A bathroom gets damp because hot showers and baths put a lot of water vapour into the air, and that vapour condenses on cold surfaces such as walls, ceilings and windows. An extractor fan that vents to the outside takes that moist air away before it settles, but only if it is working properly and you actually run it.
Signs the room is not clearing moisture
- Mirrors and windows stay misted for a long time after a shower.
- Black spots of mould in corners, on the ceiling or along the silicone.
- Paint that bubbles or peels, or a musty smell.
- Tile grout that stays dark and damp.
Check your existing fan
- Does it actually move air? Hold a single sheet of tissue near the grille when it is on. If it is not pulled to the grille, the fan may be clogged with dust, or failing.
- Where does the air go? The duct should lead outside. A fan that blows into a loft space simply moves the damp somewhere else, where it can cause its own problems.
- Is it on long enough? Many people switch the fan off when they leave the room. Letting it run for a while afterwards clears more moisture.
A fan is not the only cause
If the damp is in one spot, or appears even when nobody has showered, look for other causes: a leaking pipe or waste, failed silicone around the shower or bath, cracked or missing grout, or a leak from an upstairs room. Fixing the fan will not solve a leak. A fitter can trace where the water is really coming from.
Other things that help
- Keep the door shut while showering so steam stays in the room where the fan can take it, then open a window or leave the fan running afterwards.
- Wipe down wet surfaces and keep sealant in good condition.
- When planning a refit, mention damp to your fitter so the fan is considered at the same time as the rest of the work. See our refit timeline guide for when each stage happens.
Dealing with damp in Romford or East London? Find out what Lynx does for bathrooms or ring 07942 371822.