This Is Why Bathroom Ceilings Get Wet

Moisture can damage a bathroom’s ceiling and invite mould. Find out why drops appear on the ceiling and how to solve the problem.

When moisture and drops appear on the bathroom ceiling, the main cause is condensation. The latter is triggered by high humidity and too much moisture in the air.

Wet ceilings is never a good thing. Paint can peel and mould can move in. We explain why bathroom floors are so vulnerable and how you can avoid costly repairs.

Read Next: Tips to keep your bathroom tiles dry.

Condensation Is The Main Cause Behind Wet Bathroom Ceilings

Bathroom condensation is very common. You have probably already encountered the phenomenon after a shower. The bathroom floor might be slippery, the walls streaking with running drops and the mirror is foggy. This is bathroom condensation at its best. But one of the most damageing habits of bathroom condensation is to invite mould and peeling paint on the ceiling.

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What Causes Condensation in Bathrooms?

Condensation in bathrooms starts with high humidity and a lot of water vapour in the air. Let’s say you enjoy a hot shower. The window and door of the bathroom are closed. The hot steam has nowhere to go and basically a cloud of moisture growing inside the room. As soon as it comes into contact with a cooler surface, the moisture turns into drops - a process known as condensation.

A hot shower is not the only thing that can cause bathroom condensation. A particularly muggy day or region can also cause moisture to appear on the floor, walls, and ceiling of the bathroom.

Heat is not the only temperature problem people face in the bathroom. These are the two main reasons why your bathroom is cold and how to fix the problem.

Why Does Condensation Happen On The Ceiling?

The most common places where condensation occurs include chrome taps, bathroom mirrors, tiled floors and walls, and window glass. The cloud of moisture also reaches the ceiling and since the surface is also cooler than the steam, condensation is the result.

What Are The Dangers Of Ceiling Condensation?

As you have probably guessed by now, there are two main dangers. Both have the capacity to lead to costly repairs.

Mould And Mildew

Mould and mildew adore moisture. Once the spores find a wet spot, they grow rapidly. Many bathrooms suffer from unsightly mould invasions, black smudges that sit in corners or dot the walls. Mould can trigger health problems, especially if you or some in your family suffer from respiratory issues like asthma.

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Peeling Paint

Moisture is the number one enemy of paint. When moisture manages to creep in behind the paint, the result is inevitable - sooner or later, the paint will start to peel away from the wall. Needless to say, a peeling ceiling looks terrible and will only get worse.

How Do I Prevent Bathroom Ceiling Condensation?

Good news! We have several suggestions that can prevent your ceiling from turning into a peeling, mouldy horror (and your walls too).

Encourage Air Circulation In The Bathroom

The trick to keeping your bathroom dry - including the ceiling - is to get rid of the stagnant hot air inside the room. For this reason, air circulation is your friend! You can simply open the bathroom’s door and windows as soon as you are done with your shower. You can also leave them open during the day and air the room when there is a good draft.

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Use The Bathroom Extractor Fan

Bathroom extractors are designed to get rid of the extra moisture in your bathroom. Some people activate the extractor fan during and some time after a hot shower to ensure that the steam is completely removed. You can also install a bathroom instructor fan if your home does not have one.

READ NEXT: Find out why your bathroom extractor fan is dripping.

Invest In A Good Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier is another great choice. The appliance is also designed to pull moisture from the air. A dehumidifier can deal with a steamy shower room and muggy days. Although the appliance is versatile and a powerful tool, do not use it while you are in the shower. Instead, wait until you are done for the safety of your appliance and yourself.

But both the extractor fan and a dehumidifier are excellent options if you have severe condensation issues in the bathroom that normal air circulation cannot cure. If you are interested in learning more about extractor fans, here are our most popular articles and guides.

• These are the best bathroom extractor reviews.
• How to clean your bathroom extractor fan.
• This guide will help you to choose the right size bathroom extractor fan.

Wipe Away The Condensation

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, condensation will appear or you do not want to invest in dehumidifiers or bathroom extractor fans. There is a simple fix and that is to wipe down condensation as soon as you are done with the shower or you notice the drops during a muggy day.

The perfect tool to dry your ceiling is an ordinary window washer. You know, the type with a telescopic handle and a sponge bar. That one! Just a few quick wipes and your ceiling should be free of moisture. Always inspect the sponge afterwards for signs of mould that might have come off during the wipes. If you notice mould, you need to treat the ceiling as soon as possible to prevent the problem from spreading.

Use Anti-Condensation Products

A popular option is an anti-condensation product. For ceilings, in particular, applying a coat is a more permanent way to protect your ceiling from damage. Usually, anti-condensation products come in the form of paint and offer both insulation and a fresh look! You can also use them on the walls of a bathroom that is not tiled.

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What Else Can Make A Bathroom Ceiling Wet?

Although rarer than condensation, leaks can also soak a bathroom ceiling. Leaks can be caused by faulty plumbing or rain seeping in through the roof. Such instances need to be fixed as soon as possible to avoid structural damage, mould and peeling paint.

An Overview On What Makes Bathroom Ceilings Wet

• A wet bathroom ceiling is a common occurrence in the home.
• The main cause is condensation.
• The condensation hails mostly from the steam of hot showers or the high humidity during muggy weather.
• Two problems caused by bathroom condensation are the spread of mould and paint peeling from the ceiling.
• Several appliances can prevent bathroom condensation including bathroom extractor fans and dehumidifiers.
• Creating better air circulation in the bathroom can also dispel excess amounts of moisture in the room.
• A coat of anti-condensation paint is another popular choice.
• Wiping the ceiling with a window cleaner can also remove moisture.
• Leaks caused by rain and faulty plumbing can also make bathroom ceilings wet.