Aluminum foil as a vapor barrier to cover the wall of a bathhouse

Vapor barrier of a bathhouse is a prerequisite when arranging walls and ceilings. In most cases, aluminum foil is used for this, which has many advantages over other types of materials. Such a layer will be able to protect the walls from excess moisture, retain heat and withstand high temperatures, which increases the level of fire safety. Installation features are determined by the functional properties of the bathhouse and the arrangement of the walls themselves.

Basic rules of insulation: what should you know?

As a result, we will familiarize ourselves with some important rules that everyone should know about.

1. The most important rule is that all work should be carried out only after a preliminary calculation of thermal insulation (and based on it). This is explained by the fact that a lot depends on specific factors and characteristics: for example, on the area of ​​the bathhouse, on the number of people for whom it is designed, on the number of rooms and their intended purpose, on the heating system, materials used in construction, etc. .
2. The best option is comprehensive insulation, that is, both internal and external. It is better to take care of insulation during the construction of the foundation, walls, and when arranging the roof. Walls, floors, and ceilings are subject to mandatory insulation. For example, the floor in a bathhouse is often a multi-layer structure consisting of solid insulation, a layer of waterproofing, screed and, finally, decorative finishing.
3. For walls, a heat insulator, waterproofing and finishing material that partially retains heat are usually used. The ceiling is quite often insulated by arranging a wooden frame, inside of which insulating material is laid.

The best material for insulating a bath

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycr9ySX8epg

The use of foil insulators is not much different from their simpler counterparts. However, there are some nuances that it is advisable to know.

• To enjoy the original Russian entertainment (we are talking about a steam room), you need to finish the bathhouse completely (floor, walls and ceiling). Even the slightest cracks should not be allowed, because such valuable steam will escape through them in a matter of seconds.
• It is best to fasten the insulator using a construction stapler and glue (obligatory heat-resistant). First we coat the strips and fix them on the surface, and then additionally “shoot” them with staples. This technology provides maximum efficiency. The strips are fixed with the aluminum side up. The sheathing is subsequently installed on it.

If you cannot call yourself an experienced craftsman, opt for self-adhesive models. They are a little more expensive than their simple counterparts, but their installation is much easier.

The peculiarities of bath rooms are that you will need to provide not only high temperature inside, but also create the necessary humidity. For this purpose, multilayer structures made of various materials are used.

To determine which foil to use for a bathhouse is better, you need to take into account what material the structure is built from and the conditions of its operation. If the building is made of logs with carefully caulked walls, then it does not require foil insulation.

In the case where the bathhouse is built of natural wood, but is large in area and does not heat up well, experts recommend lining the ceiling and walls from the inside with thin foil, and then covering it with clapboard. You can use a foil sheet for the surface behind the heating unit, as a result of which the steam room will warm up faster.

Despite the fact that a bathhouse made of foam concrete is considered warm, it requires high-quality vapor barrier, so the use of foil will be justified, but it is better to opt for laminated products.

Frame and brick buildings must be insulated. Insulation for a bathhouse with foil based on polystyrene foam and mineral wool is ideal for this (read: “How to insulate a frame bathhouse - nuances from the master”). The type of this material is selected for ceilings taking into account the thickness of the ceiling and the absence/presence of thermal insulation in the attic.

In addition, operating conditions matter. If the bathhouse is used infrequently and the procedures are not carried out for long, there is no need to insulate it with foil. When the steam room is used frequently and is kept in it for a long time, high-quality thermal insulation will save fuel, and the room will quickly warm up and cool down for a long time.

How to choose the right foil for a bath

Please note that purchased foil may not always fit well on certain surfaces, because of this you must know what little details you need to pay attention to and what criteria to use when choosing.

It must be said that the choice of material should be based on what kind of surface you have and the fastening method you choose.

Let's consider the basic criteria by which you can make a choice:

• Price - pay attention to this, since inexpensive options are most often not of good quality at all, but expensive ones often are. Therefore, to ensure that the foil is of high quality, choose a brand that is manufactured by one of the market leaders.
• Purpose is the most important criterion due to the fact that each material has its own type of foil. Of course, it is allowed to apply foil to any surface, but the service life will be significantly reduced.
• Foil on the crate is the most recommended option. The likelihood of damage to the foil in this case is significantly reduced.
• Environmentally friendly - choose only clean, natural rolls of foil that are not capable of releasing toxic substances when heated.
• Vapor permeability – no higher than 0.01 g/m² per day.

Product range of possible foil insulating products

Knowing the basic requirements for foil materials, you should consider in detail the types of thermal insulation products. Finishing a bathhouse with foil will take less time if you study all the diversity of the insulation market in advance. Below is a list of the most common ones:

Aluminum foil for the bath. This thermal insulation product is sold in rolls. Rolls in the markets are presented in a wide range. Rolls can be of different widths and lengths. The thickness of the layer can also be different.

Foil in rolls does not have a base. Used for installation on top of an existing mineral insulator. You can use aluminum foil for a bath up to 650 degrees

The owner himself can choose the thickness of the thermal insulation; it is important to remember that the final strength depends on this. The reflectivity of aluminum sheet is usually at least 95%

Installation is carried out with an overlap, with mandatory gluing of the joints with metallized tape. The use of foil for insulation is absolutely safe for human health, since it does not emit toxic substances when heated.

Kraft foil. This thermal insulation material is made on the basis of cellulose; it can also be found in a three-layer design consisting of foil, polyethylene and kraft paper.

The main properties include high strength, environmental friendliness, and tightness. Kraft foil has a small thickness, which may not exceed 1mm. The surface of the foil has a reflectivity of 95%. Despite the fact that the operating temperature of kraft foil is noticeably lower than that of rolled aluminum sheets, and is only 100 degrees, it is much more convenient to install, since it is less susceptible to mechanical damage and has greater flexibility.

"Folgoizolon". Baths whose walls are lined with this material, if all technology requirements are met, do not require additional insulation measures. In addition to all the main functions, Folgoizolon has soundproofing properties. This product is usually sold in rolls, but you can also find sheet packaging when it is thick. Its base is foamed polyethylene.

In sheets, "Folgoizolon" has standard dimensions of 600 * 1200 mm with a thickness from 20 to 110 mm. In rolls, the thickness does not exceed 10 mm with a width of 1000 to 1200 mm.

“Folgoizolon” ​​is easy to process during installation, it is not subject to deformation, and can withstand temperatures up to 125 degrees in operation.

The most popular thermal insulation product on the Russian market is foiled mineral wool. Products based on mineral raw materials have traditionally been used in insulating any premises for many years. In the markets it can be purchased both in rolls and sheets, with a thickness from 30mm to 100mm. The main disadvantage is the presence of an unpleasant installation procedure. Cheap thermal insulation causes irritant reactions in human mucous membranes.

"Penofol". For a bathhouse, this foil thermal insulation can be an excellent product with vapor barrier properties. Being a vapor barrier-based fabric, Penofol not only does not let heat out, but also helps the walls to “breathe.” The reflectivity of the material is about 97%. With such indicators, we can safely say that the thermal insulation of bathhouse walls using Penofol will be better. The thickness of the main heat-insulating layer, as a rule, does not exceed 10 mm. The vapor barrier material can withstand temperatures up to 300 degrees.

Performance characteristics by type

Manufacturers offer sauna foil in different designs. This determines their geometric parameters and operational characteristics. We invite you to get acquainted with the main varieties and their features to make it easier to make an informed choice.

Foil comes in different types PHOTO: zharpar.rf

Rolled foil

This material is produced in sheets and rolls. The thickness of the rolled material is 0.007 - 0.2 with a width of 0.01 -1.5 m. For bath insulation, materials with a thickness of 30 - 100 microns are mainly used. Contains about 99.5% aluminum. Depending on the design, the surface of the rolled foil can be:

• smooth, not requiring additional finishing;
• for finishing. After insulation, finishing material is attached to the surface;
• finishing

Rolled foil has different thicknesses and widths PHOTO: i0.wp.com

Paper-based foil and foil fabric

Paper-based foil is often called foil or laminated. The material has sufficient elasticity, optimal density and excellent vapor barrier properties. Manufacturers offer two types: based on kraft paper and paper with polyethylene. This insulation:

• able to withstand heat of +130ºС, which is especially important for a bathhouse;
• resists compression load well;
• keeps its shape;
• easy to cut;
• Allows various mounting methods. It is possible to use nails, staples, screws;
• installed inside the bathhouse.

The paper base provides elasticity PHOTO: bannydvor.com

Foil fabric consists of two layers: foil and fabric. It has a thickness of about 0.12 - 3 mm. The sheets in the bathhouse are attached end-to-end. The material can be used to cover walls adjacent to the heating unit. Such material for a bath:

• able to withstand heating up to 500ºС;
• resistant to mold and harmful microorganisms;
• has good moisture resistance.

Foil fabric is the best solution for a bath PHOTO: i.sunhome.ru

Foiled polystyrene foam and polyethylene foam

The basis of foiled polystyrene foam is polystyrene foam, onto which a thin layer of aluminum foil is applied during the manufacturing process. Supplied in sheets measuring 1.2 x 0.6 m. It can have a thickness of 2 – 10 cm. The presence of stepped locks helps prevent the appearance of cold bridges. Foiled polystyrene foam is safe for health. Does not absorb moisture. This bath material has:

• reflection of up to 98% of heat;
• good vapor barrier properties;
• chemical resistance;
• long service life.

Foligron polystyrene foam is capable of reflecting a large percentage of heat PHOTO: pol-exp.com

Foil polyethylene foam for baths has a thickness of 2–10 cm. The foil can be attached on one or both sides. It is actively used in arranging the interior of a bathhouse. It can heat up to a temperature of no more than 100ºС, which precludes its use for covering the surface adjacent to the furnace.

The thickness of foil polystyrene foam is selected individually PHOTO: avatars.mds.yandex.net

Foil mineral wool in rolls and mats

Foil mineral wool is supplied in mats and rolls. May have different thickness. Has good thermal insulation characteristics. Can be used for insulation of frame baths. The convenient release form greatly simplifies installation work.

Foil-coated mineral wool is in demand when insulating a bathhouse PHOTO: vosaduly.ru

Insulation materials

Thermal insulation of the steam room is carried out using a variety of materials, ranging from ultra-modern to time-tested. And we will begin our analysis of the characteristics with, perhaps, the most used, but rather outdated material - mineral wool.

Mineral wool

As mentioned above, this material has been known for quite a long time and many experts classify mineral wool as obsolete. Nevertheless, in terms of its thermal insulation characteristics, it is hardly inferior to modern insulation materials. However, this material is quite expensive and is very susceptible to moisture. When wet, mineral wool loses its thermal insulation properties and begins to rot, transferring this process to adjacent wooden structures. In this case, the steam room will have to be insulated anew.

To prevent this from happening, when insulating the steam room from the inside with mineral wool, you should take care of high-quality and reliable hydro- and vapor barrier insulation of all surfaces insulated with mineral wool, that is, walls and ceilings, with foil vapor and water insulators. Vapor barrier of a steam room is very, very important, since with properly performed vapor and waterproofing, mineral wool can last a long time without losing its thermal insulation qualities. It is quite possible to replace mineral wool with stone or glass wool.

Now we will briefly consider one of the most modern thermal insulators for steam rooms - polystyrene foam and how to insulate a steam room in a bathhouse with this material.

Expanded polystyrene

Why will we write briefly about this material? Yes, because it is not entirely suitable for insulating a steam room in a bathhouse. Although its thermal insulation properties are very, very high, it is not afraid of moisture and rodents and mold do not like it, all these advantages disappear when you find out its other side.

Even though polystyrene foam does not burn, it begins to melt at high temperatures. And everything would be fine. But! When melted, this heat insulator releases toxic substances, which can lead to poisoning. And although many still use it, when answering the question of whether it is possible to use polystyrene foam as insulation for a steam room, we strongly advise against doing so.

Let's move on, in fact, to insulating the steam room from the inside, step-by-step instructions for what follows.

Aluminum foil: another scam by manufacturers?

Aluminum foil for bath insulation is a thin (on average 30-300 microns) layer of aluminum, which is used unchanged or in combination with kraft paper, fiberglass, or roll insulation. The main argument of opponents of using foil in a bath is that aluminum has high thermal conductivity.

Based on this, thermal energy can easily pass through the metal layer and end up outside the steam room. In fact, everything is not quite like that. Firstly, high thermal conductivity will “work” against us only in the case of direct contact of the foil with a heated body (for example, with a wooden paneling or blockhouse). Secondly, in addition to thermal conductivity, there are other methods of heat transfer.

Foil without base

Quite thin material. This foil is used to insulate walls in warm rooms (mainly baths). It must be installed on a previously installed insulation layer.

The ends of the material are overlapped one on one, and the joint of the sheets is certainly glued using adhesive tape on a metallized base. This way you will create a completely sealed reflective layer of foil.

The limit of the reached temperature is +650°C. That is, foil can provide rapid heating of the room and maintain its temperature for a long time.

Foil without a base is considered resistant to damage and is not capable of releasing dangerous toxic elements when heated.

Rolled aluminum foil

Foil is produced in both rolls and sheets. Roll material can have a thickness from 0.007 to 0.2 millimeters, a width of 10–1500 millimeters. The percentage of aluminum content in it is up to 99.5%.

Depending on the type of surface, foil is:

• smooth, without additional finishing;
• for finishing;
• finishing

Depending on the manufacturing method, foil is distinguished:

• soft (annealed), marked “M”;
• solid (unannealed) – it is assigned the letter “T”.

Thin fabric is wound on bushings having different diameters. Thick foil is produced in sheets.

Before starting insulation work, developers are interested in how much foil for a bathhouse costs. Domestic roll products will cost less than imported material. With a roll length of 25-30 meters, the price will be approximately 20-30 dollars.

Photo of a roll of foil

For high-quality thermal insulation of the steam room, the insulation material must have increased water resistance and fire resistance.

Foil for baths and saunas is ideal for these parameters.

Characteristics

• There is no effect of deformation at high temperatures.
• Aluminum does not emit fumes harmful to humans.
• High level of vapor barrier. Thanks to this, hot steam does not escape from the room, but fulfills its purpose.

The steam must remain inside to achieve the correct effect

No steam accumulation in the material itself. This significantly increases the service life. Acceptable price. No condensation on the walls

This is especially important in the case of wooden walls. Since the presence of condensation can lead to the appearance of mold and rotting processes. Insulating the material from the harmful effects of excessive humidity and other possible effects

This extends the life of the building itself. Heat reflection effect. The aluminum surface reflects thermal radiation, which significantly speeds up the heating of the steam room, which allows you to save on heating costs. Easy to install. Affordable DIY implementation. Durability. Does not rust, does not rot, and is not attacked by pests.

Which foil is best for a bath?

Let's look at its most prominent representatives:

Folgoizolon for baths is polyethylene coated with aluminum foil. To all of the above qualities, a high level of noise insulation is added and increases strength. And heat conservation is carried out not only due to reflective properties, but also by reducing thermal conductivity.

Folgoizolon sheet

Paper-based foil for baths significantly increases the strength and reliability of the product and is an environmentally friendly material.

Extra layer of paper for added durability

Foil insulation for a bathhouse is any classic insulation material, such as isolon or even mineral wool, in which one of the sides is covered with a layer of foil to increase waterproofing, fire safety and protection from the aggressive environment of the steam room. The cost increases accordingly depending on the combined insulation.

Roll of foiled mineral wool

Thus, all varieties simply involve adding an additional layer, which adds some quality, but also increases the cost. In order to save money, regular bath foil is suitable, as it already has a sufficient number of necessary qualities.

Installation

The following instructions will help you install the foil:

• We buy a sufficient amount of foil with a thickness of 100 microns.
• We fix the foil to the boards using a stapler, furniture nails or tacks. At the same time, we make overlaps of several centimeters.
• We fasten the aluminum strips together with mounting tape.

Connect with construction tape

The process of strengthening the sheathing strips

We install the inner finishing layer.

It should be noted that when using an additional insulating layer, it is installed in front of the foil.

For example, if it is mineral wool, then we do the following:

• We nail wooden blocks with a cross section of 5 cm by 5 cm onto the walls and ceiling of the steam room. In this case, we keep the distance between them equal to the width of the insulation boards.
• We put insulating material between them.
• The above installation steps follow with one clarification: the foil is fixed to the intermediate strips.

Foil over mineral wool

If you use bath insulation with foil, the covering process is even simplified and becomes more cost-effective than purchasing and installing them separately.

The nuances of choosing material and its finishing

There are a lot of features that relate to the choice of materials and the arrangement of steam rooms and dressing rooms. Every detail and the quality of its execution affect the functionality of the room. It is advisable to think over and write a preliminary work plan.

Choosing the right type of material

The principle of performing the work depends on the material of the walls and their thickness. Therefore, vapor barrier in a bathhouse with foil should begin with the selection of a suitable material:

• for walls made of concrete and brick with a nominal thickness of 35 cm to 40 cm, insulation of 0.8-1 cm is required;
• if the walls are brick-concrete with a thickness of 25-35 cm, then foil 1-1.2 cm is suitable for them;
• a log house made of wood 10-15 cm requires insulation 0.6-0.8 cm thick. If the tree has a thickness of 15-20 cm, then the insulation should be 0.4-0.6 cm;
• a wall more than 20 cm thick is finished with 0.2-0.4 mm foil.

In accordance with these recommendations, the optimal thickness of the reflective insulation is selected. If you upset the balance between the wall itself and the insulation, problems may arise in the form of high humidity or strong heating of the air in the bathhouse.

Tips for finishing

Experienced builders identify several rules regarding installation. Self-taught craftsmen should also adhere to these instructions. Knowing some secrets will help improve the functionality of the bathhouse:

1. To set up steam rooms, it is enough to use insulation with a thickness of no more than 3 mm. In this case, it is advisable to use foil on kraft paper.
2. If the steam room is large, then it is better to use foil on basalt wool. In this case, even cellulose will play the role of an insulating property.
3. It is worth remembering that condensation forms while using the steam room. It is advisable to think through the drainage system in advance. To do this, overlaps of foil are made with a length of at least 15-20 cm. This is how the panels are laid from the ceiling to the walls and from the walls to the floor. Foil tape is used as a fixative.
4. The easiest way to install slabs or rolled material, the width of which will be approximately 0.6-1.2 m.

Additionally, an air gap is left between the foil and the finishing of the walls and ceiling. This will create a “thermos” effect for better thermal insulation. The air gap will also retain the heat received from the foil element.

Application of foil vapor barrier

Izolon

If you decide to use such material when building a bathhouse on your summer cottage, this does not mean at all that you need to incur significant expenses. You don't need to invest a lot of money to insulate the entire building. The optimal solution is installation exclusively in the steam room and shower room. The foil layer effectively accumulates heat, and the polymer inside reliably protects the structure from moisture and steam. For other rooms, you can simply purchase simpler and cheaper material.

In addition to insulating the walls, foil material must also be installed on the ceiling, under which hot air and steam collect in the steam room. It is advisable not to forget to use it on doors. But it’s not worth laying any foil insulation on the floor, since its construction here usually consists of a concrete screed with a wooden deck on top. The exception here is warm water floors.

Types of suitable insulation materials

In our opinion, it makes sense to divide the types of thermal insulation materials for baths into sheet, roll and backfill. In addition, there are insulation materials that are applied to the walls in the form of foam or a moistened mass - these are polyurethane foam and ecowool, which are sprayed using special equipment.

Mineral wool can be purchased in rolls or sheets. It all depends on its density and the binders used.

BY THE WAY! We rarely name specific brands, but do you understand that the names Rockwool or Isover hide the same mineral wool produced by different companies?

Basalt wool is a type of mineral wool, a literal reference to the similar mineral used. There is practically no difference.

Basalt wool for baths

But you shouldn’t confuse mineral wool and glass wool - these are different insulation materials, made from different materials and with different properties.

Glass wool should no longer be used anywhere, because it is extremely unpleasant for humans - if it gets on the skin, it causes itching, and it is hazardous to health if it gets into the eyes or respiratory organs. Yes, and fiberglass crumbles during operation, turns into dust, and it penetrates through the cracks, and you breathe it.

Does not like fiberglass insulation and elevated temperatures typical of a bathhouse.

Polystyrene foam and extruded polystyrene foam are good insulation materials, especially the latter, but using them in a bathhouse is dangerous. They are absolutely not suitable for a steam room, but could (theoretically) be used in other rooms, but we will not recommend them, since they are a fire hazard.

ADVICE! In the bathhouse, polystyrene foam and penoplex can be used in floors under concrete screed - there they do not pose any danger.

So, sheet insulation is mineral wool, foam glass (excellent, but expensive insulation), calcium silicate and magnesium silicate sheets, non-recommended polystyrene foam and extruded polystyrene.

Foam glass

Roll insulation is again mineral wool (lower density), glass wool. foamed polyethylene, with or without foil (penofol, isolon, etc.).

We have already spoken about fiberglass, now about foamed polyethylene. It is often used as additional insulation in residential buildings, but polyethylene does not tolerate high temperatures, so it should not be used instead of foil to insulate a steam room.

Foil insulation Penofol

IMPORTANT! Polyethylene already melts at a temperature of one hundred degrees. By the way, it supports combustion.. In general, it is quite possible to insulate other rooms of the bathhouse with it (as a second layer)

In general, it is quite possible to insulate other rooms of the bathhouse with it (as a second layer).

We will divide bulk insulation for baths into those that can be moistened and “glued” to the wall, and those that cannot. Expanded clay and vermiculite belong to the second category, ecowool - to the first.

Expanded clay and vermiculite can be used to insulate floors and ceilings, where they adhere perfectly and retain heat indoors. In order to insulate the walls of a bathhouse with them, it is necessary that between the two layers of the main wall material there is a gap, a cavity that can be filled with insulation.

Expanded clay

Ecowool is waste paper (cellulose) crushed into dust, impregnated with fire retardants so that it does not support combustion. And it really doesn’t support it - this is a good material for insulating baths where it is on sale. Ecowool is used in dry and wet form. In dry conditions - for insulating floors and ceilings, as well as for filling cavities. When wet - for application to walls.

Insulating the roof with ecowool using the wet method. Cromwell Photos

Also on our website you can read two articles that provide a more complete overview of insulation materials that can be used in a bathhouse:

• review of bath insulation;
• choosing the best of natural and artificial insulation for a bath.

Advantages and disadvantages of the material

Penofol is an inexpensive material with a porous structure that is easy to install on walls.
The combined material is widely used for insulating not only the walls of a bathhouse, it is used for insulating water pipes, sewer drains and supplying wastewater to a septic tank.

Sauna foil has the following advantages:

• simple installation process;
• the coating is protected from water and sun, so it lasts a long time;
• relatively low cost without loss of effectiveness;
• high elasticity allows you to install foil insulation on curved surfaces;
• The products can be used to repair the old insulating layer and replaced if necessary.

If the canvas is dismantled during wall repairs, it will retain its characteristics and can be reinstalled. The insulator does not react to the action of chemicals, which are always abundant in condensate drops. Dust does not accumulate in it and microorganisms do not multiply.

The disadvantages of foil types are that they do not have rigidity, so they are not placed under wet finishing, such as plaster or putty. Gluing onto a plane requires special glue, which increases costs.

The main advantages of the material

The high popularity of foil insulation for baths is due to an impressive list of its advantages:

The so-called “thermos effect” is created, that is, when heat does not escape from the room at all. This type of insulation is simply ideal for baths and saunas, as it allows you to preserve precious steam as reliably as possible.

Tip: Effective thermal insulation will significantly reduce energy costs. As a result, the bath will warm up much faster.

This insulation provides excellent protection against moisture and vapors. Therefore, there is no need to create a water-repellent layer

This is extremely important for wooden buildings. One of the main features is absolute resistance to temperature changes. They are achieved thanks to the presence of a heat-repellent layer

Simple roll insulation materials will only last a few years when used in such conditions. Reducing the thickness of the required insulation layer. This property is achieved through the use of special foil, which increases the efficiency of thermal insulation. Increasing the noise insulation properties of the room. Absolute environmental cleanliness. High hygiene is an important factor for premises of this kind. Very light weight (except for mineral wool). This makes installation and transportation easier. In addition, there is no need to build a frame (in most cases this is the most labor-intensive procedure).

Please note that a similar group of materials is used in many other areas (from apartment buildings to car showrooms). It is perfect for use in conditions of high humidity and sudden temperature fluctuations.

When arranging a steam room, you should be especially careful when deciding which foil is best for a bath, since the material must be environmentally friendly and reflect heat well. All these requirements are met by insulation materials with aluminum foil coating.

Advantages of foil insulation:

1. The material is universal because it is used for walls, ceilings and bath floors.
2. Insulation with foil coating has good light reflection.
3. Products are produced in a wide range.
4. They are used in damp areas and do not require treatment with fungicidal compounds.
5. They have high hygienic indicators. The properties inherent in aluminum do not create a breeding ground for the growth of fungus and mold.
6. They do not deform and do not melt in the steam room at elevated temperatures.
7. The material is convenient to work with. It is easy to mount and fix on different planes: vertical, horizontal and inclined.

Tips for insulating baths:

1. If the bathhouse building does not have a commercial purpose, finishing the walls with 3 mm foil in rolls will be sufficient.
2. For commercial enterprises, the solution to the problem of which foil to choose for a bath is the use of laminated products on a basalt mineral base.

When insulating a bathhouse located inside a permanent building, you need to take into account the functioning of central heating, since it additionally heats the air.

PIR boards

These slabs are ideal for insulating saunas and baths. The inside of the slabs is porous, but the cells inside are closed, which is why they do not absorb water.

• This is the most important indicator that you should pay attention to when choosing insulation for baths and saunas, where humidity will always be present.
• The stove is able to withstand large temperature changes without emitting toxic substances. PIR boards are used to insulate various surfaces: walls, ceilings or floors.

There are many types of slab coatings, but aluminum foil is the most popular.

This type of insulation is a strong barrier not only to heat, but also to vapors emanating from water. In addition, you can save on heating the room. By heating it once, you will not have to frequently add firewood to the stove or increase the heating time of the boiler.

Classification of foil: types and properties

To select the optimal model, it is necessary to determine the functional purpose of the foil layer. In a steam room, it can serve as a reflection of thermal energy. But for this, the material should not be closed, otherwise the meaning of its use is lost. Also, a layer of foil can be installed in the area of ​​the heater to maximize the concentration of thermal radiation into the room.

When arranging a bathhouse yourself, it is recommended to use aluminum foil with a backing. This will reduce installation time and labor intensity. This approach is due to the relative fragility of foil materials - even a slight excess of mechanical stress can cause the layer to rupture.

Roll without base

The best option for improving the thermal insulation qualities of the steam room. The material is a roll of aluminum foil, up to 250 microns thick. Length varies from 5 to 20 meters, width – up to 1500 mm. The maximum temperature limit for this material is +650°C.

Features of installation and operation:

• rolls are mounted overlapping;
• special foil tape is used for fixation;
• the material must fit tightly to the insulation;
• installing two or more layers does not make sense, since it will not affect the increase in heat-reflecting properties.

The average cost of 1 m² is 48 rubles.

Reinforced foil

It is necessary for arranging walls, ceilings and floors with a complex configuration with many indirect elements and angles. Unlike conventional rolled material, reinforced foil has an additional layer of fiberglass mesh. It increases the mechanical strength of the reflective surface.

• some models have an adhesive backing to simplify installation;
• joining several sheets is also done using tape;
• You can purchase rolls with one-sided or double-sided foil coating;
• Roll length up to 50 m, width 100 cm.

Despite all the advantages of the reinforced model, it is rarely used for arranging a bathhouse. This is due to the high cost - from 150 rubles per 1 m².

Kraft foil

To improve mechanical strength and durability, a new type of heat-reflective material was developed that combines a base of impregnated paper and aluminum foil. In fact, it is an insulation material that combines the properties of cellulose to retain heat and reflect IR radiation.

To increase safety, the paper is impregnated with fire retardants. In addition, the material has the following properties:

• Possibility of installation directly on the inside of a wooden wall;
• the small thickness will not affect the reduction in the useful volume of the steam room;
• increasing tensile strength.

The average cost of kraft foil is 110 rubles per 1 m².

With thermal insulation materials

To fully insulate a bathhouse, it is recommended to use heat insulators, one of the sides of which is foil-coated. The reflective layer is applied to the adhesive base, this increases the strength characteristics of the foil and allows you to create reliable thermal insulation.

The following are used as insulation:

• Basalt (stone) wool. The best option for a bath or sauna. It is heat-resistant, its structure allows moisture to pass through, which is a prerequisite for a steam room.
• Foamed polyethylene. It has increased flexibility and is waterproof.
• Extruded polystyrene foam or polystyrene foam. Budget options for insulating a bath.

The presence of a layer of foil does not greatly affect the cost of these heat insulators.

For a bathhouse, it is better to choose insulation with a foil side. This will reduce labor costs and allow you to maintain the required microclimate characteristics in the room.

When building a bathhouse, the main task is to create a structure that will quickly warm up and retain heat for as long as possible. For this purpose, the walls and ceiling are insulated. Aluminum foil for baths is most often used as insulation. There are several types of this material, differing in strength, ease of installation, durability and service life. When choosing a specific type of foil insulation, you need to focus on the characteristics of the building.

Additional nuances

It is worth considering additional nuances that relate to arranging a bathhouse with a vapor barrier. If the room is made of thick timber, then it is not necessary to cover all surfaces of the walls and ceiling with foil - the room will already be warm enough. If desired, the part of the surfaces where the boiler or heating stove is located is finished.

Aerated concrete and brick-concrete structures require complete finishing, since poorly planned vapor barrier of the room leads to slow but inevitable destruction of the walls. In this case, the stone base will not cool down so quickly.

If you make such a layer in the steam room of a bath, you can save fuel (up to 25-30%) and ensure a longer period of operation of the room. You should not save on the construction of such a specific building. Laying a vapor barrier layer is necessary to ensure the normal functioning of the bathhouse at any time.

Laying foil material on the walls of the bathhouse is a mandatory step in the process of finishing the walls. Initially, you need to choose the type of vapor barrier material suitable for the type of walls. Next, you should properly prepare the wall, and then secure the strips in frames made of bars. Installation is usually carried out without any problems and does not take much time. Thanks to this layer, you can avoid many troubles regarding heat conservation, high fuel consumption and damage to the integrity of surfaces.

Purpose of the foil layer for a bath

When insulating a bath, foil can perform various functions. It is used as an independent reflective heat insulator or as one of the layers of a heat-insulating cake. By placing foil between the lining and a layer of thermal insulation, it is possible to create the effect of a thermos. This is the best option for a brick, concrete or frame structure.

If the foil is used alone, it acts solely as a reflector or vapor barrier, protecting vulnerable materials from moisture. With its help, it is possible to increase the air temperature in a small steam room and protect the walls of the bathhouse adjacent to the stove from possible fire.

Foil in a bath can be used in different ways PHOTO: 1.bp.blogspot.com
Date: September 25, 2022

Performing a simple bath lining

When covering the walls of bath buildings, the foil sheet is attached to the surface or on top of a layer of thermal insulation. This work will take little time and will not require much effort.

The process looks like this:

1. Before covering the bathhouse with foil, a frame made of wooden planks is fixed to the wall.
2. Insulation is placed between the slats.
3. The top of the heat-insulating material is covered with overlapping foil, the joints between the strips are glued using aluminum tape.
4. The foil is sheathed with clapboard and a 15-20 cm air gap is required between it and the surface of the foil. This is a prerequisite for effective heat transfer.

The air gap will reduce the thermal conductivity of aluminum, and since the hot lining will not come into contact with the foil, due to the insulating properties of the air, direct heat transfer will become impossible. At the same time, infrared rays hitting the surface of the foil sheet will be reflected towards the steam room.