why ventilation is key

To avoid the problems mentioned above, we need to maintain safe humidity in the room and get that moist, stale air out of the building. The most efficient way to do this is through a ventilation system. 

Ventilation comes in all shapes and sizes, from large scale systems for big buildings to small ceiling and wall-mounted options. Bathroom ventilation works by sucking the air up through an electric fan and pushing that air through a duct and out away from the building. 

Do you need a vent in the bathroom?

We recommend installing washroom vent fans in all washrooms for the simple fact that they help eliminate foul smells. Any area with hot running water also needs vents too. In washrooms using full height cubicles, we advise putting a vent grill in the ceiling of each cubicle that links up the ventilation system.

Washroom fans can be divided into 2 categories; firstly wall-mounted and secondly ceiling mounted. The majority of ceiling fans found in a commercial washroom are centrifugal and are concealed above the ceiling with only grilles/vents visible.

Ventilation all the way

In short, the answer to whether you need a vent in the bathroom is a categorical yes. It will keep your washrooms smelling fresh for customers, staff and visitors, but will also work to protect your facilities from mould, bacteria and damage from moisture buildup.

If you would like any further advice, or to discuss the ventilation in your washroom refurbishment project, please get in touch with one of the Commercial Washrooms team on 01202 650900.