Steam Shower - Condensation Issue in Adjacent Bathroom Area

3 years ago

I have a steam shower in my bathroom. It is Thermasol PRO-395-R. My steam shower area is 6’X6’ within a bathroom area that is 15’x14’ (see attached pictures). There is 1/4 inch of space between the shower and adjacent glass on three sides. I have an Air Zone fan located on the ceiling just outside the steam shower. When I have the steam shower on I have condensation with water running down the plastered wall next to the shower and dropping down from the fan on to the floor. I have a couple of questions regarding this; 1.) Is this an issue the could cause damage; 2.) Is there a design flaw here that could be fixed 3.) Is there a fan or set up would keep the condensation from occurring.

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Comments (9)

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Creative Tile Eastern CT
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
"There is 1/4 inch of space between the shower and adjacent glass on three sides." Not sure what you are referring to.

Tile steam showers require vapor proofing which is beyond waterproofing. The shower ceiling is required to have a 2" per L/F slope so condensation runs down the wall instead of dripping on you while enjoying a steam.

Sounds like a design flaw that will result in major damage. Without knowing the method of vapor proofing it would be difficult to comment further.
User
3 years ago
Sounds like a 100% do over to me. Water vapor should stay inside a steam shower. If it doesn’t, something is defective.
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formulaross20
3 years ago
Steam shower doors need be sealed/weatherstripped. Our Kohler steam shower (Sonata 5') are such and do not let any steam out until the door is opened. Then, a 200 cfm fan quickly clears the moisture out of the room. 1/4" gaps sound like a regular shower door install. A friend of ours has a steam shower similar to yours and the doors were weatherstripped.
Amit R
Original Author
3 years ago
@Creative Tile Eastern CT "There is 1/4 inch of space between the shower and adjacent glass on three sides." Not sure what you are referring to. - Thanks for the input. I just mean that mean all the way around the door there is a small amount of space (See attached picture). Other wise everything is sealed. I need to double check with my contractor, but I am pretty sure there is a vapor barrier behind the tile. I have no issues with water dripping on me while using the steam shower. Everything inside of the steam shower works fine. My issue is condensation on the wall outside the steam shower and water dripping from the fan, which is located just outside the steam shower.
Tootsie
3 years ago
That is NOT sealed! There should be no gap.
chispa
3 years ago
You need to find the right type of seal/sweep for all the gaps. See link for some examples.

https://www.qtouchglass.com/shower-door-wipes-and-seals.html
Elmer J Fudd
3 years ago
Reread comment from Creative Tile Eastern, it sounds like he knows a lot more than your contractor.

Call a lawyer before you call your contractor.
Amit R
Original Author
3 years ago
@baller69 - Could you give me your input?
twintechhvac
3 years ago
Hi there, you may sound at risk of growing mold in your bathroom. Some things to help reduce condensation may be to use a dehumidifier, wipe down wet surfaces, get an extractor fan, and also make sure your bathroom is properly ventilated.

Best of luck to you!

Twintech Heating & Cooling,

https://twintechheating.ca/

Steam Shower - Condensation Issue in Adjacent Bathroom Area

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Creative Tile Eastern CT

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Steam Shower - Condensation Issue in Adjacent Bathroom Area

Comments (9)

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