Exhaust fan could benefit bathroom
Q. Sean asks: A licensed contractor is fixing my bathroom, which had a leak between the tile and the bathtub. I asked him if I needed a bathroom fan to get rid of the humidity caused by showering. He said I didn't need one because I have a window in the bathroom. I would like your opinion about this. Also, if you recommend installing a fan, what brand do you recommend? Is there a noiseless one?
A. Your contractor is correct. Section 1205 of the Uniform Building Code (1979) states that where bathrooms have natural ventilation by means of operable exterior openings (windows or skylights) with a minimum of one-and-one-half square feet, a mechanical ventilation system or bath fan is not required. So much for building code minimums; we must address your needs. Even though you have an operable window, you might, in fact, need a fan. When there is an abundance of steam accumulating, it is a sure sign that a fan is needed. We strongly recommend that you consider installing one. In addition to attacking a steam problem, bathroom fans can help to remove odors. Sorry, but there is no such thing as a noiseless exhaust fan. Some however, are less noisy than others. Fans are rated by the cubic feet per minute (CFM) of air that they move, and also are rated by the level of noise they emit. The building code requires that a bath fan provide a minimum of five air changes per hour. Some simple math will tell you just what size fan you will need.
------
Tip of the week: Repairing rotted wood
In the remodeling industry, window replacement is big business. Damaged wood sills and frames prompt consumers to consider spending $5,000, $10,000, $15,000 and more in replacement costs. This is because most folks don't realize that rotted wood frames can be repaired. A two-phase, two-part epoxy repair kit is needed. Scoop out the soft, rotted wood, mix the two-part liquid that makes up phase one and apply it to the affected area as a weather seal and bonding coat.
Next, use the two-part putty that makes up phase two to fill the hole. The finished product can be planed or sanded just as wood is. Use an oil primer and an oil- or latex-finish coat to make the frame look new again.