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Building A Steam Shower – tips to get it done
Building your own steam shower may be a cheaper alternative, but don't reach for those tools just yet… You don't have to be Bob Vila to do it, but certain things are important to do to ensure a successful project. Unless you have the necessary skills, you'll need to work with a plumber and electrician to properly build a steam shower enclosure. Among other things, three tasks will need to be part of your checklist: 1. Cover the roof of the enclosure The first two steps are particularly important because steam will wreak havoc if it's able to escape the enclosure. It will cause damage to drywall, paint, and wallpaper. Not to mention the rotting problems that you'll have to deal with.
A couple of good options for this step are to purchase an acrylic dome top or a cover made of fiberglass or stainless steel. Whatever you choose, consider a sloped or curved ceiling. This isn't necessary, but... If the ceiling is flat, condensed water will constantly drip straight down. I've used steam enclosures with flat ceilings. It seemed that whenever I was slipping into a peaceful state, I would get hit in the eye with a drop of water! If there's a slope, you won't have to worry about that because water will run down the sides. Use a special door What do I mean by a "special" door? It needs to be vapor-tight. Again, if you're going to prevent steam from escaping your steam shower enclosure, a vapor-tight door is crucial. Steam shower doors are sold in many different styles and colors. Install a steam shower generator Without a steam generator, you can't build a steam shower. The steam generator's job is to produce water vapor (steam). It's what adds the "steam" to your shower. You can't just buy any steam shower generator though! It needs to be the correct size. No worries – sellers do provide help in choosing the proper model for your situation. Depending on your handyman skills, you'll need to have a plumber and electrician make the connections. In fact, most manufacturers will void your warranty if you don't hire credentialed professionals for the job. This article outlines just three of the steps needed for steam shower construction, but you will definitely need to do your homework. Building a steam shower is very doable. But you need to make sure you have all your bases covered first.
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