Steam shower questions

8 years ago

I'm remodeling my bathroom and planning for a steam shower. But this is turning into a major research project.

I did not know there were so many things that went into it. And after researching it I still don't know all the things that go into it. Wondering if someone could give me a checklist of bullet points to go over with my contractor, like sloped ceiling, vapor proofing, etc.

Couple of related questions. I've read that there should be a vapor barrier on all six sides of the steam shower. How do you put a vapor barrier on a glass shower door?

Is it a good idea to put the steam generator inside the bench which is in the shower? Most people seem to have it located externally.

How important is it to use water filters to soften/clean/neutralize the water? Which of these things is really important? And is this something that is done inline for the generator only, or something that has to be done at a whole-home level?

Featured Answer

MongoCT

8 years ago

"Wondering if someone could give me a checklist of bullet points to go
over with my contractor, like sloped ceiling, vapor proofing, etc."

The following is what I recommend after the mechanicals have been run. There are indeed other ways to build. These are simply the methods I choose to use:

1) Insulate all wall and ceiling cavities.

2) Cement board on the walls and ceiling. I prefer Durock or Wonderboard.

3) Drain: Flanged drain set in a sloped mud bed; Kerdi Drain, or Laricrete's Hydroban Drain.

4) Topical vapor-proof membrane over the cement board. If using Kerdi Drain, use Kerdi sheet membrane. If using Laticrete's drain, use Laricrete/Hydroban SHEET membrane. Do not use Hydroban liquid membrane. The liquid is not suitable as a stand-alone barrier in a steam shower. The membrane goes on the ceiling, down the walls, gets wrapped around the door jambs, and then goes over the floor.

All wall penetrations (shower supple valves, shower head arms, steam shower nipple, etc, all get sealed. There are patches available for this. The steam shower nipple gets a high-temp patch.

5) Tile and grout; I recommend against using natural stone in a steam shower. There are fine porcelain look-a-likes if you want a "natural stone look". Steam vapor can penetrate natural stone and slow down the drying process. Not all stones are alike. Some stones are impervious to penetration. Others like marble can absorb moisture and discolor within due to iron oxidation. You have to do your research. Or play it safe (and smart) and use porcelain.

6) Door. Yes, you want the door to fit. Usually gasketed. It's best to tile the shower and then have the door company come out and measure for the door. That way door fitment is all on the door company. Certainly let them know it'll be a steamer, they'll provide gasketing, etc.

7) Going backwards, sloped ceiling, it's generally encouraged to slope the ceiling.

Is it a good idea to put the steam generator inside the bench which is
in the shower? Most people seem to have it located externally.

It's okay to have the steam outlet below a bench. But the steam unit itself, you want it accessible. For a first floor bath I've put in in the basement below. In a second floor bath I've put in in the attic above (properly detailed of course). In ether case I've put in in a nearby closet, or under an adjacent tub deck (still accessible). But I've never installed the steam unit itself under the actual shower bench.

How important is it to use water filters to soften/clean/neutralize the
water? Which of these things is really important? And is this something
that is done inline for the generator only, or something that has to be
done at a whole-home level?

Water treatment? Have your water tested to see how hard it is or what the properties are. Read the manual for the steam generator that you're choosing. Call the tech support number for the steam generator. Most generators have a cleaning or descaling function. If you're on well water I recommend a whole-house filter for well sediment. The steamer manufacturer may recommend additional pretreatment based on the results of your water test.

Those are a few of my my basic recommendations. Certainly not the only way. Just my preferred way. I simply recommend you not try to take shortcuts with a steamer. Detailing is everything.

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Comments (13)

User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
A $team $shower is $everal order$ of magntude in expen$e and complexity above a $tandard waterproof $hower. It's best to hire a contractor who has been down that road before. And you just took a 30K bath remodel to a 50K bath remodel. Vaporproofing ain't ''waterproofing''.
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we are not planning to tile the bathroom walls - just wall and wood baseboard at the bottom. The vanity goes end to end on one wall, the 2nd wall is the windowed wall, 3rd wall is the toilet and entry and 4th wall is the shower and closet. Thanks for your input - was toying with using the wall tile on the face of the bench. for question 2 - what is typically done, any idea? thanks again!
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At what height should these be? I am being told that 18" off the floor is the norm, but this sounds low to me. I'm doing a commercial steam room at a hotel health spa right now, the benches for that one are also exactly 18" off the floor. My experience has been 17-19" is the norm. Also, I am being advised to put a Panasonic fan inside the shower (with another one outside). I cannot find any info on this, but wanted to know if anyone else actually put one into the shower itself. Although it's not required, it's a good idea, because it'll help clear the room of moisture that much quicker after using the steam. We will be using the Kerdi method , will this be a problem with the fan inside? Nope! :-)
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I would put the diverter at the point-of-use, next to the showerheads.
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I've not seen an issue like that, even if you had hard water and a water softener. It shouldn't be leaving a mineral residue from hard water. There is the possibility that is could be something like residual grout haze. But that would just be on the tile, not on the plumbing fixtures and shower door too, and it would likely show some sort of "wipe" or "smear" marks on it from the grout clean up. It could also be one of those "first use" things. I'd call Thermasol and ask their tech department.
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chisue
8 years ago
You're certain you want this and will use it a lot? I'm asthmatic and thought this would help. Not.

I merely sunk a prefab closed unit (Kohler) into a corner and walled it in; put a glass door on it. I've used the steam generator twice. It gets so steamy in there with just the hot water on that I feel faint.
telluwhat
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
#1 problem with building steam showers is Mis-Information on websites like this one. These homeowner DIY websites will have you realing with confusion time and again. This is why all the pros have not responded to you. This thread alone has already Mis informed.

Ill tell you what, Sophie has a Valid point.
uscpsycho
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Here is a set of detailed instructions for building a steam room: http://www.cedarbrooksauna.com/how-to-build-a-steamroom.html Would you guys say this covers all the bases if you follow it?

I've never heard of prefab steam units but I'm intrigued. What are people's thoughts on these? Specifically ones that combine steam + shower in one unit. Such as these: http://www.almostheaven.net/aho/tylopers.htm

Is this a good way to get a steam shower without the expense and complication of building one? Would it be silly to put one of these in a bathroom in place of an actual built in shower? I'm thinking yes...

If so what about steam room-only models like the one chisue has? Is that a good alternative to building steam into the shower if there is room for it? Are these things as good as having a Mr Steam or Thermasol?
MongoCT
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
"#1 problem with building steam showers is Mis-Information on websites
like this one...This thread alone has already Mis informed."

Telluwhat,

Since I gave a somewhat detailed reply and your reply is a bit of a blanket response directed at all replies on this thread, would you tell me what misinformation I've spread?

I certainly don't want to pass bad info along to others.

Thanks.
PRO
Creative Tile Eastern CT
8 years ago
Ceiling pitch 2" per L/F - Install a louvered glass panel at ceiling to evacuate steam to a closely located exhaust fan. Sealed lighting canisters. As mentioned above. Vapor proofing! Waterproofing is not sufficient. Mongo that certainly was a detailed response. I'll thank you for all that typing:)
Steam Shower - Alexander Lake · More Info
User
8 years ago
pscho - your video stars are a bit ignorant.

Their "pan" and liner have no slope under them and are just going to collect all kinds of funk through the assembly that has no where to go .

Best way is as mongo outlined - flange drain and topical membrane with proper perm rating. I detail out showers with this system all the time because it's a good one. SO, adding steam capabilities doesn't add exponentially to the cost. Sure the equipment has a steep buy in , but this is a luxury item.

I think mr. what needs to be told to get a clue.
GreenDesigns
8 years ago
Steam showers are like pot fillers or body jets. 90% of the people that thought they simply "must" have these expensive luxury items end up using them less than 5 times a year. I'd rather buy an AMG if I'm going for a conspicuous status symbol. It would get used far more often and I wouldn't force visitors to tour my bathroom to see it.
User
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Lot of steam showers I come across are in baths next to workout rooms, not the master.
chisue
8 years ago
Fortunately, the enclosed shower is not in our MBA, and one 'can' use it as a normal shower. A friend, who is *always cold*, loves it -- no drafts in there! I don't even know if the steam generator (in the basement) still works. This is a guest shower w/optional steam.
uscpsycho
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Chisue, how do you like your prefab? It sounds like it's a steam+shower model. Did you shop around much before buying yours?

Assuming you were using it as much as you thought you would use it, would you buy a prefab again or build a proper steam shower?

Anyone else with an opinion on prefabs, please share.
chisue
8 years ago
It's fine, considering what I *didn't pay* for it. LOL I'd be sick to have made an elaborate one for big bucks. Shall I tell you about the whirlpool I saved from our teardown and don't use either? Takes a lifetime to fill. (Happy with the rapid-fill BainUltra jet tub in my MBA.)

Steam shower questions

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