Thermal insulation and vapor barrier of a bath. Sauna vapor barrier - for water procedures in ideal conditions. Bath vapor barrier materials

To accumulate heat and maintain an optimal temperature regime in the steam room, modern heaters are used. However, the main disadvantage of such materials is their high moisture absorption, which leads to a decrease in thermal insulation properties and the gradual destruction of the wooden structure.

An effective way to solve this problem is a vapor barrier in a bath, which will provide reliable protection for insulating materials.

The need to use a vapor barrier

The bathhouse is a building with high temperature conditions and humidity, which in most cases leads to the formation of condensation. To ensure the correct removal of excess moisture from the premises, as well as to protect the roof and wall structures from deformation and destruction, a vapor barrier is provided for the bath.

Insulation is used for the entire structure - basement, foundation, interior and roof. Often, mineral or basalt wool is used as an insulating layer in a bath. Such materials are resistant to decay, deformation, accumulate heat well, and have a low cost.

If sheets of expanded polystyrene, polystyrene or roll foam are used for insulation, then there is no need for additional equipment of a vapor barrier.

Vapor barrier is used to protect against moisture and steam in the following cases:

• When excess moisture and hot steam from the steam room can penetrate into other functional areas of the bath or outside.
• When moisture forms as a result of sudden changes in temperature conditions in the steam room, in the attic and in other rooms, which leads to the appearance of condensation even before the oven starts to warm up.

• For the steam room, foil materials are used to reflect and accumulate heat.
• Film steam insulators are used for the washing room.
• For the rest room and dressing room, membrane insulation or kraft paper is selected.

Materials (edit)

On the construction market there is a huge selection of materials for the vapor barrier of a bath building. They are divided into several categories:

• film;
• kraft paper;
• membrane;
• foil;
• coating.

Films based on polyethylene and polypropylene

Polyethylene film is the most inexpensive and available roll material, with a width of 2.5 to 6 meters, a thickness of 10 to 200 microns. It is suitable for covering wall and ceiling surfaces due to its resistance to decay and high humidity.

The main disadvantage of the film is its relative fragility and the ability to break down with prolonged exposure to high temperatures. For this reason, such a vapor barrier is best used for a dressing room or rest room.

Polypropylene films are a reliable and practical option that can withstand high temperatures, resistant to cracking and damage. In addition, they do not lose their vapor barrier characteristics when exposed to hot air and ultraviolet radiation. Often a similar material is used for the outer sheathing of the wooden structure of the bath.

Films are made on the basis of cellulose and viscose fibers, they can have a rough matte surface. Due to the porous structure, they are able to retain excess moisture, protecting the heat-insulating layer.

Kraft paper

In rooms with low humidity, it is allowed to use special construction cardboard - kraft paper with a protective foil or lavsan coating.

Foil paper without a polyethylene layer is hygroscopic, so it should not be used for cladding a steam room, but for a rest room or dressing room this is a good option.

Lavsan paper is a more expensive and durable material that is designed to protect dry and damp environments.

In addition, the following kraft vapor barriers are available:

• megaflex;
• isolar;
• rufizol.

Membrane materials

It is the most popular material for protecting the internal structure of the bath from steam. A distinctive feature of the insulator is a two-layer construction, in which one layer prevents steam penetration, and the other ensures natural air circulation.

Membrane materials are available with one or more layers and can be used for bath rooms with high and high humidity levels.

Foil materials

Foil vapor barrier for a bath includes a whole range of protective materials that are resistant to temperature extremes and high humidity. The reflective (foil) side of the insulator provides reliable protection against penetration of steam, infrared and ultraviolet radiation. There are the main types of foil vapor barrier:

• kraft paper coating;
• coating made of kraft paper and lavsan;
• fiberglass cover;
• foil covering.

Lubricants

These are polymer-bitumen mixtures of an industrial design, which are successfully used for vapor barrier of a bathhouse structure. When cured, the rubber creates a tough, wear-resistant film that provides maximum protection against moisture and steam. In addition, it has high heat and sound insulation properties.

As a rule, liquid rubber is suitable for treating floors, as well as concrete and brick walls. The material consumption is as follows: for walls - 1.6 kg, for floors - up to 3 kg.

Steam insulator Izospan

One of the most practical and reliable thermal insulation materials, which is a special polypropylene-based film. They have various thicknesses and strengths, designed to effectively protect the insulation from the negative effects of moisture.

A similar material can be used for wall and ceiling cladding in steam rooms and washing rooms.

The following material grades are presented:

• FS - polypropylene-based membrane with metal spraying;
• FX - foamed polyethylene;
• FB - Kraft paper based foil insulator.

Installation technology

An integrated approach to insulation, waterproofing and vapor barrier will provide effective protection against moisture and prevent heat loss.

The installation technology provides for the use of modern vapor barrier materials: film, foil and membrane.

Steam insulation of a bath and a sauna is carried out in several stages:

1. Preparatory stage.
2. Installation of waterproofing.
3. Insulation laying.
4. Installation of vapor barrier.
5. Decorative surface cladding.

Ceiling

In case of excessive exposure to high temperatures and humidity, the ceiling surface first of all needs careful insulation and treatment with protective vapor barrier materials.

The vapor barrier of the ceiling of the bath is performed in the following order:

1. The log ceiling is preliminarily sheathed with boards 6 cm thick. A foil material of 100 microns or thick cardboard treated with linseed oil is fixed on top of the lathing.
2. Next, a softened clay layer is laid out and a vapor barrier is laid.
3. Insulating material is evenly applied to the vapor barrier layer. The ceiling of the bath can be insulated with mineral or basalt wool up to 5 cm thick. It is recommended to choose ecological wool or expanded clay filler as seamless insulation.
4. A waterproof membrane or wooden flooring is fixed to the insulation. This will prevent possible moisture penetration into the insulation layer.

Walls

What kind of vapor barrier to choose for installation on the walls in wet areas of the bath? As a rule, glassine, films on an aluminum and polyethylene base are used for this. These are the most affordable and inexpensive materials.

The vapor barrier of the walls of the bath is performed in the following order:

1. A wooden lathing is installed on the supporting wall structures, the thickness of which is 2.5 cm more than that of the heat-insulating layer.
2. Insulation is mounted between the elements of the crate. For this, you can use mineral wool or glass wool.
3. A vapor barrier is laid on the insulating layer. How should the material be laid to prevent heat loss and steam penetration? Installation is carried out from the far corner, the edges of the film are fixed with an overlap of 12 cm. For fixing, a stapler and metal staples are used, the joints are sealed with tape.
4. It is important not to forget about. The foil heat-reflecting base of the film is directed towards the interior of the room, and the foamed base is directed towards the insulation.
5. A wooden crate is mounted on the vapor barrier to create a technological gap for natural ventilation.
6. A wooden lining is fixed on the crate.

Floor

How to make a floor vapor barrier? The installation technology depends on the design features of the bath. As a rule, the steam room is equipped with a wooden flooring equipped with a drain hole, which can lead to significant heat loss.

The correct solution to the problem is a multi-layer floor with waterproofing, insulation and vapor barrier.

Work on the vapor barrier of wooden flooring is carried out as follows:

1. A thin layer of liquid waterproofing is applied to wooden boards.
2. Basalt wool is mounted on top.
3. A vapor barrier material that is resistant to decay is laid on the insulating layer.
4. Next, a concrete screed of the base of the required thickness is carried out and a decorative floor covering is laid - porcelain stoneware or tiles.
5. A wooden flooring is laid on the lined base for the convenience of using the steam room.

Roof

In some cases, it is not enough to perform only the vapor barrier of the wall and ceiling surfaces, in order to provide protection against high humidity, it is necessary to take care of the vapor barrier of the roof.

To do this, a special insulating membrane is mounted in the attic in the wooden floor of the bathhouse, on top - an insulating layer, on it - waterproofing. A counter-lattice is installed on the waterproofing layer, to which the selected roofing material is fixed.

Other premises

Whether it is worth performing vapor barrier in other bath rooms, the owner of the building decides on his own. If the wooden bath is not insulated from the inside and outside, then the vapor barrier can be excluded - the drying of the interior will be carried out thanks to the natural ventilation of the wood.

Brick, block and concrete buildings require vapor barrier installation. In this case, not only the material for insulation is subject to drying, but also the entire structure of the bath - walls, floors and ceilings.

Therefore, when installing the vapor barrier layer, additional waterproofing of the surfaces is provided.

Do-it-yourself installation of vapor barrier materials is technically simple, but requires a responsible approach and attention. Only in this case reliable and effective protection of the steam room from the destructive effects of moisture and hot steam is ensured.

In order for the bath, and especially the steam room to hold steam perfectly, the ceiling in the bath must be insulated and vapor-insulated. Wood is a "breathing" natural material, therefore, vapor barrier for a ceiling in a wooden floor has a number of specific features that are characteristic only of this type of structure.

Heat retention principle for a sauna ceiling

The bathhouse can be attributed to buildings with special operating conditions. Due to the fact that this is most often an unheated room, with occasional heating of air masses to high temperatures and a large amount of steam, the ceiling that perceives maximum temperature effects can quickly become unusable.

Depending on the budget and the capabilities of the owner, the bath room can be a whole complex of several undressing and relaxation rooms and the steam room itself, or it can be a small building with a steam room and a dressing room. Regardless of the area, the ceiling must be properly insulated with a mandatory vapor barrier.

The most common method of generating steam for a Russian bath is a heater with a heater. A large amount of released steam due to temperature differences and excess moisture will settle in the form of condensation on the ceiling lining, up to the formation of large drops that break down. An unsuccessfully executed vapor barrier in a wooden house will lead to the insulation of the insulation, the loss of its qualities, and, ultimately, to excessive fuel consumption and an uncomfortable stay in the steam room.

Due to the design features of the roof, log baths or timber baths can be divided into two types: with an overhead "attic" space and without it.

Depending on this, the vapor barrier device will be performed in different ways.

Protecting the wooden ceiling from excess moisture - which vapor barrier is better

The air gap under the roof slopes will prevent heat leakage, but without additional insulation with a vapor barrier, the bath ceiling will get wet from an excess of moisture, and the wood will deteriorate. This can cause the individual floorboards to dry out due to temperature extremes and mold. Competently executed vapor barrier for the ceiling of the bath involves the device of two vapor barriers on both sides of the insulation with a small air gap between them.

If the insulation is not made with fibrous or slab materials, but with bulk material, for example, expanded clay, the vapor barrier is laid on top of the intermediate wooden flooring, from the side of the ceiling space.

To lay the slab insulation, it is enough to arrange a crate from a bar with a two-layer membrane-type vapor barrier laid on it, with a rough (absorbing) side down.

For a bath, it is undesirable to use as a vapor barrier:

• Polyethylene film, due to its excessive tightness;
• Roofing material and its varieties under the general name "euroruberoid", due to the possible seepage of bitumen impregnation through the ceiling due to high temperatures;
• All types of coating vapor barrier, except for places where chimneys pass through the ceiling.

The best choice is breathable two- or three-layer membranes or foil membranes. The reflective layer of such a vapor barrier, due to the reflection of heat waves, will significantly improve the temperature regime in the bath and reduce the cost of fuel for the furnace.

An economical option is to lay craft cardboard impregnated with linseed oil.

The vapor barrier of the ceiling in a bathroom in a wooden house is carried out using the same technology, but since maintaining a high temperature regime in such a room is less important, you can save on installing a foil vapor barrier.

Vapor barrier of the ceiling of a wooden bath

A bathhouse without a ceiling space, usually a structure with a flat roof with a slight slope, due to the lack of an air gap, requires significantly more efforts to insulate and vapor barrier the false ceiling. Let us dwell on this process in more detail.

Sequence of operations:

• The vapor barrier is attached over the entire surface of the rough ceiling with a 15-20mm overhang on the walls. It is advisable to glue the abutments to the walls with sealing tapes. The vapor barrier can be installed directly on the rough ceiling or on wooden dies nailed to it with a small (no more than 1m) step;
• If the width of the vapor barrier panels is not enough to cover the entire ceiling, they are attached with an overlap of at least 15-20 mm. For installation, nails with a wide head or staples of a construction stapler are used. It is advisable to put cardboard washers at the attachment points, or any other sealing gaskets, for example, cut from the remnants of a vapor barrier or any other film, in order to prevent the vapor barrier from breaking at the points of contact with the fasteners.
• Insulation is laid on top of the vapor barrier. It can be expanded polystyrene (cheaper foam for a bath is not desirable because of its high flammability with the release of toxic smoke when ignited), mineral wool, glass wool, plate basalt insulation;
• The insulation layer must be once again protected with a vapor barrier to protect it from internal moisture;
• With a gap of 40-50 cm from the ceiling, a wooden crate is arranged for fixing the final ceiling covering.

A common finish for the ceiling of a wooden house is filing with wooden clapboard. Its use is also appropriate in a log bath. The only difference is that for filing the ceiling of the bath, it is better to use a wooden lining made of hardwood.

The use of lining made of coniferous species, on the one hand, will give an unforgettable forest aroma when due to the release of resin when heated, on the other hand, the release of resin will gradually lead to warping of the wooden lining. There are no such restrictions for other premises of a wooden house.

What is a sauna without steam? Cooking real steam is an art that has been honed over the years. But making steam is one thing, and it also needs to be stored. The steam room should have its own microclimate, which contributes to the enjoyment of the bath procedure.

When the temperature in the steam room has to be maintained with constant heating of the stove and throwing water on the stones, it means that there is no necessary insulation, and the steam simply evaporates. However, a steam leak is fraught not only with an increased consumption of firewood, but also with the premature destruction of the bath itself.

The humidity of the hot air in the bath can be up to 80% (and sometimes even more). It is no secret that in the winter time in the apartment you can observe the fogging of the windows and the formation of condensation on them. This happens due to the sharp temperature difference between the room air and the glass surface.

The same temperature jump occurs when air leaves the steam room (with a temperature of 80 degrees or more) to a colder zone.

Condensation principle

The steam rises up, seeps into the ceiling and enters the attic. In this case, the insulation that lies on top, as well as beams, rafters and other elements, begin to be saturated with moisture, which settles on them in the form of condensation. The result is the decay of materials with all the consequences that come from here.

To avoid this, as well as to keep the steam where it should be, you need to correctly calculate and install the vapor barrier of the ceiling in the bath. This is done in conjunction with thermal insulation. The temperature of the insulation layer changes from high in its lower layer, which is closest to the steam room, to lower in the outer side.

The main purpose of visiting the steam room is to improve the body. In addition, given the special temperature regime, all materials used for insulation and insulation must be environmentally friendly.

Before making a brief overview of the materials used for vapor barrier of the ceiling in the bath with our own hands, let us pay attention to the basic principle of installation of insulation, regardless of the structural type of the ceiling.

Insulation installation principle

It can be seen from this diagram that the vapor barrier is the first layer in the ceiling "pie" of the bath. A finishing lining made of linden or aspen will be stuffed to the fastening rails (it is undesirable to use other types of wood, especially conifers). The thickness of the mounting plate will determine the size of the ventilation gap required. Immediately after the vapor barrier is the thermal insulation material.

This figure schematically shows an example of a false ceiling. Although this option is the most expensive, it is also the most reliable, especially if there is a used attic above the bathhouse.

First, a vapor barrier is aimed at the beams with a stapler. Each strip overlaps the previous one by 15 cm, and the joints are glued with a special tape.

Bonding joints with special tape

The most common use of foil-clad materials or reinforced foil. It is better not to use polyethylene films, because with strong heating, they soften very much, their service life is low, and the appearance of a greenhouse effect is possible. There are special vapor barrier materials on the market in the form of foil based on kraft paper.

Use of foil-clad material for vapor barrier

It is imperative to overlap the vapor barrier from the ceiling to the walls in order to "tie" it to the wall insulation layer.

From above, between the beams, an insulation material is laid on the vapor barrier material - basalt wool, a thickness of at least 150 mm. It is worth considering that the ceiling of the bath is waterproofed above the thermal insulation. The need for this procedure is to prevent the possible ingress of water on the thermal protection (if this happens, the thermal performance drops significantly, and the material itself may deteriorate over time).

Sometimes the vapor barrier of the ceiling in the bath is done the old fashioned way - with natural materials. Instead of a vapor barrier membrane or film, clay is used (in its pure form, or mixed with sawdust).

Using clay for vapor barrier

On the top of the beams (or between them on the cranial bar), a roll is made of boards, and a clay mortar 3-5 cm thick is put on it. All gaps and cracks are carefully smeared over.

Vapor barrier scheme with natural materials

1. Beam
2. Cranial bar
3. Finishing plating
4. Roll from boards

Before laying out the clay, you can put cardboard soaked in linseed oil or wax paper. After the clay dries, a heater is placed on it, which can be used as moss, oak leaves or expanded clay.

As a waterproofing of the ceiling of the bath, you can use an ordinary plastic film, but it is better not to skimp and purchase a waterproofing membrane, especially since the ceiling area in the bath is not so large, and it will not be too burdensome for the budget.

If during the construction of a bath it is planned to make a panel ceiling, then each panel is lined with a vapor barrier before installation, and after that it rises for fastening. At the joints of the panels, a kind of pocket about 10 cm wide is obtained between the beams, into which a vapor barrier is also launched to prevent steam from passing through the interpanel seam. Then, thermal insulation is placed in the panels themselves and in the joints.

Principles of vapor barrier panel ceiling

In the case of using natural materials for the vapor barrier of the ceiling in the bath and its insulation (clay, expanded clay), do not forget that the weight of such a structure will be quite large, and this must be taken into account when calculating the thickness of beams, boards and all other load-bearing structural elements.

The sauna has its own microclimate, which also creates steam, which contributes to the best comfort for taking hygiene procedures. The properties of steam differ from simple room air temperature, including density and pressure. The durability of the building depends on a well-equipped vapor barrier, no matter what materials are used for construction. Experts recommend adhering to 6 tips for arranging a vapor barrier in a bath.

Technology features

A simple technology is used to perform vapor barrier. To make the ceiling vapor-proof, you must adhere to a certain pattern. On the rough boards, you need to fix roll waterproofing (plastic film) or a special hydro-barrier that can be fixed with an ordinary stapler. The insulation is laid in a second layer. Its tasks are as follows:

• to minimize steam leakage through the ceiling cracks;
• make the heat move from cool to warm objects gradually;
• minimize the effect of outdoor air on indoor temperature.

It is difficult for one insulation to cope with the functions assigned to it. Absolutely all grades of material are negative to moisture ingress. It also concerns the most used option - mineral wool.

put a vapor barrier.

it is recommended to leave a gap

Wall vapor barrier

No material can compare with the latter in terms of thermal conductivity. But if water constantly gets on it, over time it becomes a lump and stops performing its intended functions.

An important point is to protect the insulation from getting wet from the outside and inside. This task will be performed by a vapor barrier, which does not allow the hot steam rising to the ceiling to moisten the insulation. For this, for example, the same foil is attached to the material from above.

Applying a vapor barrier in a steam room

The duration of maintaining the desired temperature in the steam room depends on a high-quality vapor barrier device on the ceiling. The generated steam rises to the top of the room and tends to escape outside. On the way, he must meet insulation and moisturize it. To prevent this, put a vapor barrier.

Air heating in the steam room often rises to 100 degrees, and maybe more. At this temperature, plastic film quickly deteriorates, shrinks and bursts. For vapor barrier, modern heat-resistant materials are installed with existing foil. For example, styzol. It performs well and insulation , successfully keeps heat and moisture build up... For ceiling insulation, this is a great option.

The fastening of the material used is carried out with nails for upholstery, you can fasten it with slats, use double-sided tape, etc.

When installing vapor barrier material it is recommended to leave a gap between it and the surface of the building frame for ventilation. During the operation of the steam room, the foil is covered with the resulting condensate, which negatively affects the design of the bath. With the help of ventilation, this phenomenon is quickly eliminated.

Also, to remove condensate, it is necessary to make gutters inside the ceiling. and along the entire perimeter of the walls, observing the slope. The condensate drain can be led directly onto the floor of the steam room.

An important requirement is to seal the seams between the panels of the vapor barrier. This is done with adhesives and mastics; you can use construction tape to join the waterproofing.

Insulation must be laid under the vapor barrier. During construction, you need to work from the outside, and when performing repairs, you need to make insulation with the first layer, and then fix the foil. Not only mineral wool can serve as insulation, but also many different materials, from clay to modern polystyrene plates.

Installation is performed in a slightly different way: a crate is attached to the boards, a step along the width of the vapor barrier. Then the material is nailed to the wall, and the seams are sealed with construction tape.

Next, a lining is stuffed onto the crate - for example, from larch. Lining of deciduous trees looks attractive and does not emit the smell of essential oils when heated. The gap between the cladding and the foil forms an air gap that provides ventilation and prevents condensation.

Correctly applied steam and heat insulation will effectively maintain the created microclimate in the bath and will make you enjoy your visit.

The fact that bath procedures are useful for a person does not cause any doubts. But the abundance of steam negatively affects the state of the building, it quickly ages and collapses. And yet there is a way out - it is a vapor barrier that resists the penetration of moisture to the elements of the capital structure of the bath.

For those who are looking for an answer to the question of which vapor barrier is best for the ceiling, it is worth noting one nuance right away. Only materials to protect against internal steam that tends to outward will be considered here. A barrier from external moisture in the form of precipitation is provided , and that's another topic.

A typical bathhouse includes three areas: a steam room, a shower room and a relaxation room. The humidity level in each of them is different:

• The steam room is the highest concentration of steam, because hot air and stones are present here, which are periodically watered.
• Shower room - the temperature in this room is lower, which means that the humidity is lower.
• The rest room is the "driest" place, but steam still gets through the doors and soda.

The materials for the vapor barrier should be selected taking into account the listed factors. If you need to save money, technologically advanced multilayer membranes are installed in the steam room, and inexpensive films can be used in the recreation room.

Why do you need vapor protection?

The barrier, first of all, prevents moisture from the thermal insulation from moisture-saturated vapors generated inside the sauna room. Similar measures are applied when or living rooms. In the absence of vapor protection, the insulation is quickly moistened and loses up to 10-15% of its properties annually.

It should be borne in mind that the material for the vapor barrier of the walls should always be mounted only on the inside of the building. Why is it so? The point is that steam moves from warm to cold. The temperature drop occurs inside the insulation, which leads to the formation of condensation. Therefore, an airtight obstacle should be made in the path of the steam.

Another function of the membrane is to block the decay products of the heat insulator. Even high-quality basalt wool, after several years of operation, dries up and forms fine dust. It has a harmful effect on a person's well-being. The film prevents dust from entering the room.

Classification of vapor barrier materials

The vapor barrier sheet is produced in a large assortment by many companies. The material differs primarily in the principle of operation:

1. Impervious - able to block moisture from both sides. It is usually produced in the form of a reinforced polyethylene film.
2. Semi-permeable - does not allow moisture to pass through from one side. Such material is mounted in such a way as to divert steam from the insulation into the interior of the room.

Vapor permeability is achieved by the microperforation method, as well as by the presence of lint on one side of the membrane. Such a coating absorbs moisture well and, through the perforation, gives it to the smooth side of the canvas. Diffusion membranes are divided into the following classes according to their conductive parameters:

• Conductive - they are capable of passing 300-1000 mg / m² of moisture per day.
• Superconducting - have a vapor permeability coefficient of more than 1000 mg / m² per day.
• Conditional conductive - per day throughput up to 300 mg / m².

For bath rooms, it is especially important to decide which vapor barrier is best for the ceiling, because most of the heat is directed upward. In such cases, films with energy-saving characteristics are effective, they are divided into two types:

• Metallized - the smooth side of the material consists of fine steel dust, which optimizes its thermal conductivity.
• Foil - on the surface of the membrane there is a foil that reflects infrared rays.

Important! The film is mounted directly on the insulation located between the logs or racks. But for any type of vapor protection, it is necessary to organize a ventilation gap of 20 to 60 mm in size.

Determine which vapor barrier is best suited for the walls in the bath

In order for the bath room to serve without repair for many years, the use of steam protection is mandatory. In this case, the film plays the same role as - keeps insulation and wooden structures from destruction. Both traditional steam barriers and technological products based on modern components are used in a bath or sauna.

PET film

The most budgetary option, but it will not work for a steam room, since plastic wrap is afraid of high temperatures and quickly loses its properties. For a rest room, this solution is quite acceptable. In this case, it is better to take material with a thickness of 100 microns in rolls, where there are no fold seams.

Glassine and roofing material

In the past, a fairly common material in housebuilding, but today it is practically never used as a vapor barrier anywhere. Glassine, which has an unpleasant and harmful odor in a stable state, at elevated temperatures generally gives out a "bouquet" that does not contribute to health improvement in any way. Therefore, in the rating, which vapor barrier is best for the walls of the steam room, these materials are not present at all. The only place where they can be applied is in the shower room.

Kraft paper

Building board helps to slow down the passage of steam into the wall cake. Of course, not as efficiently as technological membranes, but it is quite suitable for a rest room. High moisture levels destroy the structure of the board and it loses strength.

Aluminum foil

The material is absolutely not afraid of high temperatures. It can be installed in all bath rooms. The foil does not emit toxins during operation and has a long service life. The canvases are glued with an overlap, and the joints are sealed with thermal tape.

Foamed polymers

Such material serves as a good barrier to moisture, and reflects heat into the room. This allows you to quickly reach the maximum temperature in the steam room and maintain the desired mode for a long time. Foamed polymer is an effective thermal insulator that is sometimes used as a backing for laminate or parquet flooring.

Manufacturers assure that the material is able to withstand heating up to +140 degrees. It can be mounted in saunas, but in a Russian bath it is better to use a different film. In fact, practice shows that the declared operating temperature is much lower.

At temperatures above 100 ° C, the polymer begins to melt slowly, while releasing harmful substances. If you are interested in what kind of vapor barrier is best for the ceiling, experts do not recommend laying polyethylene.

Vapor barrier films

They are produced in several variations, and the assortment is regularly growing. The main difference between such membranes is their strength, which is provided by several layers and reinforced with an aluminum mesh. Craftsmen advise paying attention to foil films with a fleecy surface on one side. For example, Izospan FS membrane is absolutely vapor and waterproof, and reflects at least 90% of heat.

The hottest: what is the best vapor barrier for the ceiling of the bath?

The ceiling surface is designed to withstand a real storm of heat and steam. That is why it should be insulated with materials that are able to withstand high temperatures. Oddly enough, on a par with , the old-fashioned method of coating with a mixture of clay and sawdust is still popular. Nevertheless, there are also modern materials.

Fiberglass

A vapor barrier material that, having the properties of glass, is flexible and durable. It is better to use it in a steam room, since it does not emit toxic components when heated, unlike bituminous materials.

Foil mineral wool

In fact, it is a heat insulator covered with a moisture-resistant heat-reflecting layer. An excellent material for organizing the vapor barrier of the ceiling plane in a sauna or steam bath. For cladding, a coating with a thickness of at least 50 mm is suitable, it is mounted with insulation inside, and with foil outside.

What is chosen as a vapor barrier layer for a bath?

Specifying the topic of which vapor barrier is better and better for walls and ceilings in bath rooms, we list the most popular materials. Almost all types are available for free sale:

• Izospan FB- made on the basis of kraft paper, has a lavsan coating.
• Alucraft- a three-layer fabric consisting of cardboard, foil and PET film.
• Rufizol S- foil-clad material based on kraft paper.
• Isolon- foamed polyethylene foam with reflective insulation.
• Rockwool Lamella Mat- foil-clad stone wool with perpendicularly arranged fibers, which contributes to the flexibility and strength of the material.
• Knauf Insulation LMF Alur - mineral wool with a layer of foil can withstand heating up to 600 ° C.
• Isover Sauna- a material made of foil and glass wool, created especially for baths.
• URSA M-11F- mineral wool mats based on fiberglass, aluminum foil is applied on one side.
• Izospan FS- metal coated polypropylene membrane.

Regular plastic wrap with reinforcement can easily cope with the removal of steam from the insulation in the shower or recreation room. Diffusion or superdiffusion membranes with a heat reflector in the form of aluminum foil are also suitable for steam rooms. However, the best choice is considered to be foil materials based on mineral or stone wool.