Steam shower: a relaxation area to plan for during renovation
Close the door, sit back, and enjoy the enveloping warmth: the steam shower brings a new dimension to the bathroom. It combines the daily shower with a relaxation space in a single installation.
In Montreal, this project can be incorporated into a bathroom renovation, provided its specific requirements are anticipated. Generator, walls, ceiling, ventilation, and access for maintenance must all be considered together. Here are the elements to know before choosing your equipment.
How does a steam shower work?
A steam shower includes a generator that heats water and sends the steam into a closed chamber. A steam outlet diffuses the steam into the shower, while a control allows the system's operation to be adjusted.
The steam generator is installed outside the shower area, in a location suited to the chosen model. The regular shower fixtures remain available for washing and rinsing: the steam function complements the daily use of the shower. The manufacturer MrSteam presents the main components in its guide to preparing a steam shower .
The aim is to create a place where you can take your time, with comfortable seating, pleasant lighting and easily accessible controls.
Can an existing shower be converted into a steam shower?
It is sometimes possible, but the presence of tiling and a glass door is not enough to confirm feasibility.
A standard shower may have an opening above the wall, an unprotected ceiling, or materials not designed to withstand steam. Therefore, before adding a steam generator, the entire structure must be examined.
This inspection focuses in particular on the enclosure, the finishes, the moisture protection, and the connection options. Depending on the condition of the installation, the conversion may require significant work on the shower.
If you're planning a bathroom renovation in Montreal , mention your desire to have a steam room from the outset. This will allow us to assess this option before finalizing the layout and ordering materials.
An enclosure designed to contain vapor
Walls and a door adapted
The space must be able to retain steam during use. A shower that is largely open to the bathroom does not meet this requirement.
The glazing and the door must be chosen for this purpose, also providing the necessary opening for drying after the session.
A walk-in shower and a steam shower are therefore not the same thing. The former refers to the shower's layout; the latter adds specific equipment and design requirements.
Protection that also includes the ceiling
The visible tiling is only part of the installation. The supports and the water and vapor protection system must be compatible with this environment, including the ceiling.
The assemblies must comply with the manufacturers' specifications. Condensation management at the ceiling must also be considered according to the chosen configuration. Delta details these points in its steam shower design guide .
Which steam generator should I choose?
The generator's power depends on several shower characteristics. Floor space alone is not enough: height, total volume, and finishing materials also play a role in sizing.
A large shower enclosure or certain wall coverings may require different equipment than a compact shower. The choice should be verified against the manufacturer's specifications, as explained in MrSteam's technical FAQ .
A location must also be provided for servicing the unit after the work is completed. A concealed generator must remain accessible for maintenance. The necessary connections and clearances should be confirmed in the instructions for the chosen model.
Comfortable accommodations down to the smallest detail
The seating deserves as much attention as the finishes. An integrated bench can extend the lines of the tiling, while a fold-down seat can free up space when the shower is used standing up.
The steam outlet must be positioned away from the seat and inlet, according to the equipment instructions. The controls must remain easy to use. These provisions are part of Delta's design recommendations .
To define your project, imagine the everyday actions: entering, placing a towel nearby, sitting down, setting the timer, and then rinsing off. This reflection helps in choosing a layout that is pleasant to use, beyond its appearance.
How to manage humidity after use?
The steam must be contained during the session, and then the space must be allowed to dry. Opening the door after use promotes air circulation, as the Delta guide specifies.
Bathroom ventilation is therefore part of the project. Its role must be considered in conjunction with that of the steam room. An extractor fan placed directly in the cabin is not a solution to be improvised: MrSteam specifically excludes ventilation components inside the steam room in its preparation guidelines .
What budget should I plan for a steam shower?
The price of a steam shower isn't limited to the generator. To compare offers, request a quote that clearly distinguishes between:
The generator, the controls and the steam outlet.
The construction or adaptation of the shower.
The water and steam protection system.
The glazing, the door and the coverings.
Connections, ventilation, and labor.
Comfort options and access necessary for maintenance.
Please also specify whether you wish to keep the current shower location and which components can be reused. A quote prepared after an on-site inspection will be more helpful than a price quoted for the equipment alone.
Prepare your project with BonBain
Are you planning to add a steam shower to your next bathroom? Prepare some photos, the available dimensions, and your layout preferences. Also, indicate whether your priority is to renovate an existing shower or completely redesign the room.
BonBain assists with bathroom renovation projects in Greater Montreal and on the South Shore. Tell us about your desire for a relaxing space so we can explore the possibilities and constraints of your renovation.
To have your project evaluated, fill out the BonBain free estimate request .
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