Bathroom ventilation support and advice

If you're building a new bathroom, chances are you'll need to really think about the way ventilation is installed. Some expert advice from Scott Lambert can help you get a plan in place that helps you meet regulations.

How important is good ventilation in the bathroom?

It's extremely important. If you don't get it right you'll get a build-up of mould and mildew in the bathroom area, which will then contribute to an unhealthy environment, as well as peeling paint and weakened structures.

What types of ventilation systems are there for the bathroom?

You've got your traditional exhaust-type fans which are vented into your roof space, but they're not ideal because moisture in the roof space can damage your timber and insulation. Now, most people are going for ducted systems that take all the moisture outside through a roof canal or wall vent.

What should people consider when choosing the right type of ventilation system for their bathroom?

The first thing to look at is the size of your bathroom, and to match that with the size of the fan you're using. You'll also want to make sure that the fan is not too noisy, especially if your bathroom is next to a bedroom.

What are some of the common mistakes people make when ventilating their bathrooms?

Most people don't consider the number of 'air changes' a fan makes. A fan should be able to replace the air in a bathroom 10 times an hour to remove steam effectively. Also, many people don't realise they need an under-cut under their door to allow air in. Without in-coming air, a fan won't work.

What solutions are there for people on a tight budget?

You'll always save a few dollars by going for a kit, as opposed to buying the fan, duct and grill separately.

What innovations are there in bathroom ventilation? Is there any new technology on the market?

Ducted fans have improved a lot. Previously, if you wanted to duct a fan, you had to use an 'inline' fan, whereby the fan was placed inside the duct. But now there are some very good fans that are all-in-one, so the fan goes in and the duct runs off it. They look good and are simple to install.

Talking with a bathroom renovator in your area will help you get the right ventilation support for your bathroom: