By Justine Olivier
Apart from generating a refreshing atmosphere, proper ventilation also ensures that mould does not take up firm residence within the bathroom. It can also greatly enhance the longevity of the interior.
The most popular and easiest option would be that of the aerosol can. There’s nothing easier than pressing the nozzle down and spraying a beautiful fragrant scent of lavender or rose into the air to neutralise it.
Alternatively, one of the most convenient and sought after options would be to invest in an extractor fan and air purification system. While an extractor fan removes excess water vapour from the air (commonly caused by steam and excess moisture) protecting the room against mould. Ralph Road, of CFW Industries, says that “air purifiers are used to further assist the removal of harmful airborne particles, bacteria and viruses and thereby reduce the stress on our body’s immune system”.
According to www.panasonic.co.za, ventilation fans can be used in two distinct ways, namely continuous and intermittent ventilation. Continuous ventilation is just that: removing stale air on a slow, continuous basis. Intermittent on the other hand, is best used within rooms like the bathroom as this type of ventilation exhausts excessive moisture or pollutants at the origin before they spread throughout the house causing unforeseeable damage. Most bathrooms, due to modern designs and construction trends, are poorly equipped to ensure proper ventilation, and are often one of the most overlooked factors within the home.
Murray Anderson, of Air Movement Supplies, says that “when ventilating your bathroom or toilet, there are critical factors that you need to take into consideration: the correct air change rate, the position of the fan and the source of the return air”. The placement of your fan is crucial as you need to ensure maximum cross-flow of air while minimising dead spots. “Due to the position of doors and windows this is not always possible. However, this is made easier by the three different types of extraction fans available: ceiling, window or wall,” adds Murray.
One should always ensure proper ventilation and airflow throughout this important room, and when in doubt it is best to consult a professional for expert advice.
