Observation: Bath exhaust fan is non operational and appears to terminate in the attic.
Explanation: Exhaust fans must exhaust to the exterior, to ensure moist air is vented to the outside of the home, and to reduce humidity inside the home.
Impact / Consequences: Ducts not properly venting may result in moisture-related issues to the attic area, with mold and rot as possible consequential problems.
SUMMARY:
A very common issue found in homes is the lack of proper ventilation in a bathroom. Through normal use, bathrooms are a source of significant moisture vapor created by running the shower or bath. Left unvented to the outdoors, this moisture covers nearby surfaces and increases the humidity levels in the home. Mold loves moisture; in fact, moisture is one of the three necessary components to mold growth, the others being warm temperatures and a source of food (drywall, wood etc). Since moisture is often the only controllable component preventing mold growth, proper venting to the outdoors is essential.
Even if a bathroom has a window, powered vents should be installed in all bathrooms. While opening a window is an alternative, homeowners often forget or do not want the colder or warmer outdoor air to enter the home (wasting heating or cooling energy). MOST IMPORATANTLY, bathroom fans must have their exhaust vented to the outdoors. Many homeowners will take the step to install a fan in the bathroom, but then fail to complete the job by routing the exhaust to the outdoors. Allowing the fan to vent into the open attic is very harmful to the home, allowing a buildup of moisture in the attic promoting mold growth and potential decay of structural members. If you are unsure if your bathroom fan is properly vented, contact a certified home inspector or licensed contractor to review the installation.
BEACHSIDE Home Inspection is a full service home inspection company located in Brevard Country Florida, serving Cape Canaveral, Cocoa Beach, Merritt Island, Satellite Beach, Indialantic, Indian Harbour Beach, Melbourne Beach, Melbourne, and Palm Bay.
