The concept of the bathroom vent is rather simple: take the humid air from inside the bathroom and put it somewhere else. The fan is doing more than just keeping your mirror fog-free as it also helps prevent forming an environment that mildew and mold growth can thrive in (hot and humid). When we’re inspecting, we check to see where these vents terminate. Ideally, they should vent to the exterior of the home.
Often in older homes (but sometimes in new ones as well) it’s common for inspectors to come across bathroom venting that terminates into the attic. This relocated air is still problematic in that it allows your attic to have an environment that is conducive for possible mold growth. While common, attic mold that is left untreated can cause damage to roofing components and cost money to remediate.
What to do:
Make sure your bath vents terminate to the exterior. If your roof vents do not, reach out to a contractor for help. A contractor will most likely cut a vent exit point into the roof allowing the air to make it outside. Another, less ideal fix, is to extend the vent as close as possible to a soffit, gable, or ridge vent.
As always, when in doubt, reach out!
