How can you prevent condensation on the shower ceiling?

[Parm]

Moved into a new apartment and the en-suite has a lovely big shower in it. After having a nice hot shower, though, I've noticed that the ceiling gets wet from the condensation and ends up with water beads on it.

There is an extractor fan in the middle of the en-suite, but it's a pretty big room and the shower is in the corner. It's a new-build property so I'm not immediately alarmed, but I've had shower rooms in the past where the ceiling paint has begun to peel because of the same problem - I don't want to get to that stage.

So what can be done? Obviously I could take less time in the shower, but I happen to enjoy being in there. I usually try to open the window before getting in the shower, but it's getting quite cold out now.

Is there another workaround? I'm thinking maybe I could take out the extractor fan that has been fitted, and replace it with one that's beefier or more effective? But I don't want it to be too loud as it'll be heard from the bedroom.

Any thoughts?

*edit* Adding the following picture to illustrate (albeit poorly) the layout of the room:

[.Style]

Put the extractor fan above the shower...That's what we've got...works a treat...

[DavidM]

Open the window while using the shower as well.

It may be cold - but at least it opens your skin pores

[Funkstar]

Is there any insulation above the shower?

Water vapour condenses on surfaces that are colder than itself, so if the ceiling is cold you get condensation. So it could be a good idea to install some.

Also, I wonder if the paint in the bathroom is designed for that environment. You get pains specifically for bathrooms and kitchens that can stand a much higher level of mousture than normal paints. Although these are usually plain white.

Being a new home I would assume they have been cost saving and it is regular paint and very little insulation.

[Trash Man]

Have a cold shower?

[shadowmaster]

So what can be done? Obviously I could take less time in the shower, but I happen to enjoy being in there.

Fixed

I find that opening the windows really does help with the condensation. It can get a bit cold though in winter so I recommend opening window as soon as you finish the shower, not during. Try that for a while and see if it helps, if not then getting an extractor fan should do the job.

[format]

Open the window and door after taking a shower.

[TheAnimus]

check the paint, as funk says, make sure its the right stuff.

[BUFF]

another option would be to put a steam dome over the top - this would keep most of the condensation inside the cubicle in the first place.

[Dareos]

use a hose in the garden like everyone else!

[Stoo]

Bathroom paint, and make sure the room is well ventilated

If it's a big problem, you can get extractor/dehumidifier things which are specifically designed to get steam out of a room, but I think they're rather pricey.

[Technogeek]

Just have a bath instead, preferably not on your own.

[JK Ferret]

Carpet the ceiling and claim that it's revolution.

[Lee H]

Cover the roof in vasoline and this will stop the water making your plaster damp and stuff

[martinm10]

you can insulate the ceiling more - but you will not be able to get under the joists - ao you will still see some - use an anti fungusidal paint this will only make the black spots not appear fror some time - and wipe the ceiling once youve finished showering - plus have plenty of ventilation - open a window and use the fan. Best position for the fan is in the shower cubicle - they sell them with lights incorporated.

[Funkstar]

Parm, just how long do you stay in the shower?

I was thinking about it this morning (not you being in the shower before anyone starts!). My shower room is small, enough for the shower, toilet and sink, just. It gets very steamy because there is only an extractor, no window and i have the door closed.

I've never seen condensation on the ceiling, lots on the mirror, but not the ceiling. It even has the cold water tank above it so would probably be slightly colder than else where. Not sure if there is insulation between the tank and the plaster, not had a look in ages.