Updated 17/11/2016
Someone takes a shower or a bath and steam will take over the bathroom. We might appreciate the heat at the moment, but the walls, furniture and other hygiene or cosmetic products can be affected. (check out 12 bathroom products you should not leave out ) . Furthermore, slippery surfaces are dangerous for users and humidity leads to the proliferation of some pathogens that may cause, for instance, allergies.
Designing bathrooms to cope with damp conditions
We know it is necessary to dry the area with a cloth when it is steamy, but most people don’t bother. Therefore, designing bathrooms to cope with wet conditions is going to be advantageous. Here are some of the ways you can do that:
- Since cold finishes like tiles tend to attract more condensation, we could install double glazed windows or materials in the wall that retain more heat.
- With the same reasoning, demisting mirrors or mirror demisters warm up the glass, so it does not get blurred. These heating pads need an electrical source.
- Every time a bath or shower is taken, doors have to remain closed if we do not want that dampness to damage other parts of the premises. Opening the window is not always an option: either because there aren’t any or it is very cold or wet outside (i.e. like in the UK).
- Ventilation grilles , which passively take hot air outwards, and extractor fans are important. It is more and more common to link the extractor fan and the shower light, so that users cannot forget to turn it on. In case these built-in items are not feasible, there are portable extractor fans and also dehumidifiers .
- Fix grab rails and shower bars that offer a good grip even when there is moisture, such as those with granular or textured finishe s, fluted bars, rubber grips or ergonomic designs (curved, hand-shaped).
- Of course, place a bathroom mat to prevent balancing acts, slips and eventually falls.
Plants are a natural and effective way to clean the bathroom air, the addition of a few attractive plants is an excellent way to absorb additional moisture and create a more breathable space.
At IFS, we think about the practicalities of appliances and fittings in the bathroom and toilet. We wish to provide as much information as customers may need to achieve the best decision. Do not hesitate to contact our team or use our web tools to find the most suitable electric hand dryer for your needs, easy to operate soap dispensers or the type of grab rail that will ease mobility, especially for disabled users and the elderly.
