Built In Steam Room?
Read These Easy Tips & Solutions
On this page you’ll find tips and issues you should pay attention to when constructing your built in steam room or built in steam shower.
Choosing to build your very own steam room is a great challenge that has a wonderful reward at the end.
The satisfaction of knowing your built something with your own two hands and can then enjoy it for countless days to come … it just downright amazing.
When implementing your steam room design there are many choices you have if you don’t want to build one.
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- You can buy a prefabricated steam bath which is available in models made from acrylic, metal and glass,
- Another cheaper option if you are on a tight budget is buying a portable steam room,
- The final option is to construct your very own built in steam room.
When building your own steam room, there are many issues you will have to face and resolve.
One of these is the pressing issue of steam and water seepage. While it is great to be able to sit and enjoy all surround steam, the main thing you should be concerned about is whether that steam is able to escape.
You have to make sure that the room is completely sealed while ensuring there is enough ventilation so you won’t suffocate.
Steam and the resulting water vapor can pass through grout, drywall that is supposedly “moisture resistant” and even cement.
And what happens when there is continuous contact? The proliferation of mold, fungus and mildew! Before you know it your wall is rotting away.
So how can you solve this problem? One solution is that you install a vapor barrier on the interior of your built in steam room.
The recommended types of vapor barriers are cross laminated virgin polyethylene barriers. It is important that you install these barriers on the ceiling, floors and sides of the steam room to ensure that none of the steam escapes.
This job need two people to complete, so make sure you have some help.
After you install the vapor barrier, you should cover the walls and ceilings with tile. Tile is a great material to use because it is steam and water resistant.
It also allows the steam to build up a lot faster in the room which is desirable.
When you are applying the tile, it is recommended that you use a thinset mortar made of cement and lime and not any organic type adhesives. The reason behind this is that the thinset is a lot more durable and will last longer.
When building your ceiling it is important that it is slanted so that condensed steam does not drip down on you. A slanted ceiling allows proper drainage that would not affect your experience.
Most ceilings should be less than 8 feet. This will help the steam to build up faster in your built in steam room and decrease your waiting time.
Another factor that you have to consider when building your own steam room is the generator. You need to buy an appropriate generator according to the size of the room.
This should be planned out way before you start to avoid any issues. Generators are available according to size in cubic feet.
When installing your generator it is important to place it in a secure area which has low traffic. You can install it as far as 40 feet away from your steam room.
Even though you are trying to secure your generator out of the way, still make sure that it is accessible. This is essential as it will have to be maintained and service professionals would eventually need access to it.
Related pages:
A closer look at Steam Bath Rooms
Steam Rooms Lights and Fixtures
Review of the Finland Steam Baths
Return to the Best Steam Reviews Homepage
