Wetroom to steam room help - TilersForums.com

[aaron mistry]

Sorry didn't know where to post this..

Currently building a wetroom and have seen costco have got steam generators for sale.

Thinking of using the wetroom as a steam room. What would be required and best way to go about it?

This is the kit i have seen.

Insignia 6kW Heavy Duty Steam Room Steam Generator Kit | Costco UK - https://www.costco.co.uk/Garden-Sheds-Patio/Spas-Saunas/Saunas-Steam/Insignia-6kW-Heavy-Duty-Steam-Room-Steam-Generator-Kit/p/284810

 

[Tile Fix Direct]

Heat equals thermal expansion and contraction. Steam is high humidity. You need to design the room so the substrate has low thermal expansion properties and is unaffected by high temperatures and humidity. Adhesives should be cement based S1 such as BAL Max Flex Fibre. Grouts should be epoxy, however this will create a rigid structure so movement joints should be incorporated every 5m, to ceilings and all perimeters. For the substrate I would recommend our Orbry boards which have the added advantage of providing insulation which will help reduce running costs. Ensure all joints are taped.

Orbry Board - https://www.tilefixdirect.com/product/Orbry-Insulated-Backer-Board

 

[aaron mistry]

I have used aquapanels for the substrate would that be sufficient?

IS there any other steam generator systems i need?

 

[One Day]

In a nutshell I would be very very careful before doing this if you have not built a steam room before.
Water vapour will get in nooks and crannies you never consider.
Waterproofing is not enough.
Insulation really matters. Imagine cool damp air condensing out of sight and the damage that can cause to your property.
The door matters too, to retain steam and heat.
Ventilation? Drainage? etc etc etc.
In short; it's not as simple as sticking a steam generator in a wet area.
Aquapanels are not suitable.
There are some guides on US sites which are helpful and some that are dangerous. It would take hours and hours to impart the correct advice which ultimately will depend on your building type and design.
Sorry!

 

[MTiler]

Most steam rooms I work on are made of wedi which is waterproof but not steam proof. A coating can be applied to make it steam proof. If its a domestic steam room wedi on it own is fine. All joints have to be taped. Ive also worked on a bathroom where an area has been closed off with a water tight glass enclosure to make a steam room.
Theyre quite specialised. You have the steam outlet, vent and drainage. Also theres the controls to be fitted inside and out plus a probe to control temperature, and any lighting if needed. The ceiling will need to have a slope so the moisture runs down the walls rather than just drip.
Cement based grout is fine with a domestic steam rooms, but epoxy will help make it bomb proof lol.

 

[One Day]

I agree with Sharon as above but I'd add that cement based grout, although OK in a domestic, really adds the potential for stink and mould. I'd always insist on epoxy, especially if mosaics are used.

 

[Waluigi]

Just checked the Knauf Aquapanel Spec out of interest. It says that it’s suitable for steam rooms. It might be worth giving them a call as that seems daft.

I know that Knauf do a tanking system but I’ve only seen it sold in Germany.

 

[MTiler]

Aquapanel is only water resistant.

 

[Stu Lilley]

Cover your walls with Schlüter Kerdi ds then tile ...grout up with epoxy