Sauna partitions are not just a walling designed to protect or zoning a space. Such partitions share critical functional areas, the operation of which occurs in different temperature and humidity conditions. Particular attention is required when installing sinks and steam rooms, and most importantly - at the stage of selecting the material for them. What should the partitions be made of in the bathhouse, so that they fully correspond to local loads, serve for a long time and at the same time do not spoil the interior? The issue is controversial and requires a comprehensive review.
The main options for materials for bath partitions
Traditionally used wood, and in different forms. It can be both a solid bar, and a small-format lining with a crate (frame version). Natural materials are, in principle, preferred for such structures, as they create a healthy atmosphere and microclimate with natural ventilation. And this is not to mention the healing properties of some species of wood, which are manifested in the process of hygienic water procedures.
The next option is a brick. The material is practical, reliable and durable. With it, you can build structures that retain heat for a long time. But, the brick also heats up for a long time, which is not always convenient.
What is the best way to make partitions in a bathhouse in order to ensure fast accumulation of thermal energy? For such purposes, a foam block is suitable. He has a good ability to regulate a comfortable microclimate, which is beneficial for the steam room. But the foam block sins with flaws. In conditions of constant humidity, the material undergoes biological destructive processes - the development of fungus and mold. Therefore, at least, regular processing of the partitions with bioactive and antiseptic impregnations, which will also protect the structure of the block from rodents, will be required.
Fire safety requirements - what to consider?
Building standards regarding the fire safety of the bath mainly regulate the placement and operation of furnace structures. As for the walls and partitions, you should adhere to the following requirements in the selection and installation of materials:
- The design must withstand temperatures up to 120 ° C.
- Wood is treated with special fire-resistant impregnations that prevent the spread of flame.
- Regardless of the type of material, the structure close to the fire must be further protected by a galvanized sheet of steel, heat-resistant plaster or asbestos board.
- The insulation of the partitions should be made of non-combustible panels like stone and mineral wool.
Whatever material with the installation configuration is chosen, a fire shield or at least a fire extinguisher must always be present in the bathhouse.
Installation Tools
The specific set of tools and appliances with consumables will depend on the main material for the manufacture of the partition in the bath. What to make of it is the first question that should be decided on the basis of the parameters of the bathhouse itself, the nature of its operation and individual preferences. The universal list of tools used in such works looks like this:
- Measuring and marking tools. Marker, ruler, twine, level, square, etc.
- Saw or jigsaw for a specific material.
- Drill or screwdriver.
- Hammer, mallet.
- Expendable materials. Building mixtures, putties and primers.
Wooden partition
The huge advantage of wood over other materials is its flexibility in terms of installation. Its pliable structure allows you to implement a variety of designs with your own hands without the use of special equipment. The optimal solution would be a combined design with several levels. The first level is the power level, on which the supporting base for the casing will be held. This will be followed by the crate and the final - decorative layer. What to make a partition in this type of bath? It will take several types of lumber - beams, middle timber, planks and lining for cladding. The sizes and format of each group of materials are selected individually - in accordance with the structural conditions and requirements for appearance.
Installation of a wooden partition
To begin with, the basis for the future partition is being prepared. In order to ensure the stability of the construction position, it is better to form a thin screed (if the rough floor of the building allows), and to make a concrete border 10 cm high on it. This structural element will be required both to fix the partition and to protect the lower edge of the wood from water. Further work is performed according to the following instructions:
- To form the supporting base of the frame, a group of horizontal beams is installed over the entire height at a level of about 3 cm from the ceiling surface. A clearance is required to compensate for the expansion of the wood material under thermal influences.
- With the help of timber and planks, a crate is formed on the supporting beams. It is advisable to use trims of 2.5x5 cm format - the design should not be excessively massive. No less important is another question at the stage of assembly of the structure - how to make a partition in a wooden bath in order to maintain the integrity of its fasteners? This is especially important to consider in frame and multi-layer structures. To fix the same strips, only galvanized stainless hardware is used.
- The lining is mounted in rows on the clamps. You can use wood screws, but, again, with the mandatory moisture-proof coating. Between each other the elements must be joined by the method of "spike into the groove."
Brick partition
In this case, you get a full wall construction. In order for its characteristics to be preserved as long as possible, the configuration of the construction of the structure should be thought out in advance. For example, what kind of brick to make the partition in the bath, so that it can withstand heat loads and not exert excessive pressure on the bearing base? Firstly, it is possible to minimize the loads from the masonry using the hollow structure of the elements. In extreme cases, spoon masonry in half a brick is used. As for heat resistance, salt, chamotte and red bricks with the marking M75 or M150 are optimally suitable. They are also used for the construction of furnace structures.
How to make a brick wall in the bath?
Before work activities, with the help of twine, mark the future masonry contours. Next, a solution is prepared, after which you can proceed to the device of the partition. The first and second rows should be strictly aligned on the twine, providing a tight fit to the wall. In the future, each element is tapped and neatly adjusted in the lower rows. The contours for the doorway are set in advance. How to make partitions in a bath with a door frame with your own hands? To do this, use spacers, checking the opening lines vertically and horizontally. Brick elements are laid close to the box. To ensure a tight fit of the masonry with the door structure, metal strips are installed vertically.
Foam block partition
Foam and aerated concrete blocks are suitable for bath rooms . They are often used to replace bricks for two reasons: due to their low weight and ease of processing. If the question is what kind of partition to make in the bath, so that the design is light and heat-resistant, it is quite possible to turn to the foam block. Suitable elements are 30 cm high and 60 cm long. If necessary, the blocks can be corrected with a hacksaw for metal.
Installation of a foam block partition
The laying technology of this material is generally similar to the brick installation method, but there are fundamental differences. How to make partitions in a foam-based bath? It is important to consider two technological nuances when laying:
- As a binder, not a sand-cement mortar is used, but a special building glue. It should be kneaded with an electric drill with a mixer nozzle. The finished mixture is placed in a thin layer of not more than 5 mm. Elements are corrected in the same way as in the case of bricks.
- Since the blocks are impressive in size but weigh a little, reinforcement of the masonry is required. This problem is solved by long nails or thin pieces of metal reinforcement (fiberglass can also be used). The rods perform the tasks of connecting the partition with the walls at the joints. To do this, at the marking stage in the mating walls, mounting holes should be made.
Insulation and decoration of bath partitions
Warming of wooden frame partitions is carried out at the installation stage by laying the insulator in the crate. But this operation is not always required, since the presence of a dense layer of the same stone wool prevents natural ventilation. Insulation of brick and foam block structures is carried out by external laying. Usually, mineral wool panels are used, for which it is also possible to provide an appropriate crate.
At the final stage, decorative lining of the partition in the bath is performed. What to make the appearance of? With a wooden structure, this problem is solved by lining in the process of basic installation work. The same slats can be used in the decoration of bricks and foam blocks, after preparing the supporting frame. But plasterboard panels, tile, as well as wood-based materials are also suitable for such needs.
Conclusion
When determining the material of the device for bath partitions, one should not ignore the sanitary-hygienic and environmental nuances of the operation of the room. From this point of view, the most advantageous option will be wood. Moreover, not every breed will justify itself in this role. What can a partition in a bath be made of to provide a favorable microclimatic and biological background? Experts recommend giving preference to trees such as larch, birch, poplar and aspen. Lumber from these rocks does not glow at high temperatures, do not emit toxic resinous substances and fully comply with the requirements of thermal accumulation. As for the brick and the foam block, the main task in their use is to minimize the harmful effects of the solutions used in the masonry. This is especially true for synthetic adhesives, which are used in the laying of gas and foam block elements.