How to Make Your Bathroom Work for Your Houston Home
Introduction
Your bathroom should be tailored to suit your needs, especially in Houston's hot and humid climate. Careful material selection, adequate ventilation, and moisture-resistant fixtures will create a bathroom oasis that withstands the challenges of the Houston weather. The humidity in Houston can lead to issues like mold growth, water damage, and high energy bills if a bathroom is not properly designed. When remodeling or building a new bathroom in Houston, it is important to choose materials and fixtures suited to the climate and install features that control moisture and ventilation.
Choose moisture-resistant materials
Select materials that won't warp, crack or mold in humidity like ceramic tile, natural stone, concrete and glass for floors, walls, counters and backsplashes. Avoid porous wood, laminate and vinyl that can easily become damaged by moisture. Ceramic tile, natural stone and glass are excellent choices for bathroom surfaces in Houston. These materials do not absorb water and will not warp, crack or mold when exposed to humidity.
Install adequate ventilation
An exhaust fan or ventilation system will reduce excess humidity in the air and prevent moisture buildup. Run the exhaust fan for at least 20 minutes after bathing or showering to remove excess humidity from the air. Ceiling fans can also keep the space comfortable and prevent moisture buildup. For the best results, choose an exhaust fan with a humidistat that will automatically turn on and off to control moisture levels. A ventilation system, especially one with a humidistat, is very effective at preventing excess humidity in the bathroom.
Consider a walk-in shower
A walk-in shower without doors allows moisture to dissipate more easily and is easier to clean than a bathtub. If you do have a bathtub, run the exhaust fan for 20-30 minutes after bathing to remove the excess humidity. Walk-in showers are a great choice for Houston bathrooms as they do not trap moisture the way tubs and shower doors can. The open space allows humidity to spread out and ventilate more easily.
Keep the bathroom clean and dry
In addition to choosing the proper materials and fixtures, it is important to practice good moisture control and cleaning habits in a Houston bathroom. • Wipe down surfaces after each use with a dry microfiber cloth to prevent the growth of mold and mildew. • Mop or steam clean floors once a week to remove excess moisture. • Run a dehumidifier to maintain 40-50% relative humidity, especially during the summer. • Paint the bathroom with mold-resistant paint. Paints specifically designed to prevent the growth of mold, mildew and fungus contain agents to prevent microbes from growing on the painted surface. • Deep clean your bathroom at least once a month using disinfecting cleaners to kill any mold, mildew or bacteria. • Keep the bathroom well-ventilated and run an exhaust fan for at least 20 minutes after showering or bathing. • Store items like towels, toilet paper and other toiletries off the floor and not piled up. This prevents moisture buildup that can lead to musty smells.
Conclusion
With careful planning and the proper materials, fixtures and cleaning habits, you can have a bathroom in Houston that is stylish, functional and moisture-resistant. Choose moisture-resistant surfaces, ventilate and control humidity properly and practice good cleaning routines for a comfortable space that stands up to the hot and humid Houston climate.
If you have any questions about remodeling your bathroom or need help selecting materials, call Bondaro Construction for a free consultation. We have over 25 years of experience building and remodeling homes in Houston.
