Steam Baths versus Saunas

Few things are more luxurious to have in your own private bathroom than steam baths.  These fantastic baths allow you to soak in a mist like steam that penetrates the skin and muscles to rejuvenate body, mind, and soul. In addition to helping soothe aching muscles and joints, the steam produced from these baths work as a full body steam treatment for your skin, keeping it smooth, supple, and looking fabulous. Many individuals think these steam showers or baths are well out of their budget, and many more confuse them with saunas. Neither one of these common misconceptions should not keep you from not installing steam baths in your own bathroom, so begin the planning process today.

For starters, there is a distinct difference between steam baths and saunas.  Saunas are enclosed structures typically made of wood that uses heat to induce perspiration. The temperature inside a traditional sauna can soar up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit, but due to low humidity, the body can withstand these thermometer breaking temperatures. Typically, saunas are constructed using volcanic stones that have been heated and over which water is poured. Keeping a bucket and ladle on hand, this water is regularly applied over the stones, creating some steam for a short amount of time. Often, the inclusion of a sauna into a home is quite expensive and space consuming. Unlike steam baths, saunas need regularly maintenance and can wreck havoc on heating bills when in use.

Steam baths are actually baths that use a steam generator to create a form of mist. This mist is not much hotter than a traditional shower or bath, allowing them to be used without breaking the bank when it comes to using hot water. Furthermore, a steam bath or shower takes up the same space as a traditional bath tub or shower, so that it will likely fit into any space. Also, these steam showers and baths are quite reasonable and can be added to your home without lottery winnings or taking out a second mortgage. Just like any type of plumbing supply, individuals who include steam baths in their home will have a wide variety of styles, sizes, and budgets from which they choose.

Although steam baths can be a great way to rest and relax after a hard day of work, they can do great damage to the construction of your home if not properly sealed. The steam can seep out from an improperly sealed steam shower or bath, rotting wood, sheetrock, and insulation. Additionally, mold and mildew can grow on these continually wet surfaces if a steam shower or bath is installed improperly. In addition to protecting the floors and walls with tile, the ceiling should also be tiled after a protective waterproof layer has been installed. Finally, the doors to steam baths or showers should be equipped with a proper seal that should be inspected on a regular basis to check for leaks.