Hi,
I am currently working toward my Florida Home Inspector license. Already being in real estate, I know a lot of homes, especially newer ones, have clothes closets in the bathrooms, especially in the master suites. Have any inspectors found additional problems due to moisture in these closets? Are there any industry recommendations regarding extra or enhanced exhaust fans to help keep the clothes from absorbing moisture?
Thanks.
Typically closets will not have moisture issues, but if the fan does not work (or they do not use it), they keep the door open while showering or store wet towels in there; then problems will arise. As far as mitigating moisture issues, it is all about ventilation.
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In the San Francisco Bay Area, closets have mold issues. All over. So much that the building pattern here going back to 1900 or so is to vent the closet (usually to the attic). And a common defect is blocking that vent with insulation (badly).
So I suspect it’s climate dependent.
And then some…
Here is a good article that supports your statement.
He stated issues in closets connected to master bathrooms which is a fairly modern design in my experience. Which equals pretty good ventilation and conditioned air. I do believe adding a small vent in the closet would be a reasonable cure in FL provided the other issues are eliminated.
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For bathrooms I don’t see too much issues in bathrooms that would be irregular. Ensuring the fan works and is clean is a big one. In older homes or homes with compromised roofs sometimes closets can show roof leaks that maybe a seller didn’t notice to repair. In Florida it’s common that bathroom vents terminate in the attic so I call those out and recommend routing them outside. So being aware of where you are in the attic in relation bro bathrooms is useful
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