- Exhaust fan: A good exhaust fan must be installed with a 90CFM rating or higher. The ducting must be connected properly and routed to the exterior of the house through a roof or wall vent.
Listed here are 7 Important tips to bathroom
remodeling that prevents mold and moisture damage. These are general practices that professionals live by for the safety and health of you and your family.
- Count down timer: A timer should be installed in place of a switch for the exhaust fan. Digital timers are available and are not so much of an eye sore. The timer should be run for an additional 20 minutes after water has been shut off or drained to rid of any excess moisture.
- Paint sheen: Avoid flat or low sheen paints, they will not shed moisture as easily as satin, semi or high gloss sheens. The walls, ceiling and wood work should be covered well with a satin or semi gloss finish. High gloss is ultimately the best for moisture resistance and easy clean up however the glare from lights can be daunting. Remember when sampling paint to choose the same sheen that you will use for the final coat.
- Drywall: If installing new sheetrock use a moisture rated board such as green board which has a moisture resistant paper on the outside. Keep in mind this is not intended for the wet areas of the bathroom such as a shower or backing for tile. There are specific wall boards and waterproofing practices for wet area applications.
- Primer: An additional barrier of protection is to primer any new wallboard or patching before texture. This will allow an extra layer of protection to block mold spores from growing underneath the surface. You will also find the painting finishes better with an even coated surface.
- Tile and grout sealer: There are many sealers available to apply on the surface of the tile and grout. This procedure should be done once a year. Drytreat is a popular sealer that carries a 15 year warranty when installed by a certified applicator and only needs to be applied once.
- Proper caulking: Caulk the areas between any two joints that meet and where standing water may intrude or weep behind surfaces. Be sure to use a bathroom approved caulking or silicon and press it smoothly into the joint for a water tight seal.
If mold is an issue
before starting a bathroom remodel it must be properly treated and cleaned
before covering it. If there is a visible trace of black mold and the surface
feels damp then replacing and drying out the damaged area must occur prior to
remodeling. Inspect the moist area for additional water damages and rot. Please use safe cleaning methods or call a
professional.
