How to Vent a Bathroom With No Outside Access
Did you know that your bathroom is the wettest room in your home? After all, it is where you bathe, shower, and more– every day. All of the plumbing here can create mixture in the air, which can be damaging to the bathroom itself– in the form of mold and mildew, for instance– unless properly ventilated. Unfortunately, you may find that your bathroom does not have any ventilation or outside access. This is an issue, but it is one that you can problem-solve!
Read on to learn more about why ventilation is so important, as well as how to deal with ventilating a bathroom that does not have any outside access.
Why Does a Bathroom Need to Be Ventilated?
Proper ventilation is crucial to preventing a number of issues which can damage your bathroom or even make it an unsafe environment for you. Not only will a lack of ventilation create issues for you while living in the home, it may create complications when you decide to sell your house and move onto greener pastures.
Excess Moisture
As the bathroom is a very wet area, you may be left dealing with excess moisture in this room if it is not ventilated. After all, most bathrooms have a toilet, sink, and a shower– lots of fixtures that are a water source. The excess moisture will linger if the space is not ventilated properly, and this can make walls and tile slippery, as well as leading to some of the issues below.
Mold or Mildew
Mold and mildew are one of the common issues that are caused by excess moisture and lack of ventilation. However, just because they are common issues does not mean that they are not a cause for concern, In fact, both mold and mildew can be very dangerous to homeowners. They can cause health issues, such as respiratory issues, if the mold growth is left untreated.
Smells
Ventilation is also important because not only does it help get moisture out of the space, but it airs the space out and gets rid of lingering smells. Without ventilation, however, these smells will linger for a long time– which can be especially unpleasant in a bathroom.
Stuffiness
If you have a poorly ventilated space, this means that there is poor air circulation there, too. This can cause the air or atmosphere to be overwhelming and even suffocating. In hotter areas or hotter seasons, this can also mean that the space is very hot and stifling. All of this stuffiness can be uncomfortable in any space, but it can be avoided if you ensure that your bathroom is ventilated properly.
Stains
Excess moisture can cause cosmetic issues in your bathroom, too. For instance, stains on the ceiling or walls are common in poorly ventilated bathrooms, because the moisture that is unable to escape sits on these surfaces for a long amount of time– then creating lasting water stains.
How to Vent a Bathroom With No Outside Access
Most building codes require proper ventilation in your bathroom, and as discussed above, there are many reasons for this. Luckily, you are not out of hope if you are dealing with a bathroom that does not have any outside access.There are still ways that you can ventilate your bathroom space and deal with the excess moisture that is created here in your normal day to day.
Ceiling Vent
A ceiling fan is one of the first options that comes to mind for most people when thinking about your bathroom ventilation. It is an efficient option and is also fairly easy to install, as long as you have access to the attic in your home. This is because this type of vent is vented out through the roof. If you are able to access the attic and your bathroom is underneath the attic, a ceiling vent is likely going to be the best option for you.
Ceiling vents work by being vented out through the roof– after all, they need to bring the excess moisture from the bathroom somewhere else so it does not cause damage. Essentially, they collect the air from your bathroom and release it outside. Like all vent options, ceiling vents allow the air to escape from the bathroom, which it would not be able to do if the bathroom was not ventilated– or even if it was ventilated, but still not ventilated properly. Many times, ceiling vents or ceiling fans are used as a 2-in-1 with a built in light source, too. This can be helpful because then the vent does not take up space on the ceiling where a light is needed as well!
Floor Vent
An alternative to the ceiling vents discussed above is a floor vent! Floor vents, or floor duct vents, are a good option for bathrooms that are not located underneath the attic, or for homes in which it is impossible to gain attic access. One such example would be if your bathroom is located underneath a stairwell. This can be great for smaller homes, in which every square foot counts, but can make ventilation tricky. Luckily, floor vents are still a viable option.
Floor vents are, as the name suggests, installed in the floor of your bathroom to provide ventilation. They operate by using floor grates to remove any excess moisture and bad air from the room. They create, open, and draw the air out. When a floor vent is installed, it is done so so that the plumbing vent runs between the floor joints and then out through the exterior wall.
It is important to note, though, that floor vents are not going to be as efficient as ceiling vents. That being said, sometimes a floor vent is your only option, and for these cases, it is still a good, comparable option for your bathroom space.
Extra Ducts
Perhaps you already have some sort of ventilation set up in your bathroom, but are still dealing with excess moisture and other ventilation related issues. Then, the issue could either be that your ventilation system is not set up correctly– confirming this should always be your first step– or that you actually need more ducts that you currently have to deal with the issue.
If you do need to install extra ducts, you can simply install the same type of ventilation method that is already in place for your bathroom. For instance, if you have set up a ceiling vent through the attic, you should install a second ceiling vent in the same manner. Same goes for a floor duct vent. Adding a second or third vent is an easy way to increase your ventilation power.
Installing Bathroom Ventilation
Installing ventilation in your bathroom can be difficult, especially in certain cases where the bathroom setup is not conducive to certain ventilation options. You should be sure to take the time to research building codes and regulations in your area to ensure that what you are doing is approved.
At Bedrock Construction we do full bathroom renovations including HVAC. Reach out to us today and we can provide a quote for your upcoming project
Upgrading your bathroom? Check out our blog on Bathroom Upgrades that you can implement, ranging from minimal work and cost to larger budgets, too.
If you are selling your home and considering upgrading your bathroom check out our blog on Should I Update My Bathroom Before Selling
At Bedrock Construction we specialize in bathroom renovations and upgrades. If you’re considering a bathroom renovation get in touch with us today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you vent a bathroom with no vents?
If your bathroom does not have any vents or windows, you can instead run an exhaust fan inside your bathroom. Sometimes, these fans can be installed so that they are vented out through the ceiling, depending on the location of the bathroom in your home. You can also deal with the moisture by using a dehumidifier inside your bathroom space or by simply leaving the bathroom door open.
How do you vent a half bathroom without outside access?
When you have a half bath that does not have outside access– for example, in the form of windows– you can install your own ceiling vent. This is one of the best ways to solve the issue of a poorly ventilated bathroom when you have no existing vents. A ceiling vent will allow air to escape from the bathroom, and steam and moisture along with it! It’s the best way to fix a common problem with smaller square footage half baths without enough ventilation.
How do you vent a bathroom with no attic access?
If your bathroom is unable to be accessed via the attic, installing a ceiling fan can be difficult, if not impossible. Instead, you can opt to vent through a side wall of the home and bathroom. These kinds of vent are usually installed when your house is built, but it is not impossible to add them later on.
How do you vent a bathroom with no vents or windows?
If you are able to gain access to the attic, you can still install a ceiling fan or ceiling vent in your bathroom to increase the ventilation in your space. You can also try to do so through the side wall of your home, though a ceiling fan is preferable and will be easier. That should be your fist option, if possible.