| Did you know that excess moisture is the leading | | | | you could consider using a toilet insulation kit or |
| cause of decay in bathrooms? And even worse, | | | | installing an anti-sweat valve which operates by |
| most bathroom moisture issues will go undetected | | | | adding just enough warm water to the tank to |
| for years until its too late and menacing mold | | | | keep the temperature differential to a minimum. |
| develops or structural damage occurs. The | | | | 4] Looks vs. leaks - |
| following is a list of five steps you can implement | | | | If you are planning a large and costly master bath |
| in your new bathroom plans to ensure that | | | | remodel it's not likely that you will consider using |
| moisture will not be a problem. | | | | anything other than tile for your shower. If your |
| 1] Tubs and showers should be located on interior | | | | goals and means are more modest, then you |
| walls - | | | | might consider using a one piece shower unit. By |
| The idea is to make certain that you are not | | | | design, these units are seamlessly constructed |
| running supply and drain lines in an exterior wall | | | | and when properly installed will provide the |
| where they are subject to extreme temperature | | | | ultimate protection against leaking. Of course, tile |
| variations. These fluctuations can produce | | | | applications look nicer, but each grout line is an |
| moisture in the wall around the areas where the | | | | opportunity for water to penetrate. |
| plumbing is located and should be avoided if at all | | | | 5] Design a dryer wall - |
| possible. | | | | On exterior walls the location of the vapor barrier |
| 2] Proper ventilation is a must - | | | | can play a big roll in determining how much |
| If you are planning your dream bath design with a | | | | moisture is trapped in the bathroom. This issue is |
| whirlpool tub or a steam shower you must not | | | | relatively simple to address in a bathroom |
| forget that these luxury items can create | | | | remodel. The determining factor in proper vapor |
| enormous amounts of steam in the bathroom. | | | | barrier placement is climate, as moisture typically |
| You should look for a high capacity super quiet | | | | moves in the direction from warmer areas to |
| bath fan and don't be afraid to spend more for a | | | | colder areas. Your geographic location will |
| high quality unit. Make certain that the new fan is | | | | determine proper vapor barrier placement. In |
| ducted through an exterior wall by the shortest | | | | Michigan we have a heating climate dictating that |
| path possible. Most of all run the fan. If you have | | | | vapor barrier is placed on the interior of wood wall |
| luxury items such as a whirlpool or steam shower, | | | | and ceiling framing while permeable exterior |
| turn the fan on while taking a bath or steam. | | | | sheeting is used to allow for any vapor that does |
| Afterwards, close the door and leave the fan on | | | | get into the wall to escape. In a cooling climate |
| for a minimum of 30 additional minutes. | | | | the opposite may be true. Check with a local |
| 3] Toilet sweat... don't sweat it - | | | | building expert to design the best system for |
| Condensation on toilet tanks is common during the | | | | your location. |
| summer months when the water temperature | | | | By applying these five tips when remodeling of |
| inside the tank can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler | | | | your bathroom, you can help fight the effects of |
| than the air temperature. Air conditioning is the | | | | moisture and have a great looking and functioning |
| best way to eliminate this problem. Alternatively, | | | | bathroom for many years to come. |