Is It Necessary To Have A Window In The Bathroom?
It doesn’t matter whether you’re planning a bathroom renovation or building your dream home. One obstacle you might encounter is, “Does my bathroom need a window? It’s essential that your bathroom needs some ventilation to remove the moisture. Is it necessary to have a window in a bathroom?
According to the international residential code, a bathroom does not need a window if there is an artificial light source or a ventilation source. If your bathroom does not have one of these, it is necessary to have a window in your bathroom, as a windowless bathroom could pose significant risks.
When it comes to deciding whether or not your bathroom needs a window, several things need to be considered. Continue reading as we discuss whether or not a window in your bathroom is necessary and the benefits a bathroom with windows will provide!
Benefits Of Having A Window In Your Bathroom
Having windows in your bathroom is the most affordable and easiest option. The biggest reason your bathroom needs at least one window is to remove any excess moisture in the air effectively. Without any ventilation system or a window in place, the moisture can create chaos.
Let’s take a look at all the reasons why a window in a bathroom is necessary:
A Bathroom Window Will Prevent The Growth Of Mold And Mildew
Out of all the areas in your home, the bathroom will be the one that consistently gets wet. As described above, having a window in your bathroom will allow it to ventilate.
Without a window or any other kind of ventilation system, the humidity will not be able to escape the bathroom. When there is too much moisture and dampness in a bathroom, it could cause all sorts of problems.
These problems include health issues such as allergic reactions and respiratory reactions. However, having a window in your bathroom will prevent the growth of mildew and mold in this area.
Not only does mold look unclean, but because bathrooms will naturally attract moisture, mold and mildew will thrive in their damp environment.
This is a result of poor ventilation and water being trapped in a particular area. Without the proper treatment, this mold will grow to damage your walls and floors if you are not careful.
A window will help provide some well-needed air circulation so that the moisture would be less likely to build up, and it could be effectively vented out and away from your bathroom.
A Bathroom Window Will Prevent Foul Odors
Sometimes, you won’t notice the moisture building up in your bathroom’s ceiling and walls. Another way you can determine that your bathroom does not have enough ventilation is when you start to smell foul odors.
These odors stem from the hidden mold caused by moisture that cannot escape because of an insufficient ventilation system.
Having a window in your bathroom will prevent the moisture from building up in the ceiling and walls in your bathroom and prevent these odors from becoming apparent.
A Bathroom Window Will Reduce Condensation
As mentioned above, mildew and mold will grow as a result of excess moisture and condensation in your bathroom.
Having at least one window in your bathroom can help to significantly reduce condensation that may build up on your bathroom mirror or your shower door.
While condensation may not be as dangerous as mildew or mold, it could still be annoying to deal with, especially if it fogs up your mirror and other glasses in your bathroom for extended periods.
A Bathroom Window Will Prevent The Growth Of Bacteria
Bacteria will grow due to excess moisture along with a hot environment. This makes your shower and the rest of your bathroom the ideal setting for bacterial growth.
While you won’t entirely be able to control the overall temperature of your bathroom, you are able to control the moisture levels to an extent.
If you have proper air ventilation in your bathroom through a window or two, it will prevent the growth of bacteria and keep your bathroom a safe location for you and your family.
A Bathroom Window Will Prevent Damage To Your House
If you do not ventilate your bathroom, it could cause severe damage to the structural properties of your house.
When some areas in your home, such as the wood in your ceiling, remain wet or damp for extended periods, it will cause it to rot. A rotted roof will cause leakage, and it could even fall in if the wood has become too thin.
A Bathroom Window Will Prevent Paint From Chipping
When moisture gets into the walls of your bathroom, it can cause your paint to scratch easily or chip. Repainting your walls every once in a while won’t help if your bathroom remains too damp.
A bathroom window will remove the moisture through evaporation, and your paint job will remain as beautiful as ever!
A Bathroom Window Will Prevent Discomfort
A lack of a bathroom window will mean that you will have much fewer ways of bringing cooler air into your bathroom.
This becomes especially bad during the summer as the hot air won’t be able to escape, causing you and your guests discomfort.
It can be unpleasant and damp, which can cause you to have difficulty breathing, the bathroom mirror will stay foggy, and your towels will have trouble drying.
A Bathroom Window Will Provide Natural Light
Windows will not only provide your bathroom with better ventilation, but they will also provide it will more natural light at no additional cost. Natural light in your bathroom will also make it feel more spacious, which is ultimately what you would want.
A Bathroom Window Will Improve Resale Value
Windows will significantly improve the resale value of any property. This is due to the vast benefits they bring to a home, and the lack of windows in a property will require some future additions to a home, which is not the effort any potential buyer wants to go through.
Typically, having more windows in your home, including your bathroom, means your property listing will be more popular than a property with fewer windows.
What Window Is Suitable For Your Bathroom?
The type of bathroom window that is best for your bathroom depends on several factors, including your preferred style and the size of your bathroom. Luckily, you have a wide variety of options when it comes to bathroom windows.
Let’s look at the most popular types of bathroom windows:
Awning Bathroom Window
Awning windows are hinged at the top, which allows them to swing out from the bottom. Am awning widow is ideal for bathrooms, as they can be left open during most weather conditions.
Because of this, you will get the most value for your money out of an awning window in your bathroom.
Sliding Bathroom Window
A sliding window opens from side to side. These types of windows will be ideal for you if your bathroom is a bit tight on space. A swing-type window might be impossible, and a sliding window will be your best bet!
Double-Hung Bathroom Window
When it comes to double-hung windows, you have the choice to open them from the bottom or the top.
This type of window gives any homeowner the flexibility to open their windows in a way that provides their area with the best airflow or lighting. This is an essential factor in any bathroom.
Picture Bathroom Window
Picture windows are usually much bigger in size than standard windows. This causes them to allow an immense amount of natural light to flow into any room.
This is your ideal option for a larger bathroom, where you can place them behind a bathtub or close to your vanity table. These windows are also suitable for homes that are more in a private location.
Should You Choose Privacy Glass For Your Bathroom?
Privacy glass, also known as obscure glass, is glass that is embedded with a particular pattern that makes it impossible to see through a window.
If you install privacy glass in your bathroom, you can have peace of mind and know that others will not be able to see into your bathroom.
While privacy glass is not a requirement, it would be ideal for bathrooms on first floors or in homes spaced close to others. However, if your home is in a private setting, privacy glass may not be necessary or worth the money.
In What Cases Are Bathroom Windows Not Necessary?
There are some cases where a window in your bathroom may not be necessary. If your bathroom has a local exhaust system or an artificial light source, it means that your bathroom may already have enough ventilation.
If you’re not sure whether or not you need a bathroom window, you can check your bathroom for a fan and a light. If these requirements are met, it is alright not to have a window in your bathroom. However, it would help if you kept in mind that a bathroom fan should always vent to the outside.
If you do not have an option to install a window in your bathroom, there are some other ways you can reduce the moisture:
Installing A Bathroom Exhaust Fan
Bathroom fans are specially manufactured to effectively pull excess moisture out of the air and let the damp air escape from the bathroom.
A bathroom exhaust fan will also reduce the chances of mildew and mold growth.
Additionally, a bathroom fan will also prevent any unpleasant odors in your bathroom.
Installing Heated Floors
Installing heated floors in your bathroom will help to evaporate the water. However, using only heated floors to dry out your bathroom will not be enough.
The moisture that is evaporated has to be exhausted out of your house. A heated floor in a bathroom will work best in combination with an exhaust fan.
Installing A Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier in your bathroom will extract water from the air by trapping moisture inside these electrical appliances. A dehumidifier may not be as beneficial as having a window in your bathroom.
However, it will still significantly reduce foul odors and the growth of mold or mildew in your bathroom. A dehumidifier would also be a good option if you cannot install a bathroom fan or window due to technical reasons in your home.
In order to prevent your bathroom from falling apart because of insufficient ventilation, it is essential to clean it regularly. This will allow any air to circulate correctly.
Also, make sure that you turn on your exhaust fan or dehumidifier when you shower or bath, and leave them on until the bathroom has dried thoroughly.
How Important Is A Bathroom Window?
Having a bathroom window is crucial if you have no other kind of ventilation system. Some governments require by law that a house has to have a window in the bathroom, but it largely depends on where you are located in the world.
A bathroom window is often regarded as a significant safety precaution for the structure of your home. If you have a different kind of ventilation system, you may not meet the requirements of your specific state.
Other local codes or governments require that you have to have some form of ventilation system in your bathroom. If this is the case, having a window in your bathroom may not be necessary.
The primary goal of installing or having a window in your bathroom is so that the moisture will have a place to escape. If a window is the only system of ventilation in your bathroom, you are required to install a window of at least three square feet.
Conclusion
In most common cases, a bathroom window will provide your bathroom with a great asset, as it provides a reliable yet cheap way to ventilate the moisture and air in your bathroom while providing you with natural light.
On the other hand, a fan would be much more efficient, but it could be more expensive due to maintenance costs. Your decision will ultimately lie with your building codes and their requirements. Always make sure you choose the right fit for your home!
