Steam Shower Door with Window Louver?

8/24/2011 at 7:00:54 PM

I believe that having a glass from top to bottom and not letting any steam escape via any ventilation is not recommended.

8/25/2011 at 4:28:41 PM

HI Peter.

I have installed a number of steam showers and yes it is best to have sealing unit. All walls and ceiling should be cement board or Denshield and walls, floors and ceiling shoud be tiled and sealed. The floor should be properly sloped to a drain and the door should also be a sealed unit. I always install an exhaust fan vented directly outside with rigid insulated pipes as well as a timer so that when your finished with your steam, you run the fan for at least 30 mins. This helps remove the moisture

Regards,

Kingsway Construction Inc

Glenn Rosborough

8/26/2011 at 2:32:12 PM

Thanks Glenn.

The steam shower itself is properly tiled, sloped and ready to go. I have an robuts exhaust fan outside the steam shower is in the ceiling and at present would block the full length (Shower Base to Ceiling) shower door from being installed. I've had two individuals recommend that I install a window louver at the very top of the shower door which would then require a smaller door and solve the vent block issue. Conversely, my glass installer recommends that no window louver be installed and instead advises me to move the vent location away from the door.

Since I've got to do one or the other I'm seeking advice on what would be the better long term solution. Window louver or no window louver. What do you recommend?

While cost is an issue it is not the main driver.

Peter

8/28/2011 at 6:42:19 PM

Hi Peter

Having installed numerous steam showers the answer is really one of personal preference. Some clients prefer to have the louvered window above the door so as to provide the option of a partial steam release if they are having a prolonged steam exposure. In either situation as long as there is an exhaust fan on a timer by the opening or door (as yours has) the functional mechanics of the window or door really just becomes a matter of personal asthetics.

Enjoy your new steam shower!

Marc

8/31/2011 at 11:22:44 PM

Hi, Peter.

I would suggest having the louver above the door. The louver would typically be closed at the start of the steam shower session to enable a quicker temperature rise and to get the steam concentration up more quickly. However, once it is super hot and steamy in there, you can reach up and tilt the louver for a measured release of steam and heat so you don't overdo it. Keep in mind that an extreme concentration of steam can produce coronary and respiratory distress.

Also keep in mind that the louver allows the fan to siphon off some of the steam and vent it outside. Without the louver, the fan is really only useful once you open the door and that often results in so much steam release that every surface in the bathroom gets a 'bath'

Hope this helps.

Tim

9/16/2011 at 9:11:01 PM

In our steam showers there are two exhuaut fans: on inside the steam shower that is on a timer and one outside the unit. Personally, a sealed shower is best and the fan presenting the door problem should be relocated. If you go with a louvred solution you will have to leave the door open for a period of time to ensure proper moisture removal.

Regards,

Kingsway Construction Inc

Glenn Rosborough