THE PURPOSE OF A BATHROOM EXHAUST FAN
Many people think the purpose of a bathroom exhaust fan is to remove foul odors. While it can do that, the real purpose of a bath fan is to remove moisture vapors from your bathroom.
HOW A BATHROOM EXHAUST FAN WORKS
When the fan is activated, it draws ambient air and moisture vapors generated from showers, bathing, and other bathroom activities, up into an exhaust duct. The exhaust duct, if properly installed, is routed through the roof allowing the moist air to exhaust outdoors.
NOT ALL BATH FANS EXHAUST OUTSIDE – IT’S A PROBLEM
Many bathroom fans are not properly installed. Rather than routing the exhaust duct through the roof to the outside, the duct exhausts the moist air into the attic. The moisture vapors then condense on attic surfaces and build up over time.
MOISTURE DAMAGE TO WOOD STRUCTURES
Attic moisture can lead to deterioration of wood structures that support your roof and the frame of your home. The moisture weakens the wood by slowly by eroding wood fibers, layer by layer, eventually weakening the stability of the wood.
Moisture is also the leading cause of ice dams in winter. Ice dams are destructive to roof tiles, gutters, and cause considerable damage to soffits and nearby structures.
MOISTURE DAMAGE TO ATTIC INSULATION
Wet attic insulation loses its ability to properly insulate the home, which can lead higher utility bills. Moisture underneath the insulation can lead to mold that can spread to living spaces below.
MOLD PROBLEMS
Attic mold is often found on wood surfaces including the underside of your roof called the roof sheathing. If the underside of your roof inside the attic is covered with a powder like substance, gray or black stains, you may already have a problem with mold.
Mold can lead to indoor air quality issues. For those suffering from allergies, asthma, or suppressed immune disease, exposure to mold spores can lead to serious health issues that are difficult to diagnose.
Mold thrives in moist environments and can feed on dust particles making the attic an ideal environment for mold colonies to grow. Mold colonies expand rapidly and can go undetected for years.
Humans are exposed to mold on a regular basis, some molds are harmless while others can lead to serious illness. It is impossible to identify a mold species with the naked eye. So, whether attic mold is harmful or not, it must be professionally eradicated to ensure safety.
ATTIC MOLD – CAN HALT OR DELAY HOMES SALES
If you are hoping to sell your home, attic mold can be a show stopper. Home inspectors now regularly inspect attics for signs of mold.
PROPER BATH FAN EXHAUST– IT’S A BIG DEAL
Most people don’t realize how an improperly installed bathroom exhaust fan can lead to so much trouble and expense – but it can, and it does. We see it all the time.
ALL THESE PROBLEMS – EASILY AVOIDED FOR LESS THAN $300
Consider all the costs associated with an improperly installed bathroom exhaust fan:
- Roof Damage
- Ice Dames
- Insulation Damage
- Increased Utility Bills
- Mold Remediation
- Medical Bills
- Discomfort
- Stifled Home Sale
All of this can be avoided by installing proper exhaust ducts, which run between $250-300 per fan.