Therefore, they successfully replaced wooden, expensive and less efficient window structures.
If during the construction of residential buildings, developers do not have a question about choosing a PVC window, then for many users, when installing a metal-plastic window in a bathhouse, the question arises related to the admissibility of such a choice.
General installation questions
So, first you need to measure the window and the opening area.
For this purpose you will need 2-4 cm bars and a building level. The bars should be placed first from below, and then from above. And it is important to ensure that the openings are completely identical along the entire perimeter - which is why you took a level with you
In any case, when choosing a window for a bathhouse, it is important to be guided by the following criteria:
- How reliable is the design?
- What is the size of the windows in the bathhouse and are there exactly those available, and not “approximately”?
- Is it suitable for the climatic conditions of the area where the bathhouse is located?
- Is the window designed for large temperature changes and high humidity?
- How tight is everything?
- Is it safe to use this window in a sauna environment?
- Will it be possible to install the window myself, or will I have to call a special team?
As for installation, plastic windows and doors for the bathhouse are secured using aluminum corners, after which they are filled with polyurethane foam
And after exactly one day, you can begin to carefully remove its remnants.
And you can decorate your bath window with a chic stained glass window made by yourself from film material - on any theme and any style.
There is also an interesting fact: you can insert double or triple glazing into almost any frame of a regular window - and the result will be no worse than a regular plastic window. It just needs to be milled to the depth of this package, that’s all. And decorative film, lintels and other fashionable fittings are not a problem at all. And what is the advantage of such a window? The fact is that in the bathhouse with him it will be both warmer and quieter. And if you do all this on the basis of a regular aluminum profile, then it will be even better: such a window will not “lead”, it will not dry out, will not heat up, and you can even put handles on it. In addition, if the installation of windows in a bathhouse is ordered for someone, it will not be cheaper than the window itself. That’s why many people today do it on their own. And it's not difficult.
Let's summarize: beautiful windows for a bathhouse that fit perfectly into the interior are not only decor or an important part of the original interior. This is also a guarantee of heat preservation. Therefore, choosing a window and placing it in the steam room only needs to be done thoughtfully and competently.
How to choose wood
It is optimal to make the window to the steam room from oak, larch or beech, which are characterized by increased strength and durability.
In addition, windows and doors for a bath can be made of ash, aspen or linden, which at high temperatures give off a pleasant aroma of medicinal essential oils.
Factory-made wooden windows with double-glazed windows are quite often made from laminated pine lumber. Although it is possible to install combined versions of windows in the bathhouse, on which a layer of oak veneer is attached on top. By the way, such windows are much cheaper than those made from solid oak, and are not much inferior in quality.
If desired, you can order windows made of expensive wood, for example, mahogany. At first, such products are very beautiful and exotic, pleasant to the eye and to the touch. But such wood is not intended for use in low temperatures, because when it freezes, it begins to crack and quickly loses its attractiveness. Therefore, it is better to focus on tree species that are more familiar to mid-latitudes, tested by time and practice.
What sizes of windows and doors should be in a timber bathhouse?
Currently, many city dwellers strive to have, if not suburban housing, then a garden plot or a dacha. Most often, bathhouses are built first on cottages and garden plots. But building a good Russian bathhouse is a rather complicated and troublesome process. Therefore, when constructing a bathhouse, many different conditions and safety regulations must be taken into account and observed.
A log sauna is usually made of three components. Firstly, this is the dressing room, which serves as a locker room and rest room. This room must have an area of at least 3 square meters; the optimal size is considered to be 1.8 x 2 m.
Secondly, the main parts include a small steam room and a washing room.
General characteristics of the technical side of bathhouse construction
When building a bathhouse, it is necessary to take into account many nuances, from the selection of the type of wood from which the frame will be assembled, to the size of windows and doors.
For example, during construction you need to know that it is advisable to install the entrance door to the bathhouse on the south side, since in winter it will be less covered with snow, and in the spring the snowdrifts in this part will melt first.
It is recommended to place the windows in the dressing room on the southwest side, in which case you will be able to enjoy natural sunlight for a long time in the evening.
It is also advisable to install the front door taking into account the directions of water jets from rain, which are typical in the area. If these parameters cannot be taken into account, then it is better to build a vestibule in front of the bathhouse to protect the door and porch from water and swelling. The bathhouse should be located on the site so that the entrance door to the bathhouse and the building itself are clearly visible from the window of a residential building.
Parameters and sizes of windows in the bathhouse
Windows in a Russian bathhouse are usually made small. The experience of builders has shown that the optimal dimensions are as follows: height about 40-60 cm, and width 60-70 cm. After all, very bright light inside the bathhouse is hardly needed. The glazing area (window sizes) is usually no more than 5 percent of the shelf area.
It is better to place the window in the dressing room at eye level of the person sitting on the bench, so that while relaxing from the steam room you can admire the sunset. In addition to aesthetic considerations, it is customary to place windows low above the ground, since this position allows for better heat retention in the room.
Most often, windows are made square or rectangular, but this is not at all necessary.
Nowadays, many people glaze using double wooden windows. Double frames are placed at a distance of 10-15 cm. In order to improve the ventilation of the bathhouse, it is advisable to install windows that can be opened as wide as possible. It is not advisable to install locks and latches made of metals that are susceptible to corrosion on the internal frames of windows. Since in conditions of high humidity they will quickly become unusable.
Windows are often not installed in a steam room, but it is better to install them on the wall on the west side, just below the ceiling, usually at a distance of 60-80 cm. With this location of the window, more sunlight is used.
Parameters and sizes of doors in the bathhouse
The bathhouse door is also made low and relatively narrow in order to reduce heat and steam loss. The optimal doors are those with dimensions of 1.5x0.8 m. It is better to install the door so that it opens outward, and it is better to install the metal structures that help open the doors on the street side. As a rule, the entrance door is installed with a single leaf.
The door in the steam room is also made of wood, but its surface is covered with a heat-insulating layer of felt or mineral wool. This room has high humidity, so it is better to use brass hinges and install them with screws made of the same material. Latch and English locks are only installed on entrance doors; they are not installed in double rooms due to the possibility of accidental slamming. The door handles in the steam room are made of wood.
The doorway in a steam room is made no more than half a meter high, and the threshold is as large as possible, the height of which can be up to 20-30 cm. With this device, when opening the front door, less steam will escape from the opening, and cold, on the contrary, will not enter. The steam room door is usually made so that it opens towards the washing room. All bathhouse doors usually open towards the exit from the room.
It is very difficult to build a Russian wooden bathhouse with your own hands, taking into account all the requirements; it is much easier to order a turnkey bathhouse from a construction organization. In this case, you just need to choose the bathhouse design you like.
Making bath doors from 2 frames
A durable, warm and lightweight door that will fit tightly to the jambs on two surfaces is made of 2 wooden frames. The outer frame is sheathed on both sides with thin fiberboard (fibreboards), laying lightweight thermal insulation material between them. Then the inner frame is placed on the outer frame (it is smaller in size). Both frames are held together with screws. The internal space of the second frame is also filled with heat-insulating material.
Everything is covered with a layer of vapor barrier and sheathed with thin boards. The internal frame is adjacent to the jambs with its beveled edges - thanks to this, the door will open and close very easily. To ensure maximum tightness, this frame must be fitted separately to the jambs before attaching it to the outer frame.
Subtleties of window installation
Installing a window in a bathhouse made of timber can only be done after the frame has completely shrinked, otherwise the frames will be deformed and the fit will not be as tight as it should be. Alternatively, when installing, a gap of 5-10 cm is left between the logs and the top strip of the window frame. Buildings made of brick and stone do not shrink, so windows can be installed in them permanently, without indentations.
In the case of ordinary windows without double-glazed windows, installation is easier, however, even in this case, skill is required.
Thus, not only the comfort of use and heat retention, but also the durability of structures depends on a thoughtful and balanced approach to choosing windows. Therefore, it is better to order bathhouse windows from trusted companies that provide a guarantee for their products.
Advantages and disadvantages
Let's say right away that there are significantly fewer shortcomings.
Advantages of using PVC windows in a bathhouse:
High anti-corrosion resistance of the material, which is important for a wet bath environment. High heat, moisture and noise protection; street noise does not reach the room, and it heats up quickly, which is important since most of these facilities do not have constant heating. The service life of windows in a bathhouse is slightly less than in an ordinary residential building, but still remains very high (from 30 years). PVC frames do not suffer from swelling like wooden ones, so window structures work reliably and without breakage. Such structures do not need to be painted annually, which is also important for aggressive operating environments. They better maintain the indoor microclimate, and their ventilation system is more powerful than that of wooden systems. No less important for users is the relatively low cost of the block compared to a wooden one.
The disadvantages of PVC frames in bathhouses include the inability to use them at temperatures above 65°C; if the ventilation process is not adjusted and there is no reliable ventilation, then such windows in the bathhouse “leak”, high humidity settles on the finishing material and also disables it .
Choosing windows for a bath - advantages and disadvantages
Many people argue that room humidity is not the best condition for wood, and they give preference to plastic structures. This is only partly correct. Plastic is not bad for a washing room or rest room, but is not acceptable for a steam room. True, if the temperature in the steam room does not exceed 70°, then you can use a plastic window.
Plastic windows have undoubted advantages:
- are not afraid of moisture;
- resistant to temperature changes;
- do not require treatment with antiseptic agents;
- easy to maintain;
- have an attractive appearance,
The choice of tree is just as important. Wood must meet certain requirements:
- resistance to high temperatures, linden, oak, aspen, these varieties are passive when heated, create a pleasant atmosphere, comfort;
- low residual humidity, not higher than 12%;
- You cannot use conifers that release resin when heated; the fumes are pleasant, but not always useful.
- Impregnation and protection from moisture are required.
For a bathhouse, it is necessary to install double-glazed windows; they must be extremely sealed
It is important that there are no streams of condensation flowing down the window sill onto the walls. Double glazing will prevent such phenomena and retain heat more reliably
Advice! A bathhouse requires a minimum of windows; small rectangular frame structures should be installed. The main heat losses occur in the frames; the smaller the opening, the more reliable the insulation.
In this regard, they are often installed only in the locker room or rest room.
Among the positive aspects, it is worth noting the following number of advantages that plastic double-glazed windows have during operation:
- resistance to excess moisture;
- ease of care;
- durability and minimum costs for materials during repairs - for example, permanent painting, which is required when installing wooden windows;
- high-quality noise insulation performance;
- not prone, unlike wooden products, to damage by wood pests.
It is much more profitable to make wooden windows for a bathhouse with your own hands. They can be installed in the steam room and other rooms (washing room and dressing room). Of course, you will initially need to invest in material and other components, and then constantly maintain the windows in proper condition: treat them with antiseptic, waterproof and other solutions, paint, adjust fittings and eliminate cracks.
They tolerate high temperatures well and are able to maintain their external beauty in extreme conditions for a long time. Such windows fit well into the interior of the bathhouse, emphasizing its beauty and harmony.
Wood is an environmentally friendly material. Therefore, structures made from it are safe for health. They are easy to process and repair
This is very important for a bath. They can be easily painted, scratches and chips can be cleaned, and the action of the fittings can be adjusted.
To extend the service life, it is necessary to treat all parts with special antiseptic solutions that protect against rot and mold, as well as insect attacks.
Advantages over wood
- The humidity in steam rooms is very high, and this is a fact. Wooden products, even impregnated and treated, absorb moisture well in such conditions, as a result they swell and become unusable. In this case, plastic will benefit significantly.
- Wood requires annual renewal of the coating with protective compounds, but plastic does not need this at all. Even well-treated wood in damp conditions is susceptible to bugs and mold.
- One of the features of plastic is high sound insulation.
Purpose and functions of a window in a steam room
In a steam room, you can identify several main practical areas that the presence of a window opening here provides: lighting, ventilation, providing visibility and the possibility of evacuation in case of an emergency. Let's take a closer look at them.
Lighting
In the present time of electric lighting and evening bath gatherings, this function has, for the most part, a purely theoretical significance. Indeed, in order to provide a steam room with natural light, the window opening must be large, the room must not be shaded by anything, and you need to have time to steam at least before 5 o’clock in the afternoon, before the sun has yet fallen below the horizon.
Providing an overview
Again, this function is of rather theoretical significance. Very often, bathhouses are placed in the corner of a site, on its border, and you can’t count on a view like from the Vorobyovy Gory observation deck. In order to look at something, you need to be at the level of the window opening, in the upper zone of the room, and not everyone can do this in terms of pure physiology. And finally, in 90% of cases the window will be foggy and it will hardly be possible to see anything significant through it. Is there a need for a window in the steam room of a bath, through which one can successfully view only the whimsical running of droplets along the surface - a big question.
Possibility of evacuation
This point is more serious. The valiant fire department strongly advises that in rooms with a high fire danger, it is possible to organize emergency exits or adapt window openings for these purposes. It is clear that the window opening for these purposes must be located at an accessible height and its size must be appropriate, otherwise, after several training sessions, an ordinary bathhouse visitor can turn into an extraordinary window maker.
Ventilation and temperature and humidity control
The most useful and pragmatic item on this list. The presence of a window allows you to quickly and efficiently carry out the following operations:
- Regulating the temperature and humidity, naturally, in terms of reducing them, which, you see, is sometimes also very useful.
- Provide a volley system or, as old-school bathhouse attendants also call it, cross-ventilation. This is predetermined by the creation of conditions for directed and stable movement of air flow, which guarantees effective drying of the steam room upon completion of the procedures. An open window and door creates a draft that will remove moisture even from hard-to-reach areas.
- Carry out in practice a regime of standby flow ventilation if stationary ventilation ducts and their mouths were not provided structurally.
Which windows for a bath to choose
In any bathhouse, even at the design stage, the design of the building necessarily includes the possibility of installing several windows. The purpose and functions for which a bath window is installed depends entirely on the location of the window.
In addition to choosing the right place to install the window, it is important to understand which windows in the bathhouse are recommended to be used, and which options are clearly unsuitable
Each of the rooms in the bathhouse, except perhaps the utility room or storage room, should be equipped with a window. This is required by safety regulations. In addition, the presence of daylight improves comfort, and, most importantly, if necessary, any vapors and gases are removed from the bathhouse using an open door.
You can determine the parameters of the window in the bathhouse from the following considerations:
- The corridor, locker room, and washing room are usually equipped with a small window, if possible on the sunny side of the building. The window opening directly depends on the area of the room; SNiP recommends that the window area be at least 5% of the floor area;
- The dressing room must be equipped with at least one window. The location of the window opening should be opposite the entrance to the room from the corridor. The size of the window opening without internal bulkheads is made at least 5-7% of the floor area of the dressing room and entrance door;
- In the rest room, size does not play a special role; most often these are plastic windows of the usual design. The geometry of the window opening and its location are determined by the vegetation and buildings surrounding the building;
- In a steam room in a bathhouse, they most often try to keep the window area to a minimum. A window is necessary only for reasons of safety and ease of maintenance of the room.
Is it possible to install PVC windows?
PVC windows are gaining popularity. However, before equipping a steam room, you need to consider the pros and cons.
- affordable price;
- easy installation;
- wide range of shapes, fittings, design sizes.
- the likelihood of a draft if the mechanisms are not adjusted;
- risk of plastic cracking due to high temperature in the steam room;
Construction in the bathhouse
- evaporation of harmful substances, adverse health effects.
Installation of plastic windows in the steam room
Plastic, when exposed to high temperatures, releases harmful substances. The structure will not last long due to pressure changes. It is better to refrain from installing PVC windows in the steam room.
Installation of plastic windows in other rooms of the bathhouse
In the hottest part of the bathhouse, it is not recommended to install PVC; in other rooms, for example, in the dressing room, shower room, the products can be installed.
You need to think about the need to install windows in the rooms; ventilation is usually sufficient. In the recreation room, PVC frames with window blocks will not be superfluous.
Which is better for a bath?
So, which window is better to put in your bathhouse? Here the opinions of experts are very different, and some say whether it is necessary to install double-glazed windows in the bathhouse at all. In fact, in the steam room itself, a window is very necessary. This is a mandatory step that must be done just like doors. It can be used to periodically ventilate the room and introduce fresh air. Even in the steam room itself, you can directly install it approximately under the ceiling. This is done so that when you have finished your procedures, you can open the window and ventilate it. In this way we achieve moderate humidity and prolong the life of the building itself. This way there will be less fungus and other unpleasant moments. Of course, after the temperature in the room has dropped, it is worth closing the door to prevent debris and dust from getting in from the street.
Most experienced and reputable builders believe that wooden ones are better. I agree with them, because wood is a universal and good building material and it breathes. If it was produced by a self-respecting company, it will treat it against bugs and other things. But, if you don’t have extra money and you need to install some kind of window, then you can install a plastic one
It doesn’t matter whether you have a Russian or a Finnish sauna, you will still need a window for ventilation. It may be very small, but you must have it! And by the way, I would advise you to have the window installation in the steam room done by specialists
If you do the installation incorrectly, it is unlikely to work properly.
Common Mistakes
If mistakes were made during installation, then certain problems will soon arise. Below are common mistakes made and their consequences.
When building a bathhouse, the question certainly arises: how many windows should there be, in what room, where should they be located and what size should they be made. One thing is clear: the principles that are used to determine the size of the glazing of houses and apartments are not suitable here. The conditions are completely different and so are the tasks at the windows.
Many people believe that there is no need to make a window in the steam room: it is necessary to preserve the temperature and steam as much as possible. But this approach has many disadvantages: there is no window, how will you dry and ventilate the steam room? After all, there is no way to do without this. Of course, there is a way out - an effective one, but its design is not easy. Windows are easier to make. And it’s even better and more efficient to do both windows and ventilation at once. One does not interfere with the other, but you need to dry the bath thoroughly. Then there will be no problems.
In general, experts on Russian baths say that it is necessary to have two windows in the steam room. The first - the main thing - is done in the wall opposite the door. They make it above the shelves - this is for those who need fresh air when vaping. The size of this window can be small so that you can stick your head out (if it gets too hot) or lower the temperature if you suddenly “overheat.” His task is also to organize ventilation between baths. You open it, open the doors, a quick change of air occurs, the so-called burst ventilation. Afterwards everything closes and the temperature rises again. This no longer takes a lot of time: both the walls and the floor/ceiling are heated, and it takes about fifteen to twenty minutes to heat the air.
The second window - an auxiliary one - is located under the shelf. It may generally be small and opaque. Its task is to dry the shelves. This is usually the most “stagnant” zone, where problems with wood most often begin. If you have a window there, the problem will be largely solved.
All windows in the steam room are closed during procedures. Sometimes, for women, for example, the window at the top is opened slightly. Before and after the bath, they are opened completely in order to renew and refresh the atmosphere.
Technology for manufacturing a window for a steam room
Manufactured window designs can be found in relevant stores. However, in order to save money and if you have free time, you can build it yourself. To do this, it is not necessary to have carpentry skills; you must strictly follow the instructions and adhere to our recommendations.
Selection of material for the window in the steam room
Despite the growing popularity of metal-plastic profiles, the best option for a steam room is traditional wooden structures. They have excellent performance characteristics:
- Environmental friendliness
. The tree does not emit toxic fumes when heated. This is a completely natural material. - Heat and moisture resistance
. The window can withstand high temperatures and humidity, as well as their changes. - Possibility of repair
. If the structure is damaged, it can be tinted, scratches removed, adjusted or the fittings replaced. - Aesthetic appearance
. Wooden windows in the log house are in harmony with the overall design of the structure.
For these purposes, it is recommended to use hardwood (oak, birch, linden), since coniferous wood releases resins when heated. As for metal-plastic products, they simply cannot withstand exposure to an aggressive environment. Under the influence of high temperature and humidity conditions, they can become deformed, emit an unpleasant odor, and crack. In addition, condensation accumulates on the plastic window in the steam room, which leads to rotting of the lining under the opening.
Instructions for making a wooden window for a steam room
First you need to decide on the size of the future structure. Usually it is calculated in a construction project on the principle of 0.025 m2 per 1 m3 of steam room volume. On average, this amounts to 5% of the area. For example, if the dimensions of the room are 2x3 meters and the height is 2 meters, then the window will be 30 cm in size. When making a window for a steam room with your own hands, remember that the window sash must open. Installing a “blind” structure does not make sense.
We assemble the opening window into the steam room like this:
- We assemble a frame according to size from profiled timber with a cross-section of 12x4.5 cm. We fasten the elements with waterproof wood glue or PVA using the “joint to joint” method with spikes and eyes.
- We make additional fixation of the parts at the corners using galvanized self-tapping screws.
- We cut eight blanks for the window sash from timber with a cross-section of 5.5x4.5 cm with eyes and tenons.
- We connect the parts into two frames using glue.
- We mill a groove in the frame, and a corresponding tenon in the sash, cutting out the cutouts at right angles.
- We process the resulting tenons and grooves using a hand router, setting it at a certain angle for cutting identical workpieces.
- We use a router to make grooves for the glass, one at a time on each part. At the same time, be sure to ensure that the cutting angle is maintained.
- We carry out the initial assembly of the window frame and sashes.
- We check the evenness, angles and, if necessary, adjust the elements.
- We apply PVA glue to the butt joints and fasten them together.
- We additionally fix the frame parts using self-tapping screws.
- We connect the sash elements together with clamps.
- We insert 4 mm thick glass into the groove of the sashes and secure it from the inside with glazing beads and nails. We treat the external seams between the glass and the frame with silicone sealant.
- We install wooden handles and galvanized hinges.
- We glue self-adhesive sealing tape around the perimeter of the sash.
Please note that there should be no metal handles or latches on the inside of the wooden window in the steam room. In case of accidental contact in a heated steam room, you can get burned.
For glazing the inner sash, it is better to choose tempered glass.
Where to make a window in the steam room
For the “main” window, it is not so much the size of the glazing that is important, but its location. You can install a wide panoramic window in it, but they are unlikely to climb into it. After all, it is possible to achieve the highest humidity in the steam room of a Russian bath only if there is a “pocket” near the ceiling in which the steam accumulates and is retained. To prevent steam from escaping when opening the doors, the doors to the steam room are made low. There should be a distance of more than 60 cm from the finished ceiling to the top edge of the door. So, the top edge of the window should be at the same level with the top edge of the door. This means that the window
placed a bit low. The plastic window is stuck in ventilation mode or. The dimensions of the main window in the steam room are 4040 cm or 5050 cm. Approximately this.
The windows are small and low located - they should not interfere with steam gathering
The additional window, the one under the shelf, can be made even smaller. In general, it can be made from boards or a layer of heat insulation can be laid between two glasses. The main thing is that it opens and makes it possible to dry the steam room
.
One more point: for safety reasons, all windows in the bathhouse must open inward. Take this into account when planning and do not forget when purchasing or making.
Panoramic glazing
Nowadays, bathhouses with large panoramic glass have become very popular.
That is, a bathhouse with panoramic windows has one large window instead of one of the walls.
Why not, if there is a beautiful and romantic view outside the window?
Advantages of panoramic windows:
- Daylight;
- The opportunity to enjoy a beautiful view from the window;
- Feeling of unity with nature;
- Visually increases the area of the room.
Minuses:
- Price;
- In hot weather, the room, if it is on the sunny side, becomes very hot;
- The view is open to prying eyes.
And if everything is more or less clear with the relaxation room, then what about such a window in the steam room? After all, a bathhouse with large windows in the steam room will lose a lot of heat. Small windows are specially installed there to retain as much heat as possible, and then suddenly there is a huge window that fills the entire wall.
Everything is very simple. For this purpose, there are special windows that use electric heating. Such windows do not fog up, do not let in such valuable heat and, of course, look very impressive. But this is all true, only if all the rules and technologies for their installation are observed.
Installation Features
If the bathhouse is made of timber, it should be taken into account that it may shrink during use. Therefore, when installing window structures, the frame may immediately become deformed. It is necessary to carefully check the connections for leaks. Experts recommend installing products with a 5- or 10-centimeter gap between the timber and the top bar.
As for a stone or brick sauna, this problem does not exist, so you can start installing windows right away without making any gaps. You can use anchors that are suitable for openings with non-standard dimensions. We are talking about special metal plates that have mounting holes.
The anchors are attached using self-tapping screws, the ends should point inward, then the frame is mounted in the opening, and then leveled with mounting blocks. Through the holes you need to make marks on the wall where the dowel will be drilled. Then the block is removed and the holes are filled with insulation. At the final stage, window sills and slopes of the required dimensions are installed.
When working with mounting pads, which are pieces of rails, you must first install the support pads, and then the spacers. Once the frame is level, the pads are removed and the holes are filled with silicone. After this, they need to be returned back, also using construction silicone. To fill the gaps, polyurethane foam is used, which after hardening can leave sagging, they can be easily cut off, after which all that remains is to install a window sill with slopes.
If you install using dowels, and this method is considered the most reliable and versatile, you need to make holes in the frame for fasteners. Measure the distance from the corners of 15-20 cm, the step between the holes should be up to 60 cm. As for the length of the dowels, you can calculate this yourself.
You can install PVC windows yourself if you follow the recommendations
To begin with, the openings are measured; it is important to provide 1.5 cm gaps for foaming, as well as 3.5 cm below where the window sill will be located. When installing the frame, it is necessary to take into account not the number of profile chambers, but the dimensions and type of material from which the bathhouse was created
The structure is strengthened using mounting anchors or dowels. You can use serrated plates that are pressed into the profile and installed side-by-side with screws. The first method is considered reliable and is suitable for structures with sashes.
It is important to note that even when the windows are already installed, the building will shrink, although not as intensely as at the beginning. Therefore, it will be necessary to provide a gap of 3 to 7 cm between the upper plane of the opening and the frame - it all depends on the humidity level and building materials
Upon completion of installation, the structure is filled with jute and covered with platbands on both sides.
To ensure tightness, you need to stock up on high-quality professional foam, and you also need to fill it correctly. Start at the bottom and move slowly up, making circular movements. To avoid unnecessary waste of material, the foam should not be blown out immediately, but rather done in several stages so that there are no voids inside.
As you can see, you can correctly install window structures made of any materials with your own hands if you follow the instructions, doing everything step by step. And it doesn’t matter whether the bathhouse is made of logs or stone, you can insert the products without outside help to begin its operation.
Installing a window in a bathhouse
No matter how small the window is, it must be installed correctly in a wooden bathhouse. And that’s right - it’s with a casing. This is a special board that takes on all the loads that arise during the shrinkage of the log house.
In general, it is advisable not to install windows and doors until the main shrinkage of the wood has passed. To do this, the log house must stand for at least a year. After this period, you can cut holes in the wall and begin installing the window.
When marking a window or doorway, you need to use a plumb line or a laser level. Construction level accuracy should not be trusted in such an important matter.
The hole in the log house is cut with a hand-held circular saw or chain saw. The lower edge of the window opening should be approximately in the middle of the log if the log house is made of cylinders. The window sill will be installed here later.
Schematically the casing on the window looks like this
The next step is to form a spike on the side surfaces. It should be about 50 mm wide and 50 mm high. We make the appropriate markings. Then, using an electric saw, we make a cut along the marking with a depth of about 50 mm. Now from the sides, stepping back 50 mm from the edge, we make another cut - right and left. Its depth is almost to the surface of the spike. Don't try to make the extra pieces fall off right away. If you don't have enough skill, it's easy to saw off the very spike we're making now. It’s better to cut it a little short, and then quickly finish everything with an ax and level it with chisels.
Next, according to the technology, the window opening must be treated with antiseptics. It is very desirable to use them, but you need to take impregnations for baths and saunas, which do not emit harmful substances when heated. After the impregnation has dried, fill a strip of jute tape around the perimeter of the window opening. They attach it, as usual, to staples from a construction stapler. When nailing thermal insulation onto the sidewalls with a tenon, try to ensure that the tape is tightly adjacent to the tenon: you will then need to place the casing block on this tenon.
The next stage is making the casing. For a large window, take a beam of 100*100 mm or 100*200 mm. The height of the side slats should be slightly less than the height of the window opening. A little less, this is 2-3 cm for a settled log house and 5-7 cm for a fresh one.
A longitudinal marking is made on one side of the block: a groove 50 mm wide is marked. The cuts are made to a depth of 40-42 mm. But in this case, the middle between the two cuts is removed. Thus, in the middle of the block there will be a recess - a groove. We smooth the edges using a chisel and chisel (or a hammer). This part is also treated with antibacterial impregnations.
The manufactured sidewalls of the casing are mounted on a tenon that was cut out earlier in the window opening. It should fit tightly, you will have to knock. It is not attached to anything else; it is held in place by the elasticity of the wood fibers.
The upper edge of the window in the steam room is flush with the door lintel
As a result, it turns out that the casing bars are shorter than the opening, and there is a gap to the top. It will protect the window frame from damage if the frame settles. A thick board is attached to the top of the sidewalls - it will serve as a support for attaching the top of the frame. The gap remaining between the board and the crown is filled with insulation after installing the frame. A board is also attached to the bottom, which will serve as the basis for the window sill.
Now the window opening is ready to install the frame. Further, the technology is no different from installing any other window in a brick or block building.
What did we do, and why is casing needed at all? It turned out that our window is attached not to the frame, but to the casing. And it is not rigidly connected to the log house, but has the ability to move. There is also a fairly decent gap at the top, which will compensate for the shrinkage of the bath. All this together will prevent the frame from breaking when moving. Using this technology, you can install windows (and doors) even in a fresh log house. Perhaps it will become clearer to you if you watch the video. Here, plastic windows are installed in the log house, but the manufacture of the casing does not change.
Another option for installing a window - with molding a groove instead of a tenon - is demonstrated in the video.
Another video from a practitioner
Main types
If your bathhouse is built of brick or foam blocks, then it is not afraid of shrinkage and distortions. In such a structure, installing a window in a bathhouse will not cause problems, because the structure is stable. The opening can even be filled with glass blocks.
In wooden buildings, movement of the structure is possible, so the requirements are much higher. One way or another, in all types of buildings two main types are used.
In the photo - oak as a material option
Wooden windows
The most common option is a window in a steam room made of wood.
This is due to many reasons:
- A lot of bathhouses are built from wood, so such structures fit very organically into the environment.
- Many people associate a bathhouse only with wooden parts; this natural material is good for health and does not emit harmful substances when heated.
- The cost of wooden options is quite affordable, which is also an important factor for many buyers.
It should be remembered that a wooden window for a steam room must meet many requirements:
- Tightness;
- Double glazing, or better yet double glazing, as it does not fog up;
- The hinges must be hidden in the frame;
- The valve should be small, preferably with a plastic handle on the outside, as it is not susceptible to corrosion.
The best materials for manufacturing are oak, aspen and linden - these types of wood do not emit resin and withstand prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
Plastic structures
Many people wonder whether it is possible to install plastic windows in a bathhouse? Opinions vary, but it is safe to say that plastic is becoming more and more popular.
Plastic version for steam room 400*300
Plastic windows are reinforced with an aluminum profile, which provides the necessary strength; modern plastic has excellent properties:
- High reliability of the design;
- Excellent indicators of tightness and thermal insulation;
- Resistance to rotting and deterioration;
- Stability of geometry over many years;
- Resistance to hot steam and water;
- Use of energy-saving double-glazed windows.
Advice: in order for the window to please you for many years, you need to choose products from well-known brands, this guarantees high quality products.
Thanks to the variety of decors, you can choose the desired color and texture, so plastic windows for the bathhouse will fit perfectly and will not stand out from the general background.
Installing a structure in a bathhouse with your own hands is no different from work in houses and other buildings; the differences appear only in the location of the windows. They should not be located very high, since the higher the opening, the greater the heat loss, which is especially undesirable in a bathhouse.
Installation in openings made of blocks and bricks is simple, but in wooden structures it should be taken into account that the structure shrinks, so during installation you need to cut grooves in the wall and do not place the frame too tightly, this will prevent the frame from skewing.
An original solution with stained glass in the steam room
We hope that this article, like a good instruction, will help you choose excellent windows for your bathhouse. Whatever option you choose, the main thing is high quality construction, since even good installation will not help if the material is not resistant to adverse effects such as high temperature and dampness.
Tip: in a bathhouse you can use windows made of different materials, depending on the purpose of the room, so you can save significant money.
A little about the disadvantages of PVC double-glazed windows
We already know all the positive qualities. But are there any disadvantages of plastic windows for using them in a sauna? Naturally, there are, although manufacturers are silent about them. Among the most popular negative qualities, it is worth highlighting:
- At very high temperatures, as well as high moisture, low-quality plastic becomes deformed. We generally do not recommend that you install it in a good steam room where the temperature will be high.
- Condensation accumulates and rolls onto the tree. What happens next? You probably already guessed that a fungus appears and the tree begins to rot.
- Poor, low-quality PVC smells bad at temperatures.
- A glass unit can easily burst under extreme heat.
Of course, you can argue endlessly about plastic windows in a bathhouse, but you should understand that there are expensive and cheap double-glazed windows. If you want them to serve you well and for a long time, it is better to choose high-quality materials. In this case, you can easily bet and not worry. First of all, naturally, consult with a manufacturer’s representative and let them know why you are buying this window.
Plastic windows: a tribute to fashion or a practical approach?
Of course, wood is environmentally friendly and “breathes”, but, nevertheless, it also has its disadvantages. So, it dries out from the heat and swells from moisture - which is why, over time, the doors begin to warp and close poorly. The result is that the expanding cracks allow heat to escape and every year the steam room needs to be heated longer and longer. And you also need to take care of wood - which is why many bathhouse attendants began installing more practical plastic windows for bathhouses (PVC).
There is one more significant disadvantage of wooden windows. If condensation begins to accumulate on them, then insects - termites, cockroaches and carpenter ants - will easily appear in them. Whereas they don't like plastic.
Plastic windows also attract bath attendants due to their good sound insulation. After all, a vacation is a vacation, and during it no one wants to listen to the sounds of trucks passing by.
But, of course, the main advantage of PVC windows is complete tightness. An ordinary three-chamber double-glazed window is quite suitable for a bathhouse - it is safe to use, does not fog up and does not deform. It does not emit any harmful substances if you purchased it with a certificate and from a trusted company. And if you didn’t put it in the steam room, experts do not recommend this, even if the most expensive plastic windows for the bathhouse were purchased. That’s why today bath attendants often go for this option: they install environmentally friendly wooden windows in hot and fire-hazardous steam rooms, and more airtight and durable plastic structures in the dressing room and rest room.
As for the unusual white color of a plastic window for a bathhouse, many shades and textures of adhesive tape are sold today. You can choose and make the style you need - even imitating natural wood.
PVC window selection options
Since plastic windows are made to order, you can choose the size of the window in the bathhouse, its design, the necessary fittings, the type of profile and the number of chambers and glass. The size of the windows for the bath, as well as their number and shape, will depend on what initial parameters the bathhouse has. In particular, you can order round, rectangular, square, triangular or trapezoidal windows - depending on your desire and the existing interior.
Another selection criterion is the quality of the profile and fittings. The best products are those from German and Turkish manufacturers. However, you can also opt for domestic manufacturers working on German production lines. Such products are cheaper, but the quality is practically not inferior to imported ones.
Plastic windows can be installed tightly or can be opened.
Based on the type of mechanism, the following windows can be distinguished:
- folding;
- rotary;
- tilt and turn.
The tilting type of mechanism allows you to open the window only in the upper part, that is, the sash moves away from the frame a certain distance, but does not open completely. The turning mechanism allows you to fully open the sash, as in traditional windows. The tilt-and-turn type of mechanism allows you to change the opening method depending on the position of the handle, that is, you can open the window for ventilation, or you can open it completely.
The number of chambers of a plastic window determines its heat and sound insulation qualities. If there are only two glasses in a double-glazed window, it has only one air chamber, three glasses mean two chambers, and four glasses in a package mean the presence of three air chambers. The standard width of double-glazed windows is: 24, 28, 30, 32, 42 mm.
Opening mechanisms, shape, size
Plastic sheets have different characteristics. An important technical parameter is the thickness of the profile walls. Classes:
- A - external walls of at least 2.88 millimeters, internal walls - 2.55 millimeters;
- B – the smallest thickness of the outer walls is 2.55 millimeters, the inner walls are 2.00 millimeters;
- C - The worst possible, the walls are less than 2 millimeters.
For a bath, it is better to use “A” class sheets with high resistance to deformation.
You need to pay attention to the markings.
Opening mechanism
Ease of use depends on the way the frame is opened.
Opening mechanisms
There are mechanisms:
- turning;
- folding;
- tilt and turn.
You can choose the opening method knowing the design features of the bathhouse.
Form
There are no technical requirements for the shape of a window in a sauna. May be:
- rectangular;
- round;
- square;
- asymmetrical.
Most often, square or rectangular structures are installed.
Size
There are no requirements for the size of the canvas for installation in a bathhouse. You should not install a structure 10x15 centimeters; a 30x20 window will do.
Bath window size
Material and design
It is necessary to study what a plastic double-glazed window represents.
Material
Polyvinyl chloride is the main material of metal-plastic sheets. To make double-glazed windows, polyvinyl chloride is modified. In its pure form, the material does not tolerate temperature changes; it is strengthened, making it resistant to ultraviolet rays and frost.
Windows in the steam room
When produced from quality materials, PVC sheets are safe. The composition contains modifiers, additives, pigments, stabilizers; when exposed to temperatures, the substances are “preserved” inside the cavity of the window block.
Often, a low-quality product is attractive due to its low price; it is better to pay more than to save, putting your health at risk.
Design
The PVC frame is hollow, with a metal profile and partitions inside that provide rigidity.
Window design
When temperature changes, the material changes shape, so a metal profile is needed.
The metal frame comes in two types of sections:
- closed form;
- open form.
