The nature of the bathroom means that it’s prone to condensation build-up, which can result in serious problems for your home. One of these issues is the presence of mold, which isn’t only unsightly but can be detrimental to the inhabitants’ health. As a result, certain measures should be employed when it comes to the designing and decorating of bathrooms. Ultimately, you don’t want to give warm steam the opportunity to settle on cold walls and turn into liquid condensation, which results in the presence of mold. Detailed below are some of the top decorating ideas to help avoid this.
Repair Exterior Walls
It could be the case that condensation problems are being caused by your home’s outer walls. This could be down to cracked mortar, faulty brickwork, or broken downpipes and gutters. If this is the case, mold problems should be amended with relative ease. In order to prevent moisture from penetrating its way through your exterior walls, you might also coat them in waterproof paint. Not only will this give you somewhat of a shield against penetrating moisture, but it will also contribute to your home’s aesthetic. Keeping your exterior walls intact is one of the most important aspects of preventing mold from entering your property.
Assess Wet Room Systems
A wet room system is a wholly tanked or waterproofed bathroom in which the shower floor is on the same level as the rest of the floor. As a result, water is drained through a flush drain, and the floors and walls are sealed by a waterproof membrane. Consequently, the risk of water damage is eliminated. If you’re looking to completely strip out your bathroom and start again, you might look into the possibility of installing a wet room system. The layers of material that are used in a wet room system can be extremely effective in preventing water from damaging your drywall.
Tile the Walls
When it comes to covering the walls in a bathroom, tiles are the superior choice. This is because the condensation that settles on tiles can run off with ease. Drywall, on the other hand, will absorb any condensation, resulting in the appearance of mold that’s a nightmare to clean. It’s most important that tiles are placed around showers, baths, and sinks, as this is where you’ll see the most condensation. Not only are tiles the clear choice for keeping your bathroom looking great, but they’re also better for ensuring your health isn’t put at risk.
Install Extractor Fans
One of the most important factors in eliminating the possibility of mold is the installation of extractor fans. This is because it’s the role of an extractor fan to suck up all the steam and project it outside before it can settle on your walls and turn into condensation. It’s important to note that extractor fans require electricity to function, meaning having a qualified electrician on hand is essential. Meanwhile, it’s imperative to perform regular maintenance to ensure the proper functioning of the extractor fan over a significant time period.
Use Waterproof Paint
Last but not least, in the areas that aren’t tiled, you might consider the use of waterproof paint. While waterproof paint won’t eliminate existing mold, it will do a decent job of preventing any other mold from building up. Before applying waterproof paint, though, you need to ensure the source of the mold has been addressed and amended. Without this, you’ll be covering up a problem rather than fixing it. Pay attention to customer reviews to determine which waterproof paints are the most effective.
Kristi Linauer is a renowned figure in the world of interior styling. With over 12 years in the industry, she specializes in creating elegant yet functional living spaces. She is the author of a bestselling book on minimalist design. With her unique approach to contemporary design, she has been featured in various national decor publications. After completing her degree in Fine Arts, she quickly made a name for herself in the home decor industry. In her spare time, she enjoys pottery, adding a personal touch to her home with her creations.
