Is it possible to install plastic windows in a bathhouse?

This time we are ready to consider another controversial issue: is it possible to install plastic windows in a bathhouse? Despite the fact that many of us deal with this type of window structures in everyday life, few delve into the details of the device and safety, but how to make an informed decision without facts? Well, we will try to fill this moment by giving you a coherent idea of plastic.

Is it worth installing plastic windows in the bathhouse?

Sometimes in hot rooms, owners decide to install windows for more ventilation. And here many questions arise.

When choosing plastic windows for a bathhouse, you must initially decide on the parameters and material of the structures.

The most primitive is unmodified polyvinyl chloride. This model is not allowed to be used at temperatures above 65 degrees and not below 15. For these reasons, PVC is not allowed in the steam room.

Important! At high temperatures, caustic chlorine begins to be released.

Therefore, it is worth checking with the manufacturer about the maximum temperature allowed for use.

Temperatures in saunas constantly change, so it is important to choose the right design of the product. To prevent metal parts from deforming, closed profiles are best suited.

It is practically impossible to achieve complete tightness between the glass panes, because in this room there is a high possibility of condensation forming inside. To minimize steam formation, it is worth installing at least two-chamber models.

The ideal design would be a double frame. This way the air will be balanced, and it is better to give preference to a plastic option on the outside and a wooden one on the inside. This is acceptable if the thickness of the wall allows such a frame. You also need to be careful with the markings and choose class A with a wall thickness of 2.8 mm or more. They have better thermal insulation.

In order for the window to be of high quality and reliable, it is necessary to set the glass unit dimensions to at least 200x300 mm.

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.

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.

Making bath doors from fiberglass sheets and one frame

For a washing room where temperatures are not high, a steam- and moisture-resistant and warm door can be made from 2 fiberglass sheets and one frame. The sheets are attached with screws to the frame on both sides. The cavity between the sheets can be filled:

bituminized mineral wool,
polystyrene foam,
polystyrene foam.

In order to ensure tight closure, door locks are made from the bottom and top from the inside. Bottom lock - this can be a regular metal hook. But the upper lock cannot be made of metal, since the temperatures at the top can reach high levels and you can burn your hand on the heated metal.

Here you can only make a wooden bolt or bolt. It is not recommended to install any latches or English locks on the doors, because... there is a risk of accidental locking.

Handles on bath doors should also be made of wood, treated with protective impregnations.

Is it still possible to install such windows in the bathhouse itself?

It's up to the owner to decide. You just need to remember that some compositions of the source material in too hot conditions are capable of releasing caustic and toxic chemicals, and at temperatures above 100 degrees they simply melt and become distorted.

In other rooms, for example a rest room, you can arrange it without hesitation. There, apart from high humidity, there are no more unfavorable conditions.

As for installation, there are nuances of what material the building is built from. If the building is made of wood, then natural shrinkage must be taken into account. It’s easier to contact specialists with this problem than to then spend a lot of money on major repairs.

The steam room is the very place where you cannot skimp on the quality of windows. In ordinary rooms, it is allowed to install ordinary models, and if the owner decides to install PVC directly in the brazier itself, then only high-quality, expensive models, preferably from well-known manufacturers, should be purchased here.

What will most readers choose: plastic or wood?

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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 .

Is it possible to install plastic windows in a bathhouse or sauna?

Which window is better for a bathhouse is a rhetorical question. You can install both plastic and wooden ones. Let's look at a more suitable option for a bath or sauna - wooden ones. Wood is an excellent material that is environmentally friendly and is primarily recommended for use in a bathhouse. But it is worth saying that such window frames are quite expensive and require constant repairs. Over time, they begin to crack and dry out. Accordingly, you can add the cost of annual maintenance to the already not low price, and despite all efforts they will fail much earlier than plastic ones.

In fact, you can install plastic windows in bathhouses. Yes, it may not always be aesthetically pleasing, but there is nothing wrong with that. Such a window in a bath will serve perfectly and has a number of advantages. The thermal insulation of such products is a level better than wooden ones and their service life is longer. In addition, installing such a window is very simple even for a beginner. The main thing is to stick to the level and use normal materials.

Be careful with cheap Chinese windows. Everyone wants to buy a good deal, but low-quality plastic melts very much and can cause a fire.

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.

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.

Related article: Why do you need a window between the bathroom and kitchen

What material is the window made from?

The most suitable material from which to make a window is oak. Its appearance and wood texture are suitable for creating windows that will be located in a humid environment.

However, oak wood is quite expensive. Therefore, you can use birch or linden wood. Coniferous wood is not suitable for saunas because resin leaks out of them when heated too much.

Window opening installation

To successfully install a window unit, you will need the following blanks and materials:

timber 100×150 mm, used for the manufacture of casing (casing);
small wooden pads made from pieces of boards or slats, through which a gap is formed between the opening and the window frame;
window unit ready for installation.

In addition, you will need to prepare working tools and consumables according to the following list:

electric drill;
screwdriver and hammer;
square, tape measure and building level;
fastening elements (screws, nails, dowels).

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.

Requirements

When choosing a window, you need to consider several important criteria:

number of glasses;
thickness of the glass unit;
dimensions;
shape;
location.

Window in the steam room (Photo: Instagram / swedensauna)

Thickness and number of glasses

The first requirement concerns the thickness of the glass unit and the number of chambers. Peculiarities:

The average thickness of a single-chamber double-glazed window is 24 mm.
The glass will often be exposed to high temperatures, which can cause it to shatter. To prevent this, you need to choose windows with two cameras. There is an air gap between them, which minimizes the effect of heat on the material.
For a cold climate zone, it is better to choose a three-chamber double-glazed window to minimize heat losses.

Dimensions and shape

Steam room windows can be rectangular or square. Rectangular ones are installed in small rooms, square ones are suitable for large rooms. Features of calculating the size of a window frame for a steam room:

In a room with ceilings up to 2 meters high, the window opening should occupy 4.5% of the floor area.
In rooms with ceilings up to 2.15 meters high, the window opening should occupy up to 6% of the floor area.

It is better to make a small square window, which will be located opposite the stove.

At what height should it be installed in a bathhouse or sauna?

Inexperienced builders have absolutely no idea at what height it is better to install windows. In fact, you should be guided by sound logic here. If you want to install a window in the steamiest room, then you undoubtedly need to install it higher. In the dressing room you can install it at a level of 1.2-1.5 meters. By above we mean installation under the ceiling. This is done in order to open it from time to time and ventilate the room. At the same time, this will prevent interested neighbors from looking at you. Whether a window is needed or not is a difficult question, because in fact, in a steam room you can do without windows at all. But, if you have an idea to make an ideal steam room for a long time, then you should definitely install it. This will increase the service life of the building and provide additional comfort.

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Window sashes

1. Taking into account the size of the assembled window frame, we prepare eight blanks. We make spikes and eyes.

2. We assemble two frames, connecting the parts with waterproof glue.

3. After the glue has dried, we use a molding cutter from the front side along the perimeter of the edge of the frame.

4. Using a 10 mm groove cutter along the perimeter of the frame, we make a quarter cut with a depth of 20 mm. The operation is performed with a double pass of the cutter.

5. Select a quarter for the glass using a 10 mm groove cutter. On the outer sash of the window, the quarter is made on one side, and on the inner sash - on both sides.

6. Using a sharp chisel, cut off the curves in the area where the cutter transitions from one surface to another. Then we sand the wooden window.

We move on to the next stage - installing fittings and hanging window sashes.

If you are satisfied with the results of your work, then all that remains is to glaze the sashes. It is advisable to seal the glass with silicone sealant.

The product is coated with two layers of varnish. After the varnish has dried, a self-adhesive seal is glued around the perimeter of the sashes.

That's all! The wooden window is assembled with your own hands and is ready for installation in the window opening. Having assembled one window in this way, you can then produce bath windows for friends and neighbors.

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.

When purchasing a window unit for a bath, you should clarify what temperature the model can withstand. This will help you understand whether the structure can be installed in a 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.

Unscrupulous companies offer consumers materials made from recycled materials, which significantly reduces the level of structural safety and can be harmful to health.

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.

A closed type of cross-section of a metal structure is suitable for a bathhouse. It will protect the window frame from deformation due to temperature changes.

Single or double frames

The PVC frame design can be with one or more windows. Profiles are:

Single - a solid plastic profile, sometimes with several panels separated by frames.

Window shape

Double - independent structures, separate frames in one opening, with an air gap in the middle.

A double frame is suitable for a bathhouse. The structure can be made of different materials, for example, the inner part is made of wood, the outer part is made of plastic.

Double independent window units will reduce the negative impact of temperature changes. The first window leaf is in contact with the external environment, the second - with the internal one. An unsealed layer will protect the windows.

Necessary or not

It makes sense to talk about windows to a bathhouse when the bathhouse is just being designed or has just begun to be built, when you can intervene in the planned arrangement and make window openings where they were not originally planned. With one condition: changes made to the design of the walls should not weaken them or have any negative impact. In addition, you need to look at which bathhouse - ours, a traditional one, or a Finnish one - you plan to open a window to the outside world. Or include it initially in the project.

Should I do it in a Finnish sauna?

The Finns themselves approach this issue strictly utilitarianly: as such, a window is not needed for normal use, but as an aesthetic element for admiring the beauty of the landscape from the outside, it will not be superfluous. If the landscape is a cluttered or purely economic plot of a neighbor, then when designing a sauna, the Finn will make do without a steam room window in the design sketch.

That is, the very atmosphere of the steam sauna with its dry heat suggests that the negative impact on the wood of the shelves, ceiling and walls will be minimal. And for ventilation, an open door after the owners have washed is quite enough.

However, a utilitarian approach may, on the contrary, encourage the owner of a Finnish bathhouse to install a window in the steam room. Purely due to the fact that a completely enclosed space, without natural light from the street, will cause a person to feel claustrophobic. Or maybe he just needs natural light.

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.

Related article: Blowing from plastic windows, how to eliminate the cause

Opening mechanism

Ease of use depends on the way the frame is opened.

Opening mechanisms

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:

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

Window sizes and locations

There should not be many windows in the bathhouse, because each of them increases heat loss.
It is believed that the total area of windows should not exceed 5% of the floor area in the bathhouse, and the dimensions of each window should not be more than 60x80 cm. Usually the largest window is made in the relaxation room and dressing room, small narrow ones are placed in the washing room and in the steam room. The shape is most often square or rectangular, although shaped designs are also found. The project shows the windows of the dressing room and steam room

Windows are needed not so much for lighting as for ventilation, so it is desirable that they all open or have at least a window. The most convenient are double-hung windows with double frames.

Double frame window

Steam room

Window in the steam room

The main function of a window in a steam room is ventilation. It is opened to remove excess steam if it becomes too hot, and after bath procedures to dry the room faster. For the most effective ventilation, it is recommended to make two narrow windows in the steam room above the top shelf, measuring 20x40 cm.

Narrow window in the steam room

Washing

Windows in the washing room

In the washing room, one window is enough, a little larger in size than in the steam room. Ventilation is also very important here, so installing a blind window is not advisable. To prevent those who are washing from being visible from the outside, the window opening should be located at a height of 1.5 m. If lower, frosted glass can be used.

Dressing room and rest room

Window in the dressing room

Large windows can be installed in these rooms, especially if they offer a good view. Of course, the frames must be double, all connections must be sealed. If there are 2 or 3 windows in the room, only one can be made hinged; this is quite enough for ventilation.

Window in the rest 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.

Are they the same everywhere or different?

Well, in fact, in the paragraph above we answered the question of this chapter. In bathhouses, the window sizes are different everywhere, because the tasks and conditions of the premises also differ from each other. Let's go through each room then.

What to do in the steam room

In the steam room it is better to make a small window into which you can, for example, stick your head. If the stove is powerful, then a larger window size is not prohibited. On average, they place from 40 to 80 cm on either side. There are no engineering requirements regarding the form. Complete freedom of choice.

It is recommended to make a very small window or simply a plugged hole the size of a brick, which will serve to ventilate the space under the shelves.

Which one for the rest room

Here, put the standard one for the apartment - it will cost less than a custom one. Although here there is complete freedom. You can even do not just one, but a couple. Just don’t do them on opposite walls - there will be a strong draft, and the smoke may well be drawn in. Do it on one wall or on adjacent ones.

In the washroom

We have already said above that a window is not a replacement for ventilation. Therefore, the window in the washing bath is simply for lighting, or for the sake of the views outside the window, or for the sake of the breeze in the hot summer. Ventilation takes care of everything else. Therefore, the dimensions and location depend solely on the will of the designer or customer. You can do without it altogether.

Installation

An owner who knows how to hold tools for repair work in his hands will be able to install window frames on his own. Installation is elementary, it is important to maintain the technology for the bathhouse material.

At the steam room design stage, it is necessary to consider the design of the windows to facilitate installation.

Timber or log house

The process of installing window blocks in bathhouses made of timber or timber frames is complex in technology and labor-intensive. The difficulty is due to the fact that wood absorbs and gets rid of moisture.

Installation of windows in wooden baths

In houses, moisture leaves the timber, you can continue work in the standard way, but difficulties arise with the bathhouse. The fumes that are common in a steam room are absorbed into the surfaces and lead to changes in the size of the wooden panels. Windows should be installed according to the following diagram:

lining of window openings. It will not be possible to immediately put the frames in place. You need to casing the box. In place of the future window, a board with grooves and tenons on the surface is mounted. The design will securely hold the window unit. The casing must be done on four sides of the opening;
installation of the window frame in a standard way. Having fixed the product on the casing, blowing foam into the cracks, it is necessary to finish the slopes. The slopes are covered with wooden blocks.

You can see more details in the video:

Brick bathhouse or from other blocks

Installing plastic windows in a brick steam room is no different from installing structures in a residential building. Sequence of work:

determining the installation location for future windows at the bathhouse design stage;
securing the frame without sashes with wooden spacers;

The window block should be slightly smaller than the opening.

fastening the structure with anchors;

Installation of windows in the bathhouse

All that remains is to foam the cracks and finish the slopes.

Frame structure

The frames are mounted in pre-built boxes. The installation process is similar to installation in a brick bath. The frames are fixed with anchor plates and self-tapping screws.

Windows in the bathhouse

When installing a frame in a frame structure, dowels are not used so as not to damage the structure.

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.

Reviews

Irina, 35 years old, St. Petersburg. We built a bathhouse from timber at our dacha, and I’m very glad that we relied on metal-plastic structures in the relaxation room. After visiting the steam room, you can ventilate the room so that moisture does not accumulate on the beams.

Innokenty, 45 years old, Moscow. I built the bathhouse on the site myself; due to my inexperience, I chose PVC windows for the steam room. Six months later, the frame became deformed and had to be replaced with ordinary double-glazed windows. In the dressing room, rest room, PVC windows help out, moisture quickly leaves the room.

Katerina, 52 years old, Krivoy Rog. My husband dreamed of a bathhouse at his dacha so he could gather with company. I am very glad that when designing the structure, we turned to the craftsmen. They advised not to put windows in the steam room, although we intended to. Now we realized that this would be a waste of money and time, there is a wonderful atmosphere in the steam room, we ventilate the room by opening the door to the dressing room.

Wooden windows: a bathhouse that “breathes”

For quite a long time, wooden windows for a bathhouse have been considered the most reliable - they look good in any interior, and in terms of their reliability and durability, PVC structures have not yet been surpassed. As for the complex care of such windows, today there are many good impregnations that prevent the wood from rotting and deteriorating.

And the high temperature, without which a bathhouse is not a bathhouse, is perfectly tolerated by windows made of natural wood. While plastic structures still cause concern among people - you never know what toxic substances they can emit. And plastic itself, oddly enough, is much less fire-resistant than wood, and if it catches fire, it will release a very poisonous gas, dioxin, into the air. Because of this, where the plastic window burned, they then do a special, expensive treatment of the walls so that this room can continue to be used as a living space.

Related article: Bamboo roller blinds for windows

The ideal wooden windows for a bathhouse are windows with two sashes, which are equipped with double-glazed windows and are sold with insulation. Most often they are made from laminated veneer lumber, and therefore are durable and resistant to both external precipitation and sudden temperature fluctuations inside the bathhouse. After all, laminated veneer lumber, due to its consistency, is much stronger than usual - such a window will not warp even over the years and at the highest humidity.

And, finally, wooden windows in a bathhouse can be repaired - scratches and other defects can be easily removed from them, whereas this cannot be done on a PVC window - it will have to be completely replaced if something happens.

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.

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.

In different bath rooms

Yes, there is a point that windows need to be installed differently in different rooms of the bathhouse.

Installation in a steam room

The steam room is a hot room; many people prefer sauna conditions, plus high humidity. All chemistry, if it stands here, will definitely emit volatile organic matter. On the other hand, polyurethane foam is polyurethane, and it is not recommended for use in a steam room. In general, you just need to remember that it is better not to fix the window in the steam room with polyurethane foam.

ADVICE! Instead of polyurethane foam, kosher insulation for steam rooms - jute, flax fiber and the like - are quite suitable.

It is best to fix the window in the opening using dowels, dowels, and anchors.

In other rooms

In all other rooms of the bath there is neither such humidity nor temperature. Therefore, the use of polyurethane foam can be considered justified. Just don't rely on foam alone - it's a bad idea. And when choosing plates, do not take those that bend like paper in your hands. Take stiff, reinforced ones.

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