Without proper ventilation, moisture from the bathroom will end up damaging the structure of your home by going into the walls where it can create mold and mildew, blister paint and peel wallpaper.

Sound scary? Just talk to someone with persistent moisture problems in their home to find out just how disastrous moisture can be.

Here are some ways to deal with moisture in the bathroom:

Install or replace the ventilating fan

A bathroom needs a ventilating fan. As well as preventing moisture build-up, a bathroom fan removes odors and improves indoor air quality.

Although many homes do have a bathroom fan, a quick informal survey shows they are often too noisy, poorly installed and not very energy efficient. A more effective fan will do a far superior job. Make sure to get a fan that can effectively deal with the space it needs to vent.

If a fan is too noisy people are less likely to use it. One way some people get around this is to have the fan connected to the light switch so that as soon as the light goes on the fan does too. Although this at least gets the fan turned on, it can also mean it is turned off too soon to properly vent the room. Consider a timer for the fan, or if possible, connect the fan to a humidistat so it will automatically turn on and off when necessary.

A final note on fans, although many homeowners install fans themselves, in most cases they shouldn’t. Poor installation can lead to problems down the road. Also, installing a fan involves electrical work — something best left to the professionals for safety’s sake.

Match your systems to your climate

In regions with a lot of cool, damp weather or hot, humid summers, ventilation can actually become part of the problem. Consider a dehumidifier as an effective way of preventing moisture problems in this type of climate.

If you regularly use an air conditioner during the summer months, consider an air conditioner that removes water from incoming air instead of just cooling it.

Seal wherever possible

There are any number of ways for moisture to leak out of the bathroom: through holes cut for pipes, windows and recessed lighting. Make sure to seal all possible routes with polyurethane foam or silicone sealant to ensure moisture does not escape the bathroom and get into the walls.

It is also imperative to minimize possible leaks around bathtub and shower. One-piece tub units are easy to install and by far the best way to prevent moisture leaks. They don’t, however, allow for as much individual design possibilities — one of the reasons many homeowners opt for tile or other materials instead.

If using tile or some other material, such as glass blocks, it’s important to ensure it is installed properly. Use high quality silicone sealant to caulk both the backboard and surface joints, around the tub and shower, as well as vanity counters and backsplashes.

Stop toilet sweat

Newer toilets have tank insulation built in, but older models are prone to sweating in the summer months. If you aren’t planning to put in a new toilet, consider installing a toilet tank insulation kit or an anti-sweat valve in the water-supply line.

By taking the time to put systems in place to prevent moisture, you’re sure to avoid the more devastating effects moisture from the bathroom can cause in the home.