Ground floor bathroom , mould

ifconfig

We have a shower room on the ground floor.
I don't have the exact dimensions but it just about accomodates a 950mm square shower enclosure, WC and handbasin.

It has an extractor fan (which is not on a timer).
Over time the steam buildup has caused the paint to peel and mould to establish.
There is also a small crawl space as, although the house is 2-storey this is situated in a single floor annex with a vaulted roof with a small crawl space/tiny attic space in the ceiling.

Anyhow. I showed this to a tiler who is very well regarded.
He is adamant that the solution is to install a heater on the wall at a height.. like a dimplex model. I guess one with a timer.
He says this solution worked very well for a neighbour of his.

I am trying to figure out my options.
Some people have said that a wall heater would do the opposite and encourage mould/humidity.
The vent/extractor fan has fungus or dust in it so I feel i need to clear that out.
I was told that an inline ducted extractor might be a better option.
Originally I ruled that out on the basis of the room being ground floor.
However, I had forgotten about the crawl space so maybe that could provide a path for an inline extractor.

So - I guess I am looking for opinions on which way to go ?

Wall heater with timer ?
Bigger more efficient extractor ?

I am guessing more insulation in the crawl space would also be part of the solution as it is probably contributing to bridging.

Any advice very welcome !

-ifc

Rabbo

ifconfig wrote: »

We have a shower room on the ground floor.
I don't have the exact dimensions but it just about accomodates a 950mm square shower enclosure, WC and handbasin.

It has an extractor fan (which is not on a timer).
Over time the steam buildup has caused the paint to peel and mould to establish.
There is also a small crawl space as, although the house is 2-storey this is situated in a single floor annex with a vaulted roof with a small crawl space/tiny attic space in the ceiling.

Anyhow. I showed this to a tiler who is very well regarded.
He is adamant that the solution is to install a heater on the wall at a height.. like a dimplex model. I guess one with a timer.
He says this solution worked very well for a neighbour of his.

I am trying to figure out my options.
Some people have said that a wall heater would do the opposite and encourage mould/humidity.
The vent/extractor fan has fungus or dust in it so I feel i need to clear that out.
I was told that an inline ducted extractor might be a better option.
Originally I ruled that out on the basis of the room being ground floor.
However, I had forgotten about the crawl space so maybe that could provide a path for an inline extractor.

So - I guess I am looking for opinions on which way to go ?

Wall heater with timer ?
Bigger more efficient extractor ?

I am guessing more insulation in the crawl space would also be part of the solution as it is probably contributing to bridging.

Any advice very welcome !

-ifc

The moisture in the air is condensing on cool surfaces before it has a chance to get extracted.

You need to either:
1. Warm up the surfaces (improved attic insulation rather than room heater would be preferable) and/or
2. Improve the moisture extraction (fit a new inline extractor with timer and make sure everyone uses it when taking a shower)

K.Flyer

Not only is it important to have a strong extraction fan, it is important that air can enter the room (small gap under the door) to allow the extractor to function correctly.
If the room is relatively airtight it renders the best extractor useless until a door opens.