Bathrooms are the usually the smallest rooms in the house yet they have more potential for moisture accumulation then any other part of the home. The key to making sure your new bathroom plans looks great and functions well for years to come lies in making certain moisture accumulation is kept at a minimum. By following these five construction tips you can be certain to keep your home from suffering the damage caused by long term exposure to excessive moisture. Your home will also be a healthier place as the potential for hazardous mold is eliminated.

1] Location, Location, Location -

When exposed to temperature variations inherent in exterior walls, plumbing supply and drain lines may form condensation that will result in excess moisture build up within the walls. Over time this excess moisture can cause walls and floors to deteriorate and offer a breeding ground for mold. You are best not to consider bathroom plans that include running plumbing lines through exterior walls.

2] Remove moisture through ventilation -

Many large and some what over sized plumbing products are available for today's bathroom plans. Multi spray body showers and steam units can make the bathroom a place you won't want to leave. But keep in mind all of these fancy fixture can create plenty of steam and excess moisture. If you plan on using fixtures of this type don't forget to spend a few extra dollars on a large capacity bath fan unit. It is also critical that your new bath fan be vented outside the home and never into attics, crawl spaces or basements. The best fan in the world will do you no good unless you run it. Run your fan while using the shower, steamer or tub then close the door to the bathroom and run it for an additional 1/2 hour after you leave the bathroom. This way you can be certain all of the moisture is vented out.

3] Toilet condensation...drip...drip...drip -

Condensation on toilet tanks is common during the summer months when the water temperature inside the tank can be 20 to 30 degrees cooler than the air temperature. Air conditioning is the best way to eliminate this problem. Alternatively, you could consider using a toilet insulation kit or installing an anti-sweat valve which operates by adding just enough warm water to the tank to keep the temperature differential to a minimum.

4] Eliminate Shower Stall Leaks -

Many shower floors are covered with tile and each individual grout line represents and opportunity for water to penetrate. While many shower floors can last for years the best protection against grout leaks is to reduce the number of grout lines in the shower. This can be done by using a one piece shower floor pan. Plenty of standard sizes are available and some floor pan producers will make custom sizes to fit your exact lay out.

5] Proper Wall Construction is a Must -

Bathroom walls must be designed to work well with the particular climate of a given region. The climate will determine exactly where a vapor barrier is to be placed within the wall during construction. Since moisture generally travels from a warmer to a cooler area, if you live in a Northern climate the vapor barrier would be installed on the inside of the ceiling and wall framing while breathable, permeable exterior sheeting is then used on the exterior. This will allow for any moisture entering the wall space to escape. A local building pro will be able to best help design the right wall system for your new bathroom plans.

By applying these five tips to your bathroom plans, you can help fight the effects of moisture and have a great looking and functioning bathroom for many years to come.