As in the construction of residential buildings, bath construction technologies are becoming more affordable and economical. The method of prefabricated construction of frames, in particular panel technology, is today one of the most affordable ways to build a bath. This technology has many advantages, including the speed of construction, reliability and affordability. It would seem that under such conditions, a prefabricated panel bath simply cannot have the characteristics necessary for receiving water-hygienic procedures. But in this respect, the construction of such facilities justifies itself. Moreover, the variety of projects of panel baths opens up a lot of opportunities for endowing them with additional functions. But the expected result can only be achieved if a carefully thought-out project has been prepared, and serious mistakes have not been made in the structure itself.
How to choose a project?
There are several criteria by which a project should be selected. First of all, the dimensions are evaluated. The area should at least allow one person to wash comfortably. If it is assumed that several people will use the bath, then, accordingly, the area will increase, as insteam room, and in adjacent rooms. Modern projects of panel baths are developed taking into account the most diverse requirements of future owners. The technology of prefabricated construction allows the implementation of complex projects with billiard rooms, living rooms, functional rest rooms, etc. Of course, by default, such baths have both 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 the shield baths is precisely their uniformity. The only way to avoid stereotypes is to order the development of a completely new project or provide your own drawings.
Asbestos-cement foundation installation
The small mass and generally modest dimensions of the panel 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 a concrete mixture. Such a foundation allows you to build shield baths on almost any soil. In extreme cases, it is possible to provide for the installation of a bonded reinforcing mesh in the pipes. Work begins with drilling holes in the ground with a depth of 1-1.5 m, after which a reinforced concrete base is formed at the bottom like a small screed. Further, pipes are introduced into the ground, filled with mortar, sand and earth.
Foundation with removable formwork
For a panel bath, a formwork foundation made of roofing sheet metal is also suitable. Run this baseyou can follow the instructions below:
- A pipe is rolled up from a metal sheet, to which iron rod handles are subsequently 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 according to the level, after which the sand is backfilled.
- At this stage, you can also install a reinforcing grid, with which the shield baths are strengthened. Reviews indicate that such reinforcement saves the structure from the influence of movements in the ground.
- Concrete mortar is poured into the pipe - three buckets are enough.
- The formwork needs to be raised about 40 cm using the built-in handles.
- The concrete mixture is poured again and the formwork rises. These procedures should be performed alternately until the optimum level for foundation installation is reached.
When the solution finally sets, you can remove the formwork. Further construction of the shield bath can be carried out after 15 days, having previously covered the foundation with burlap or roofing material.
Preparation of material for the frame
Further work will be aimed at assembling the main structure of the panel bath. Even if the frame is assembled correctly, its material will not last long without proper processing. Since the entire "skeleton" is assembled from wood, it requires appropriate impregnation with protective functions. The fact is that panel baths can also be subjected to rotting processes, infectionfungi, insects, etc. In order to protect the material from such phenomena, antiseptic agents should be used. The preparation of wood does not end there. 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 wrap the pillars for the foundation with layers of waterproofing, which will prevent the wood from absorbing moisture.
Installing the plinth piping
A beam made of needles with a cross section of at least 20 cm copes well with the functions of a basement beam. The finished beam must be laid on foundation columns around the entire perimeter. Further, the material is connected at the 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 part. After making all the corner connections, you need to carefully check the correct position of the strapping. Especially when do-it-yourself shield baths are being built, the likelihood of such errors increases. Therefore, it is necessary to accurately observe the levels vertically and horizontally, using a special tool - for example, a rule. You can level the position of the pillars using cement mortar, or you can use an additional winding of the waterproofing in the form of roofing material. Then you can use anchors to fasten the beam to the foundation. In this case, the fixing elements must penetrate into the base by at least 10 cm.
Installation of load-bearing racks
After completing the plinth, installation can beginbearing supports. They should be located at the corners of the bath and at points where the installation of internal partitions is expected. The material used is the same, but this time the thickness will be 10 cm. It is desirable to fix it to the harness by cutting it out or using metal corners. Sometimes the harness is attached to the shield baths with dowels - in this case it is enough to put on the support posts on the outlets. Until the upper strapping is completed, the racks are fixed only in the lower part.
Installing the top trim
Further work may cause the racks to deviate from the vertical, so you should install temporary safety racks. They are mounted in the same way as the main bearing supports, only a beam can be used with an arbitrary section. The upper strapping is performed by analogy with the socle bars. It is attached with nails or special corners. Next, ceiling supports are installed. The configuration in the installation of beams may be different. Usually baths with an attic are shielded, they involve the use of complex structures with additional reinforcement. You should also initially choose a durable and high-quality beam without defects, since the base for the attic must be reliable.
Wall paneling
In order for the panel bath to maintain optimal temperature conditions, thermal insulation should be laid 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 lining itself isdifferent. For example, you can use edged 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 building. Inside the bath should be trimmed with clapboard. In any case, there is no more suitable material for a steam room today.
Roof structure and covering
The technology of building panel 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 snow covers, which act on the shield baths in winter. Reviews also show that light roofing is the best solution, as it reduces stress on the foundation and studs. Therefore, heavy tiles should be abandoned in favor of rolled materials or corrugated board. Major adjustments to the arrangement of the roof can make 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.
