Tips to Consider Before Installing a Home Steam Shower
If you’re planning to install a steam shower in your home, there are many factors to consider. These include location, size, heating system, and many more. Also, you must ensure your plumbing and electrical systems are in good condition.
Installation
If you want to install a home steam shower, there are a few things that you should keep in mind. Firstly, you need to know that a steam shower is a wet environment and that proper ventilation and drainage are necessary. You should also install waterproof membranes and concrete backing boards to avoid problems with moisture and mold. For a luxurious look and feel, you should consider a steam shower design using ceramic tile, natural stone, or marble slabs for the shower walls. You also need to make sure that you install bench seating so you can sit comfortably in the steam shower for long periods. Built-in shelving and storage space can also be a good idea.
To install a steam shower, you must install a water line to the steam generator and the shower. This process can be tricky if you’re not a plumbing professional, so you should call a plumber to help you. An experienced plumber will install the steam shower correctly and get you using it as soon as possible.
Location
Choosing the right location for a steam shower is critical. A steam room is designed to work best in a space with a lower ceiling; higher ceilings require a higher power supply and a larger generator size. An eight- to ten-foot ceiling height is best for a steam room. The room should be equipped with a vapor-proof moisture barrier behind the finished surface material, and a bench for relaxing in the steam room is recommended.
Some homes already have the plumbing components for a steam shower, but some will require initial work. In these cases, a plumber will install supply and drain lines and determine the best location for the steam generator. Typical installation locations include the basement, a nearby closet, or the attic.
Heating System
Before you install a home steam shower, you should consider the size and type of your existing heating system. This will help you determine how much steam and heat your steam shower can produce. You should also choose the right tile and consider how your steam shower will be installed. Non-porous materials like ceramic or stone are recommended since they do not absorb heat and will circulate it more effectively. If you have no experience with tiling, you should hire a professional.
Depending on your type of steam shower, you may need to install some finishing work. If you plan to place the steam generator in the corner of the bathroom, you may need to remove some walls to gain access. You may also have to add trim work to make the shower look like it was initially installed.
Insulation
Before installing a home steam shower, it is essential to insulate the space properly. Steam showers are scorching, so the proper insulation will ensure that the steam will not reach the uninvolved areas of the space. You can use a thick plastic film or a roofing material laid on top of a sand cushion. Another option is to use a roll-up waterproofing material with a self-adhesive edge.
When choosing an insulation material, consider the type of steam room you plan to install. Traditional foam-filled insulation materials are not as effective as newer materials. Foam-based insulation may be flammable and deteriorate quickly, so you must choose an alternative material.
Electricity
When you install a home steam shower, you need to think about a couple of things. First of all, the location of the steam shower should be convenient for the bather. It should be at least four to five feet away from the floor. You also need to consider the electricity requirements for the steam generator.
The size of your home steam shower determines the electricity you need. Typically, steam rooms will require a 32AMP supply. You also need a water supply and floor drainage system. This is an additional expense that should be accounted for in your budget.
Ventilation
Ventilation is an essential factor to consider when installing a home steam shower. It will help maintain a consistent temperature and humidity within the steam room. A good ventilation system will be designed to handle five to six volumes of air per hour. The design of the steam room’s exhaust system is also fundamental. The exhaust system should have two holes on each side of the steam room, each with a slightly different cross-sectional area. Ventilation should be installed so the steam room can be used during and after a shower. A standard bathroom ventilation system will have one inlet and two exhausts, and the exhaust should be located in diagonal corners.
Ventilation is essential for the steam shower. The shower’s steam opens capillaries, allowing blood to flow freely throughout the body. This improves circulation and flushes metabolic waste out of the muscles, which causes soreness.
