As in the construction of residential buildings, bathhouse construction technologies are becoming more accessible and economical. The method of prefabricated erection of frames, in particular panel technology, is by far one of the most affordable ways to build a bath. This technology has many advantages, including construction speed, reliability and affordability. It would seem that under such conditions, a prefabricated shield bathhouse simply cannot possess the characteristics necessary for receiving water-hygienic procedures. But in this regard, the construction of such facilities justifies itself. Moreover, the variety of design of panel baths opens up a lot of opportunities for their endowment with additional functions. But the expected result can be achieved only on condition that a carefully thought-out project has been prepared, and serious mistakes were not made in the building itself.
How to choose a project?
There are several criteria by which to select a project. First of all, sizes are estimated. The area should at least allow one person to wash comfortably. If it is assumed that several people will use the bathhouse, then, accordingly, the area will increase, both in the steam room and in adjacent rooms. Modern designs of panel baths are developed taking into account the most diverse requirements of future owners. The technology of frame-prefabricated construction allows the implementation of complex projects with billiards, living rooms, functional restrooms, etc. Of course, by default, such saunas have steam rooms and dressing rooms. In addition, the choice should take into account the architectural and design originality of the project. The weak point of shield baths is precisely their uniformity. The only way to avoid being stereotyped is to order the development of a completely new project or provide your own drawings.
Installation of asbestos-cement foundation
The small mass and generally modest dimensions of the shield baths allow them to be built on a columnar foundation. The simplest technology that can be used to make the foundation is the foundation on asbestos-cement pipes. The latter should have a diameter of about 20 cm, and also be filled with concrete mixture. Such a foundation allows the construction of shield baths on virtually any ground. In extreme cases, it is possible to provide for the installation of a coupled reinforcing mesh in the pipe. Work begins with drilling holes in the soil with a depth of 1-1.5 m, after which a reinforced concrete base is formed at the bottom as a small screed. Then pipes are introduced into the ground, poured with mortar, sand and earth.
Foundation device with removable formwork
For a panel bath, a formwork foundation made of roofing sheet metal is also suitable. You can perform such a basis according to the following instructions:
- A pipe is folded from a metal sheet, to which handles from iron rods are further welded.
- A pit is being prepared with a diameter slightly larger than the size of the resulting pipe.
- The formwork is inserted into the hole and adjusted in accordance with the level, after which sand is filled.
- At this stage, it is also possible to install a reinforcing grating, with which strengthen the shield baths. Reviews indicate that such reinforcement saves the structure from the influence of shifts in the ground.
- Concrete mortar is poured into the pipe - three buckets are enough.
- The formwork must be raised approximately 40 cm using the mounted handles.
- The concrete mixture is poured again and the formwork rises. These procedures should be performed alternately until the optimum level for the installation of the foundation is reached.
When the mortar finally sets, you can remove the formwork. Further construction of the shield bath can be carried out after 15 days, after covering the foundation with burlap or roofing material.
Material preparation for the frame
Further work will be directed to the assembly of the main design of the shield bath. Even if the frame is assembled correctly, its material will not last long without proper handling. Since the entire "skeleton" is mounted in wood, it requires appropriate impregnation with protective functions. The fact is that shield baths can also undergo decay processes, infection with fungi, insects, etc. In order to protect the material from such phenomena, antiseptic agents should be used. This does not end the preparation of wood. It should also be treated with agents that increase the resistance of the material to fire. In particular, drugs from the group of flame retardants are used for this. It is recommended to envelop the pillars for the foundation with layers of waterproofing, which will prevent the process of moisture absorption by the wood.
Basement installation
A beam of needles with a cross section of at least 20 cm does well with the functions of the base beam. The finished beam must be laid on the foundation columns around the entire perimeter. Further, the material is connected at corner points using the "half log" technique. That is, in one of the bars it is necessary to form a recess for the groove in the upper part, and in the other in the lower. After making all the corner joints, you need to carefully check the correct position of the harness. Especially when do-it-yourself shield baths are being built, the likelihood of such errors increases. Therefore, it is necessary to strictly observe the levels vertically and horizontally, using a special tool - for example, a rule. You can even the position of the posts using cement mortar or use an additional winding of the waterproofing in the form of roofing material. Then you can use the anchors to fasten the beam to the foundation. In this case, the locking elements must penetrate the base by at least 10 cm.
Installation of support racks
After completing the basement, you can begin the installation of the bearing supports. They should be located at the corners of the bath and at the points where the internal partitions are supposed to be installed. The material used is the same, but this time the thickness will be 10 cm. It is advisable to fix it to the strapping by cutting or using metal corners. Sometimes on the panel baths fasten the piping with pins - in this case, it is enough to put the supporting posts on the outlets. Until the top strapping is completed, the racks are fixed only in the lower part.
Installation of the upper harness
Further work can provoke the deviation of the racks from the vertical, so you should install safety temporary racks. They are mounted in the same way as the main bearing supports, only the beam can be used with an arbitrary section. The upper strapping is carried out by analogy with the socle bars. It is attached using nails or special angles. Next, ceiling supports are installed. The configuration in the installation of beams can be different. Usually baths with a penthouse attic provide for the use of complex structures with additional reinforcement. Also, you should initially choose a durable and high-quality beam without defects, since the basis for the attic must be reliable.
Wall cladding
In order for the shield bath to maintain the optimum temperature regime, thermal insulation should be installed between the support posts. It is cheaper to use polystyrene for this purpose, but mineral wool is safer from an environmental point of view. The sheathing itself is different. For example, you can use a trim board or plywood. Further, the material is nailed to the racks with minimal gaps. The resulting gaps should be sealed with construction foam or caulked. As for decorative finishes, panel baths are usually decorated with a block house or siding. In principle, both materials will provide effective insulation and create a favorable appearance of the structure. Inside the bath should be finished with lining. In any case, there is no more suitable material for the steam room today.
Roof construction and coating
The technology of constructing shield baths does not limit builders in choosing a roof structure. However, it is worth making an adjustment for climatic conditions. So, for the northern regions, experts advise using gable structures, the angle of which is at least 30 degrees. This will minimize the load from the snow cover, which in winter affects the shield baths. Reviews also show that light roofing is the best solution, as it reduces the load on the foundation and racks. Therefore, it is worth giving up heavy tiles in favor of rolled materials or corrugated board. Serious adjustments to the roof structure can be made by plans to use the attic as a living space. In this case, the use of tiles as a material with high heat-insulating properties is justified.