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bathroom ventilation in high rise

13 years ago

I recently purchased a new "luxury" high rise condo "as is". I discovered the bathroom vents are "ductless". I need to get the moisture out of the master bath. 10 ft ceilings with can lights. Running duct would involve cutting into living room ceiling and a long run of 25-30 feet. It is not odors, but moisture that is first my concern. I have noticed a slight odor in the master shower - the unit was never occupied until Jan. 2011. Other owners have noticed odor in their walk in showers they attribute to the drain. I am not so sure it isn't moisture related. Thanks in advance.

Here's my idea(s):

(1) install one ceiling fan/light with blades where one of 3 can lights is. Add a timer at the switch plate so it can run for an hour after i shower and leave.

(2) squeegee down the shower after use and leave the shower door ajar.

(3) put a vent/transom above the bathroom door.

(4) Perhaps, hinge the glass shower door to swing "in" so the open door does not impede walking through the bath.

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Comments (3)

User
13 years ago
Are you certain there is no ventilation to the outside? It might be a common / shared chase or duct for several units.

If this is new construction and it does not have vents to the outside - the only thing "luxury" about it is the label and price - the construction sure isn't up to even budget standards. You also have a REAL problem if you are experiencing issues 3 months into use, REAL problems.

You really need to exhaust the stale moist air out of the unit. Simply taking it out of the bathroom and putting it into the ceiling only transfers the area there's going to be a problem in later.

Your # 2,3,4 are good practices but you still must vent the moist air out of the living space to the outside.
scottbeth
13 years ago
Not sure what city you are in, but ventilation in high-rise apartments is required by code, either mechanical or passive. It is likely that the previous poster hit the nail on the head with a common chase (vertical chimney) in the wall of your bathroom. Look for a grill somewhere close the the ceiling. The vent may be integral with a light fitting. If so, you may be able to retrofit a fan to supplement what the building provides.

Ã¯Â¿Â½Ã¯Â¿Â½Every bathroom requires an openable window that provides at least 1.5 square ft of air flow area when open Ã¯Â¿Â½C 2006 IRC [303.3] OR mechanical type ventilation: 50 CFM intermittent or 20 CFM continuous operation Ã¯Â¿Â½C 2006 IRC [303.3X]
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davidro1
13 years ago
ditto

new + high rise condo = what these guys said above.

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