Ventilation box in the steam room. Ventilation in the bathhouse - design features and practical recommendations

Among the most important indicators of a Russian bath are traditionally the temperature and level of air humidity, forgetting about another fundamental indicator - air exchange. This is very reckless, because even if you carefully insulate the room and achieve comfortable humidity, staying in a steam room with musty air will be not only uncomfortable, but also dangerous. If you want to avoid such a fate, take care of ventilation in the steam room in advance. You can even set up such a system with your own hands - let’s look in detail at how to do it correctly.

Before moving on to describing the features of the immediate technological process, let’s first clarify why ventilation in a steam room is necessary at all. It is no secret that many skeptics consider its arrangement only an unjustified waste of time and money, but this is far from true - the absence of a ventilation system can lead to at least three sharply negative consequences.

Types of ventilation systems for steam rooms

Ventilation in a steam room can be of three types:

• natural;
• mechanical;
• combined.

The natural system assumes that air circulation is ensured by the difference in pressure and temperature levels in the steam room and outside. The principle of operation here is simple: first, hot air rises to the upper zone of the steam room, and then goes out through the exhaust vent to the street, thereby discharging the atmosphere in the bathhouse - this creates the conditions for drawing in new air through the supply vent. The advantage of such ventilation is minimal financial costs. But here one nuance must be taken into account: if the structure is insufficiently insulated, the natural air duct will be an obstacle to high-quality heating of the bathhouse.

Ventilation diagram in the steam room

Mechanical ventilation operates through special devices that control the output of exhaust air and the supply of new air flows into the steam room. As a rule, various types of fans act as such devices. The advantage of a mechanical system is that ventilation equipment can be installed in almost any area of ​​the room.

Advice. Classic is not suitable for a bath duct fan, since it will not withstand the harsh conditions of the steam room - here it is better to use special models made of glass-filled polyamide that can withstand high temperatures - up to 130 degrees.

Combined ventilation combines elements of both natural and mechanical systems. It functions in this way: mechanical devices are responsible for extracting exhaust air, and fresh air enters through a separate supply opening.

Ventilation schemes

There are at least five working ventilation schemes that can be used in a steam room - choose a specific option based on the design features of your Russian bath.

• The supply opening is behind the stove at a distance of 50 cm from the heater, and the exhaust opening is opposite, at a distance of 20 cm from the base of the floor. The air is removed forcibly - this is provided by a fan built into the lower opening.
• The supply opening is behind the heating device at a distance of 30 cm from the base of the floor, the exhaust opening is at a distance of 20 cm from the floor on the opposite wall. The air is forced out using a fan. The main feature of the scheme is the very high heating rate of fresh air.

Ventilation systems in the bathhouse

• Both openings - flow and exhaust - are located on one side directly opposite the stove, but on different levels: the first - at a distance of 30 cm from the base of the floor, the second - 20 cm from the ceiling. The system operates using a fan that is mounted in the exhaust vent.

Advice. This scheme is suitable for baths with an internal steam room - when the room has only one external side.

• The supply hole is behind the stove at a height of 20 cm from the base of the floor. There is no exhaust hole - instead, a special leaking floor is provided: exhaust air masses pass through its cracks to the ventilation pipe. This system guarantees an additional function – quick drying of the floor.
• The supply opening is opposite the stove at a distance of 20 cm from the base of the floor. The role of the exhaust hole is assigned to the blower. This scheme is suitable only for those baths where the heating device operates continuously.

General rules for organizing ventilation in a steam room

Whatever ventilation system option you choose, it must be equipped according to certain rules.

Firstly, it is advisable to make all ventilation holes at the stage of building the bathhouse, since punching channels in a ready-made structure is a very difficult process. The ideal option is to decide on a suitable scheme during the design of a Russian bathhouse in order to make all the necessary changes to the work plan in a timely manner.

Secondly, the dimensions of the exhaust opening should be approximately the same as the dimensions of the supply opening. In any case, the “output” should not be less than the “input”, otherwise it will be impossible to ensure a complete outflow of exhaust air from the steam room. And to speed up this process, it is allowed to increase the dimensions of the exhaust opening and even install two “exits” in one room.

Make a valve to block the air flow during the cold season

Thirdly, in order to regulate the airflow of the steam room, all ventilation openings must be equipped with special valves or blinds. They will be useful to you in several situations: when warming up the steam room, when the vents will need to be covered to quickly increase the temperature to the required level, as well as during the frosty season, when cold air will actively strive into the warm room.

Fourthly, the cross-section of the ventilation hole should be related to the area of ​​the steam room in the proportion: 1 cubic meter. m area - 24 cm section. If the holes are small, the air in the room will not be able to quickly renew itself.

Of course, organizing ventilation in a bathhouse with your own hands is not the easiest task. But it is fundamentally necessary: ​​without air exchange, you can forget about the comfort, safety and durability of the steam room. Now you know the main rules and subtleties of this work - if you strictly adhere to them, you will definitely be able to make a high-quality ventilation system even without professional help.

Ventilation in the bathhouse: video

In order for bath procedures to bring only benefit and pleasure, two conditions are necessary:

• high level of temperature and humidity in the steam room;
• the presence of sufficient oxygen.

These seemingly mutually exclusive tasks are solved by ventilation in the bathhouse in general and in the steam room in particular. Despite the fact that high humidity and temperature must be maintained in the steam room of a Russian bath, it is impossible to do without access to fresh (cold) air: oxygen is processed by our lungs, partially burned out by the stove, and carbon monoxide (CO) gradually accumulates in the steam room. chemical formula carbon monoxide).

How to properly ventilate a bathhouse. In the figure, red arrows show the movement of hot air, blue arrows show cold air.

If you do not organize the replacement of “exhausted” air with fresh air, instead of improving health and increasing efficiency (this is what we go to the bathhouse for), you can get best case scenario lethargy, weakness and headache, and in the worst case – a hospital bed or even a place in a cemetery.

Properly arranged ventilation ensures air circulation, while oxygen is supplied in sufficient quantities, and carbon dioxide and carbon dioxide s are released into the atmosphere. After graduation bath procedures, with good ventilation, vapors are actively removed outside the building, and rooms that previously had high humidity dry out. If this aspect has not been given enough attention, after a couple of years in the steam room, and then in other rooms, the lining rots, the smell of mustiness and sweat appears and gradually intensifies, and the wood turns into dust. Now, I hope, it is clear whether ventilation is needed in the bathhouse...

Warming up and ventilating the bath. Please note that the exhaust vent is located at a small height from the floor - usually no higher than 50 cm. With this scheme, exhaust steam is released into the atmosphere. Moreover, the floor in the steam room warms up well

Ventilation in a bathhouse is not needed only in one case: if it is all built of wood and has not been insulated anywhere - neither from the inside nor from the outside. In this case, air exchange occurs due to the fact that the wood “breathes”. Also in this case they talk about the presence natural ventilation in a bathhouse: any wood has pores and crevices through which air flows out/flows and temperature and humidity are regulated. But if the bathhouse is made of rounded logs or has insulation or moisture/steam insulation, then the creation of additional ventilation holes is necessary.

There are three types of ventilation:

1. Mechanical ventilation. In this case, the inflow and outflow of air masses occurs due to artificially created air movement. Air parameters are controlled by technical means.
2. Natural ventilation: circulation occurs due to the difference in pressure inside and outside the room. This method is only possible if there are “breathing” walls or thoughtfully arranged ventilation vents.
3. Combined ventilation: simultaneous use of the natural movement of air masses and technical devices (in the simplest case, fans).

The video below shows the combined ventilation option.

In a specific case, aluminum foil with a thickness of 100 microns was used in the construction of the ventilation duct.

Ventilation device in baths

In its simplest form, the ventilation system for a steam room or bathhouse consists of two (sometimes more) openings in the walls and/or foundation: supply and exhaust. The trick is in choosing the location of these holes and their sizes. Sometimes, to ensure more active air exchange, fans can be installed.

Warming up and ventilating the bath. In the simplest case, the exhaust vent is located near the ceiling

There is no single ventilation scheme for a bathhouse: they are too different both in design features and in the materials from which they are made. But there are general rules and several of the most common schemes, following which you can choose the optimal ventilation specifically for your case.

The size of the ventilation holes is calculated based on the volume of the steam room: per cubic meter of ventilated area, the size of the holes should be 24 cm 2.

Despite the fact that the main task in the bathhouse is to maintain high humidity in the steam room and a sufficient temperature level, the ventilation holes should not be made too small: they will not provide the necessary level of air exchange. Exhaust ventilation openings must correspond to the size of the supply ventilation openings: if the proportions are not correct, the air exchange will also be insufficient. In some cases, to speed up the removal of exhaust air and speed up the drying of the bath, you can make two exhaust holes.

To ensure the required air conditions when heating the steam room, special covers/plugs are made on the ventilation ducts, which can be opened/closed from the steam room, thereby regulating the humidity/temperature/air exchange. Generally speaking, the presence of plugs or covers on any ventilation hole facing the street is mandatory: in winter, cold air actively strives into a warm room and the presence of covers or regulators to block it is necessary.

Where can there be supply and exhaust openings?

Most often, it is at least partially located in the steam room. In this case, the supply hole is made near the stove at a distance no higher than 30 cm from the floor. The incoming cold air quickly heats up from the stove and rises. It's quite popular, but not the most The best way organizing ventilation for the bathhouse. Ventilation is much more effective when the supply openings are located in the foundation under the floor (to prevent rodents from entering through them, the openings are equipped with metal gratings). This option solves two problems at once: it delivers fresh air to the bathhouse, and also effectively dries the floors and walls after completing the procedures. The floor boards, in this case, are not laid closely, but with a small gap for free passage of air. If you don’t want to leave gaps in the floor (although this is very good for a bathhouse), you can make several ventilation holes in the floor, covered with wooden grates. In this case, the air movement will not be so active; more powerful fans may be needed, but the circuit will remain operational.

When planning supply ventilation holes in the foundation, keep in mind that air into the bathhouse should come from the street, and not from the underground, otherwise it will have a musty smell. To organize air intake from the street, a box made of wood (often homemade), plastic or metal (ready-made) is placed in the hole, and it is also taken out near the stove. Typically, the inlet openings are located in an area that is protected by a metal or asbestos sheet from coals and firebrands.

Ventilation holes in the foundation are provided at the planning stage. If the foundation is already ready, but there are no holes for ventilation, you can ventilate the floor in the steam room differently: lay the floor boards on the joists, but not close to each other, but with a gap of 0.5-1 cm. In the gap between the rough (earth/concrete) floor and the finishing floor, an outlet is arranged, which goes into a ventilation pipe that discharges exhaust air to the roof (but not to the attic). This option provides for the presence of only one supply hole, which is usually located below the heater. The exhaust pipe under the floor is installed on the opposite side of the room (but not opposite, but diagonally).

Making an exhaust pipe in a steam room from plastic boxes for ventilation it is impossible - they cannot withstand high temperatures, but it is permissible to use them in the locker room or washing department.

With this ventilation scheme in the steam room, cold air warms up near the stove, rises, then, cooling, falls down, seeps under the floor through cracks in the floor and is discharged through the outlet pipe. These two options effectively remove moisture after a bath; they can also be considered floor ventilation schemes in a bath.

Exhaust openings can be located on the wall opposite the supply opening (if both of these walls face the street) or on the same wall, but in the opposite corner. There is a scheme in which they are located at the top on the opposite wall (30 cm from the ceiling), sometimes they are located at the bottom (30 cm from the floor). If the exhaust vent is located below or on the same wall as the supply vent, a fan is needed to create air flow.

To ensure that ventilation in the bathhouse remains effective, you must not:

• make ventilation vents smaller than the calculated ones;
• Place the supply and exhaust openings one opposite the other - this way the incoming air is removed almost immediately without releasing oxygen, a draft is formed, which is contraindicated for a bath.

Steam room ventilation schemes

Let's consider several of the most common ventilation options in a steam room:

These are the most commonly used ventilation schemes for steam rooms in a bath; there are many more variations and combinations of them. Based on these four options for organizing ventilation, you can develop a scheme for your steam room.

Ventilation in the washing compartment of the bathhouse

In a washing room, high humidity is common, and to prevent the lining from rotting or bad smell, it is necessary to provide floor ventilation. It is arranged similarly to floor ventilation in a steam room: an exhaust hole is made between the rough and finished floors, which can be equipped with a fan. The exhaust pipe leads to the roof.

With this floor ventilation scheme in the washing compartment, the coldest exhaust air is removed, and warmer air from the upper layers is lowered in its place. In this way, an increase in the comfort of the people staying here is also achieved.

The principle of ventilation in all other rooms of the bathhouse is the same. We need to decide on optimal system ventilation specifically for your conditions and select/develop the most suitable scheme. Ventilation in the washing compartment differs only in that, due to lower air temperatures, plastic ventilation ducts can be used here (which cannot be done in a steam room) and fans can be installed that are not heat-resistant, but only those that can withstand high humidity (moisture-proof).

Ventilation of brick and Turkish baths

When planning a ventilation system for a brick bath, you need to take into account that its efficiency should be many times higher than that of a wooden one. Indeed, in this case, you will have to dry not only the inner lining of the steam room/washing room/locker room, but also the walls: brick is a very hygroscopic material. To remove all moisture, it is necessary that the inflow/outflow of air during drying be very active, and the vents have reliable dampers that allow you to regulate the intensity of air movement.

When installing ventilation with its 100% humidity, exhaust ventilation must also be very effective: in an hour of operation it is necessary to ensure a six-fold change of air in the room. In addition, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of removing condensate, which forms during cooling in large quantities. This problem can be solved in two ways: install an air dryer in the pipe, which discharges condensate into the sewer system, or provide a channel in the ventilation pipe for discharging condensate (it also goes into the sewer).

Conclusion: it is necessary to plan ventilation at the bathhouse design stage, placing inlet vents in the foundation. If necessary, you can make vents in finished walls, but this is quite troublesome and complicated.

Baths have always been famous for their healing properties. But to obtain a healing effect, it is necessary not only to listen to the advice of doctors, but also to organize own bathhouse the right system ventilation.

Those who have been to classic village bathhouses made of wood are unlikely to remember the presence of paired exhaust vents in such pairs. In fact, they are not there. After all, a small amount of fresh air entering the bathhouse from cracks in the floor, window or doorway, can meet the needs of 2-3 people.

But a bathhouse designed for a large capacity, and especially a brick one, must be equipped with a ventilation system to fulfill the following important points:

• the supply of fresh air, which prevents the accumulation of carbon dioxide in the steam room and preserves the health of people in the bathhouse;
• air circulation, which allows you to dry the room after bath procedures. This prevents the appearance of unpleasant odors in the bathhouse, the growth of mold fungi and helps to increase the service life of the building without the need to replace wood elements;
• uniform distribution of heated air in the steam room of the bathhouse.

Moreover, if the hood is designed correctly, it should not lead to the following unpleasant consequences:

• to a drop in temperature in the steam room during bath procedures;
• violation of the correct stratification of air by temperature - the coolest layer should be at the bottom;
• removing clean air from the steam room, not saturated with carbon dioxide.

In a steam room with good ventilation it is easy to breathe and relaxing is pleasant

How does bath ventilation work?

It is correct to provide a bathhouse ventilation system at the construction stage, because it is at this moment that you can make the hood correctly and independently with the least labor and material costs. In addition, the process of making holes in the finished structure can lead to a decrease in the strength of the walls.

Air exchange in the bath is ensured by two holes.

1. The supply hole is located at the bottom and provides fresh air into the bathhouse.
2. The exhaust vent is located at the top on the wall opposite the supply vent. Thanks to the hood, exhaust air is removed from the steam room. However, if the hole is located very close to the ceiling, then hot air is quickly removed from the room, which leads to a decrease in the temperature of the steam room.

This design allows you to adjust the direction of the air flow. At the moment when the bathhouse is heated, all three holes are closed. When people steam, the inlet and bottom exhaust vents are open. After bath procedures, all ventilation is open, which allows the bath to dry well.

Ventilation in the bathhouse can be mechanical. In it, the air in the steam room circulates thanks to the injection equipment. In a more complex and expensive version, the air supply process is monitored by special devices that, if necessary, start the ventilation system. The use of a mechanical hood allows you to place holes on any of the walls, as well as correct errors in organizing natural ventilation.

In any case, to ensure air exchange in the bathhouse, there are several exhaust systems that differ from each other in the location of the holes.

Video - Ventilation in a bathhouse with a stove - air conditioning

Methods for installing ventilation in a bathhouse

We will describe several of the most popular and simple ways of arranging ventilation in a steam room. They can be either using fans or carried out completely naturally.

Method 1

This is the one described above natural ventilation scheme with one supply and two outlets. The entrance hole in such a system is made in the wall immediately behind the stove at a distance of 0.3 m from the floor surface.

To connect the outlet holes to each other, a box is used, which is made from wooden boards, and a corrugated pipe about one meter long. The holes themselves are equipped with plugs that allow you to regulate air flows, as described above. In addition to plugs, you will also need grilles to prevent insects and rodents from entering the bathhouse through the ventilation.

This system is suitable for small baths.

Method 2

This is another simple and most common scheme for ventilating the bath space. In it, the inlet opening is located behind the stove just above the floor (about 0.3 m). The hood is located at the same height, but on the opposite wall and is equipped with a fan that forcibly extracts exhaust air.

Method 3

Method 3 is somewhat similar to the previous one. Only the air inlet is arranged at a height of half a meter from the heater, and the outlet is slightly above the floor (about 0.2 m). The hood is equipped with a fan.

Method 4

Method 4 is used for baths in which the steam room has only one wall facing the street. In this system, the air inlet and outlet openings are located on one wall opposite the stove. The air enters the lower hole, located at a height of 30 cm from the floor, and exits into the upper one, which is located 30 cm below the ceiling and is equipped with a fan.

Clean air enters the room, encounters the furnace, heats up, rises and is directed out through the outlet.

Method 5

Method 5 is suitable for baths in which there are small gaps of half a centimeter between the floor boards. The inlet opening is located behind the stove. Cooled and exhaust air descends to the floor and exits through cracks in the underground, where there is an exhaust hole in the basement wall connected to a ventilation pipe that exhausts air flows above the roof.

Method 6

If the stove in your steam room is heated for the entire period of operation of the bath, then the ash can itself perform the function of ventilation, or rather, an exhaust hood. In this case, you only need a hole for air flow, which is located near the floor opposite the stove. The blower should be slightly lower than the finished floor.

Step-by-step instructions for installing ventilation

When arranging a bathhouse with ventilation, it is important to observe the following conditions:

• if the bathhouse is adjacent to a residential building, then the air flow should go in the direction from the housing to the steam room;
• the exhaust hole is connected to a box or pipe, which must be installed above the roof of the bathhouse;
• the hood should not be placed above the shelves to prevent drafts from affecting steamed people.

In general, the ventilation installation process can be described as follows.

Step 1

In selected locations, inlet and outlet openings are provided at the construction stage or prepared after construction, the cross-section of which should be 10-20 cm.

Step 2

Equipped with boxes made of metal, plastic or wood with prepared openings.

Step 3

If necessary, install an exhaust fan.

Note! For baths, it is necessary to use ventilation equipment made of heat-resistant material and with a protection class of at least IP-44.

Step 4

Mounted on the grille holes and plugs.

Step 5

The outlet is connected to a pipe that is led above the roof.

Note! In addition to ventilation of the room, it is necessary to ensure air circulation under the floor. To do this, at the construction stage, holes are made in the base on opposite sides, which are covered with bars to protect against rodents.

In these simple ways you can arrange bath ventilation, ensuring a long service life of the steam room and a comfortable stay in it.

Video - Ventilation diagram in the bathhouse

Our website already has a large review material, so now it’s worth talking separately about the hood in the bathhouse: how it works, how it works and how to make it yourself.

Exhaust hood in a bath: depending on what kind of bath

Baths are built from the most different materials, each of which has its own specifics. This also affects ventilation systems, which have their own characteristics in each case. We will talk about their differences in terms of organization below.

Extract in the sauna

A sauna or Finnish bath differs from a Russian one in the small amount of steam (it is practically a dry bath) and high temperature (which can reach up to 130 degrees!). While in the sauna there is a clear rule regarding ventilation: the air should be changed at least 6-8 times per hour. And this requires good control of air flows, replacing exhaust air with fresh air less than every 10 minutes.

Ideal for a sauna (convection type). Let us briefly repeat that it operates on the “inverted glass” principle:

• ventilation duct standing diagonally from the stove, takes in near-field air;
• brings it out through the roof (wall);
• at the bottom, next to the stove, there is a supply hole through which fresh air comes in;
• The stove heats the oxygen-rich air, which rises and is distributed throughout the sauna.

Flows are regulated using dampers that regulate the openness of the duct and inlet. An important point at the same time, the furnace is constantly working, because it is it that performs the “pump” function.

And even if the hood in the sauna is done according to a different scheme, the task will remain the same:

• controlled frequent air exchange;
• good warming up arriving fresh air;
• inadmissibility fast air currents (more than 0.3 m/s), i.e. drafts.

In a log bathhouse

The log house was invented long before the laws of physics on which natural ventilation is based took shape. Nevertheless, the builders of log bathhouses actively used these laws so that the owners of the bathhouse would not suffocate during the steaming process, and the bathhouse would last for the decades it was supposed to. (Of course, the hood in the bathhouse is made from a log will not save it from fire, but from rot - it may well.) In the log house, the air flow was ensured by lower crowns, which were deliberately laid loosely, that is, they had cracks through which fresh air was “pulled.” In addition, the door to the steam room from below did not fit tightly to the floor.

Depending on how exactly the log bathhouse was heated - “black” or “white” - it also depended on where the exhaust air went.

• In a heated “black” bathhouse, the stove does not work during the steaming process, so an open window or door was used for outflow.
• In the heated “white” bathhouse, the outflow was through the chimney. The stove was still working.

In principle, nothing prevents you from organizing the ventilation of a log house in the traditional way today. But decisions need to be made quickly, even at the construction stage. Because more modern solution must be included in the project. Alternatively, you can punch holes (supply and exhaust) directly to the street and equip them with plugs or dampers. One is next to the furnace vent, the second is above the top shelf on the adjacent or opposite side. Or make two exhaust holes - one higher, the other lower top shelf. Another option is to make blinds at the bottom of the steam room door, and an exhaust vent under the shower ceiling.

IMPORTANT! If you don’t want to go outside, you can lay air ducts, but then instead of natural ventilation you will have to install a forced ventilation system.

In a foam block bath

A foam block bathhouse is no exception to the rule that you need to think about ventilation when designing a bathhouse. It's easier than hitting ready-made walls. In order to provide a bathhouse made of cellular concrete with sufficient air circulation, which will rid the structure of excess moisture, it is necessary, at the time of pouring the foundation formwork, to lay pipe scraps, which will then become vents.

For a bathhouse that is not located in a lowland and is not surrounded on all sides by buildings, two vents on opposite sides are enough, otherwise they are made 4. Do not forget about ventilation gaps between the walls and the insulation.

The roof must also be ventilated, receiving inflow from the roof overhangs and releasing air through the raised ridge. In the premises, supply and exhaust openings are made according to one of the standard schemes.

If natural ventilation is insufficient, it is recommended to install fans on the hood of a bathhouse made of foam blocks.

Bath hood: in which compartment?

If we leave aside the issues of ventilation of walls, foundations and roofs already discussed in other articles, there remain rooms - steam room, washing room, dressing room and rest room - where air circulation needs to be organized. At the same time, there are certain standards regarding ventilation in each of them and the specifics of the manufacture of the hood. But first things first.

Hood in the steam room

For steamers, an exhaust hood in a steam room is a guarantee that they will come out alive and healthy.

IMPORTANT! You should not leave the steam room without any ventilation holes at all; there is a high risk of burning or losing consciousness and suffocating on carbon dioxide. You can't make just one hole- that's how ventilation doesn't work.

The method of ventilation of the steam room can be natural (due to the laws of physics) or forced (due to fans). The openings can lead to the street, into air ducts and into adjacent rooms. Ventilation openings are fitted with either blinds or dampers. The air flow can be organized through the bottom of the steam room door, spaced 3 cm from the floor, or from the blinds at the bottom of the door leaf.

You only have to make the box with your own hands. Everything else (corrugation, valves, valves, flaps) is on sale. Fans (if needed) vary in diameter and power. For automatic control For forced ventilation you can use a relay. Holes in the wall were either left during construction or made in an already built bathhouse.

Useful video

Look how the craftsmen made a ventilation duct from boards:

In the washing room

According to the already mentioned standards, air circulation in a washing room per hour should be a multiple of 8 room volumes for supply ventilation and 9 for exhaust air. It means:

• that the dimensions of the exhaust opening will be more supply;
• or there will be exhaust two for one supply;
• or put on the hood fan.

In any case, this is an intensive air exchange, which is intended primarily for quick drying of the washing area. It is not required during the washing process, so it is regulated by dampers.

By the way, supply openings can be made in the dressing room or rest room, and exhaust openings can be made in the washing room. This will allow you to ventilate two rooms at once. Similarly, the hood is done in the bathroom, and forced, to create low pressure. Then the air will be drawn from neighboring rooms and escape through forced exhaust. Thus, the rooms are connected by through openings, which will be supply on one side and exhaust on the other.

The components of the hood in the washing bath do not differ from those used in the steam room.

How to make a hood in a bathhouse

This has been said more than once, but it’s still worth repeating: the cost of installing ventilation will increase many times over if it is done late, after completion of construction. At the same time, the principle of creating ventilation in the bathhouse remains unchanged: it is necessary to create conditions for the inflow and outflow of air from the premises. So, how to make a hood in a bathhouse with your own hands or the hands of professionals.

Exhaust hood in the bathhouse: diagram

There are many schemes, but to understand the principle of ventilation, just one is suitable. Most often, steam room ventilation diagrams are proposed, but the diagram for the entire bath, with explanations, is of much greater interest.

Look at the sketch. It shows that ventilation was carried out in the washing room, steam room and relaxation room. Moreover, the air flow is carried out from one pipe to two points, one of which is in the steam room, and the second in the relaxation room. The hood is located in the washing room, in the steam room, and in the relaxation room. Let's describe all the ventilation devices in each room:

1. Washing- a window made of metal-plastic, an adjustable hood that draws air through a diffuser located on the ceiling. From there the air escapes through a pipe to the roof.
2. Steam room- an insulated window located below the shelf, an adjustable hood, which is a vertical box, the intake opening of which is 150 cm² located below the shelf, and the exit from the pipe to the street is near the ceiling. One of the controlled inflow channels near the stove, cross-sectional area 150 cm².
3. Restroom- an adjustable hood, which is a box with a cross-section of 150 cm², the height of the intake hole is 30-40 cm from the floor, exit through a pipe to the street near the ceiling. Adjustable inflow through the second channel with an outlet near the stove firebox.

Do it yourself: how to do it right

Exhausting in a bathhouse with your own hands is not something that is impossible to do, but you need to approach the matter prudently and slowly. In order to make a hood yourself, you need to prepare the materials according to it. It is also necessary to calculate the cross-section of ventilation pipes.

IMPORTANT! The inflow volume must be equal to or less than the exhaust volume.

To do this, you need to know the volume of the room and the expansion factor (how many times the air should be renewed per hour) - it is in the standards. In main air ducts, the speed of movement should not exceed 5 m/s, in branches - 3 m/s, in the steam room - 2 m/s, natural ventilation - up to 1 m/s. Next in the table we find the value of the pipe cross-section that closest gives the required volume at a given speed.

Knowing the cross-section, all that remains is to prepare corrugation or pipes of the appropriate diameter, which are fixed at one end indoors at the required height according to the diagram, and at the other end they go outside. Self-tapping screws, metal tape and polyurethane foam are used for fastening. The openings are equipped with dampers in the room and grilles at the exit. By the way, ventilation cleaning should be done once a year..

Useful video

Watch a short video that clearly shows ventilation in one bathhouse:

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Well, now you know exactly how to properly make a hood in a bathhouse to save yourself, your household and guests from suffocation in the bathhouse. All that remains is to correctly apply the information received.

In contact with

Ventilation in the bathhouse is mandatory structural element. Without full air exchange and fresh air flow, even the highest quality wooden building can become completely unusable in 2-3 years. However, even in this short period of time, steamers will have to enjoy such “delights” as dampness, unpleasant odor, and lack of fresh air.

Therefore, the installation of a ventilation system must be approached with all responsibility. It is not difficult. Moreover, in most small private baths (especially with the “Russian bath” mode), natural ventilation is the most optimal. And its construction, unlike its forced analogue, will not require the installation of expensive fans. And in some baths it is generally created “on its own” - only through a suitable design of the steam room.

How does the natural ventilation system work?

Natural ventilation is driven by air convection, which occurs when there is a difference in pressure (temperature) in the room (bath) and outside.

According to the laws of physics, heated air in a room always rises, and cold air descends to the floor. the main task ventilation in the bathhouse - ensure an influx of fresh air (cold) and displace exhaust (warm). Therefore, when planning natural ventilation, the supply opening is usually located below the exhaust opening. Then the warm air rises and comes out through the exhaust shaft. At the same time, a vacuum (low pressure) is created in the room and fresh cool air is drawn in through the inflow near the floor. Gradually it warms up again, rises and displaces a portion of exhaust air through the hood. This ensures continuous convection and natural ventilation.

Vents, vents, and a stove chimney can be used as hoods in a bathhouse with natural ventilation. The air flow is carried out through the crowns of the walls (in chopped baths), slightly open doors, ventilation holes. Both supply and exhaust openings (vents, vents) are equipped with shutters or adjustable grilles. This helps control the air exchange in the room and prevent drafts.

There are several options for natural ventilation. Each of them has its own advantages, special functionality and some restrictions on use.

Option 1. Burst ventilation - ventilation

In small Russian baths, burst ventilation is common. This is ordinary ventilation, which is performed either after bath procedures or between visits to the steam room. Burst ventilation promotes rapid air change and drying of steam room surfaces.

During burst ventilation, the role of ventilation holes is played by a door and a window located on opposite walls. To change the air, they are opened for a short time after steaming (or between visits to the steam room). Depending on which direction the pressure difference is directed, air will move from the window to the door or vice versa.

The role of burst ventilation is to freshen the air in the steam room, but not to cool the walls. Therefore, the ventilation time is short - 1-2 minutes is enough.

Option #2. Ventilation with outflow through the chimney

A stove-heater with a chimney can become a driving force for ventilation. When fuel burns, exhaust air is drawn into the furnace ash pan and exits through the chimney. In order to allow fresh air to flow in, make a gap of about 5-10 mm at the bottom of the door. Or they don’t close it tightly during procedures. In log-house bathhouses, when the fire burns in the stove, air from the street is drawn in through loosely fitted lower rims.

Ventilation by means of air outflow through the chimney is only possible while maintaining the fire in the stove. If fuel combustion is not maintained during vaping (for example, in black saunas or in a short-term oven), air change will not be performed. A more versatile ventilation system will be required.

Option #3. Air exchange through vents

Air exchange performed through special vents is a universal type of natural ventilation. It allows you to gradually change the air in the steam room several times during the steaming period (ideally 5-6 times per hour). With proper planning of such ventilation, drafts and a decrease in surface temperature will not be observed.

The exhaust vent is usually located under the ceiling, above the top shelf. It measures 15-20 cm and can be square or round. The hood is closed with a removable plug or a sliding damper (door), with which you can change the size of the hood and the degree of air exchange.

A few more rules:

• It is not advisable to place the ventilation holes at the same level opposite each other. There is a high probability that fresh air entering the steam room will immediately fly out into the hood. This excludes full air circulation, but leads to the formation of a draft.
• The linear dimensions of the hood, ideally, should coincide with the dimensions of the inlet opening. Or be more. If the hood dimensions deviate downward, a new fresh air will not go to the bathhouse.
• If you want to increase the outflow of exhaust air, the size of the hood makes the supply vent larger. Or they arrange 2 hoods for 1 supply hole.

To ensure the flow of clean air into the steam room, an inlet opening is installed, usually 0.2-0.4 m from the floor surface. It can be on the same wall as the hood, or on the opposite side. It is advisable to be near the stove so that the incoming air has time to heat up and enters the steaming zone already warm. The supply opening is covered with a ventilation grille so that air is drawn into the room in separate streams and not in a continuous stream.

Step-by-step installation instructions

The classic operating procedure is as follows:

1. Two holes with transverse dimensions of 100-200 mm are made in the walls of the bathhouse. It is advisable to form the vents at the construction stage, so that later you do not have to carve them into the finished walls. One hole is made behind the stove (or next to it), at a distance of 20 cm from the floor. The other is on the opposite wall, diagonally, at a distance of 20 cm from the ceiling.
2. Boxes are installed in the holes. They can be bought ready-made - made of metal or plastic. It is better to use in chopped baths wooden boxes, made from boards.
3. A ventilation grille is placed on the supply opening, and a damper is placed on the exhaust opening. If one of the openings faces the street, with outside An insect net is installed on the box.

But this order of work is not the only correct one - it all depends on what kind of structure you have and what kind of air duct scheme you have chosen.

Advantages and disadvantages of such a system

Among the advantages of natural ventilation, the most significant are:

• simple device and easy installation;
• low cost - natural ventilation does not require the installation of expensive forced fans;
• economical operation - allows you to avoid spending on electricity;
• reliability – the absence of mechanical devices makes natural ventilation practically “eternal”, not subject to breakdowns and not requiring repairs.

There are also disadvantages:

• dependence of the ventilation strength on the temperature difference in the steam room and outside;
• in autumn and winter, cold air coming from the supply openings reduces the temperature in the steam room, and drafts may occur;
• smells from the street.

Agree, the shortcomings are insignificant. IN small sauna standing on its own site, natural ventilation is the most rational decision. If there are no swimming pools or large washrooms inside, there is no point in overpaying for mechanical fans (for forced air exchange). If for some reason natural ventilation does not cope with the functions assigned to it, you can transform it into mechanical ventilation at any time - just install fans on the openings!

Ventilation in the bathhouse with your own hands - diagram

A well-equipped ventilation system with other equal conditions guarantees, firstly, a long service life of construction and finishing materials used in the arrangement of the serviced premises, and secondly, the comfort and safety of visiting the latter for the user. The issue of arranging complete and sufficiently effective ventilation is especially relevant in the bathhouse, due to the characteristic temperature and humidity conditions and additional requirements for buildings of this kind.

General requirements for ventilation in the bathhouse

Video - Requirements for ventilation in the bathhouse

Choosing the optimal type of ventilation system for servicing a bathhouse is a topic for many hours of discussion. For example, there is natural ventilation. The expenditure of money, time and effort on its arrangement is minimal - the work literally comes down to drilling holes in the walls, installing boxes/pipes and valves/grids.

Ventilation valve and grille

Ventilation grilles for baths and saunas

However, it is impossible to use natural ventilation to service all rooms of the bathhouse. Of course, it would be possible to save money, but the disadvantage of such a solution will become obvious with the arrival of the first winter: along with the influx of fresh air from the street, cold will come in, and everyone knows the combination of frosty air with humidity - everything around will simply freeze. Therefore, natural ventilation in some rooms must be combined with other existing options in other rooms of the bathhouse.

If the bathhouse is equipped with a washing room or even its own swimming pool, natural ventilation will definitely not cope with the maintenance of such premises - it will have to be equipped exhaust system. And in general, the presence of a forced inflow/outflow of fresh air will be useful both for visitors to the bathhouse and for its premises. Recommendations regarding the optimal composition of the air exchange system are given in the table.

Table. Choosing a ventilation system for different rooms

Steam room, dressing room or relaxation room		Aeration should be understood as organized natural air exchange. The option is most optimally suited for use in a bathhouse: air enters from the bottom of the stove (for other rooms - 25-30 cm above the floor), exhaust is discharged through an opening in the upper part of the room. The work of air exchange is based on elementary physical laws: cold air from the street displaces warm air masses, which have less weight, to the top of the room. Aeration is ideal for use in rooms with high heat output. The presence of additional humidity contributes to an even more pronounced increase in the efficiency of the system.
Wash room, bathroom, room with swimming pool		The system is equipped with a fan and, if necessary, cleaning filters. Mechanical exhaust ventilation is ideal for use in the washroom, pool room and other wet and frequently visited areas of the bathhouse. Mechanical hood provides effective removal unpleasant odors and excess moisture, which makes the air in the serviced room safe and clean. It is impossible to use exhaust ventilation alone - air rarefaction is formed. To compensate for the vacuum, an air flow from the street or other rooms is arranged. Along with this, the presence of supply ventilation will eliminate the likelihood of drafts. The supply ventilation system can be either natural or mechanical. In combination with mechanical exhaust ventilation, it is more expedient to use a mechanical supply system, because the possibilities of natural inflow may ultimately be insufficient to compensate for the resulting rarefaction. Mechanical supply ventilation is based on a blower fan. Additionally, it can be equipped with an air heater, which will eliminate inconvenience and solve the problems of ventilation of serviced premises during the cold season. Additionally, the supplied air can be humidified or purified using appropriate devices. A mechanical system is more complex in arrangement compared to its counterpart, which operates according to the laws of physics: in addition to fans and air ducts, the system may include optional equipment and accessories (diffusers, air distribution grilles, automation equipment, noise suppressors, etc.). This provides an excellent opportunity to design an air exchange system that fully meets the user’s wishes.

Natural ventilation is provided in vestibules, warehouses and other similar premises.

Regardless of the type of ventilation system chosen, the bathhouse must have conditions for simple ventilation. Install adjustable windows in all rooms whose location allows for this.

Video - Types of ventilation systems

Instructions for self-calculation of air exchange

An elementary formula is used for calculation:

W (required volume of fresh/exhaust air) = k (coefficient indicating the frequency of air exchange) x V (volume of the room served, determined by multiplying the width of the room by the length and height).

That is, first you must calculate the volume of each room and find for it the required indicator of the volume of clean air (in calculations it is usually denoted Wpr, i.e. inflow) and a similar indicator of exhaust air (denoted as Wout, outflow). In this case, multiplicity factors must be taken into account. The calculated values ​​are rounded upward - the last digit in the number must be 0 or 5.

Next, the summation of all Wpr is performed. A similar action is carried out for the found Ww. The resulting amounts are compared. If the total value of Wpr exceeds the total value of Wpr, you need to increase the exhaust volume for rooms with a minimum air exchange value, if, on the contrary, increase the inflow by the missing value. That is, at the output, the sum of all Wpr should be equal to the total value of the found Wt.

The results of the calculations will allow you to determine the optimal cross-sections of the installed air ducts and select the appropriate type of ventilation system. Thus, there will not be any special problems with calculating the volume of premises and other related data. For greater convenience of subsequent processing, enter the found values ​​into a simple table, as in the example presented.

In the example given, the total value of Wpr is less than the sum of all found Wt by an indicator equal to 110 m3. In order for the balance to be maintained, it is necessary to ensure an influx of clean air in the missing quantity. This can only be done in the waiting room. Thus, the value of 55 m3 for the dressing room given in the table must be replaced with an indicator of 165 m3. Then the balance will be maintained.

Start calculating the air ducts to be installed and drawing up the structure of the ventilation system being installed.

The ventilation system is designed in such a way that the air moves through the installed air ducts at the following speeds:

• ≤ 5 m/s in main ducts and ≤3 m/s in existing branches – for mechanical ventilation systems;
• ≤ 1 m/sec – for air exchanges operating on a natural principle;
• 2 m/sec – for natural air exchange directly in the steam room.

When choosing the cross-section of air ducts, take into account the above indicators. As for the profile of the duct/pipe, this point is determined by the design features of the air exchange and the bath itself. For example, air ducts with round are easier to install compared to their rectangular “counterparts”, and it is much easier to select the required connecting fittings for round air ducts.

The relationship between the diameter of the air ducts and other significant indicators is demonstrated in the following tables.

For example, we will work with round air ducts. We select the required sections according to the appropriate table, focusing on the indicators in the table Example of ventilation calculation.

The calculated air flow was 165 m3/hour. The air flow at this flow rate should move no faster than 5 m/sec. In accordance with the table above for round air ducts, we select the cross-section according to the specified data. The table value closest to ours is 221 m3/hour. The air duct cross-section is 125 mm.

Air duct with insulation Flexible ducts

In the same order, we determine the optimal sections for all branches of the system in the serviced premises, remembering that the air flow in them should move at a speed not exceeding 3 m/sec (in vestibules and storage rooms - 1 m/sec, in the steam room - 2 m/sec sec):

• steam room: calculated Ww is 60 m3/hour, which requires the installation of an air duct with a cross-section of 125 mm;
• shower room - Ww is 50 m3/hour, air moves at a speed of 3 m/sec, a 100 mm air duct is suitable;
• toilet - indicators are similar to the shower room;
• pantry, vestibule, etc. – indicators (except for air speed) are similar to shower and toilet.

Important! In the shower room (wash room, room with a swimming pool) there is an increased level of humidity. When determining the cross-section of the air duct for this room, it is necessary to make an adjustment upward (in in this example– 125 mm).

For greater convenience, enter all the information received into the table. You can use the template below as an example.

Important note! In the table above, the exhaust volume exceeds the volume of incoming clean air. This happened for the reason that the sections were determined by the nearest flow rate, and the diameter of the air duct in the washing room was intentionally increased. In practice, such an approach will only be beneficial - the margin for outflow and inflow will not be superfluous.

SNiP 2.08.01-89. Residential buildings. File for download

SNiP 2.08.01-89

Sanitary and epidemiological requirements for residential buildings and premises. Sanitary and epidemiological rules and regulations SanPiN 2.1.2.1002-00. File for download

SanPiN 2.1.2.1002-00

Construction norms and rules of the Russian Federation heating, ventilation and conditioning SNiP 41-01-2003. File for download

SNiP 41-01-2003 (Heating, ventilation and air conditioning)

The cross-sectional area of ​​the ventilation window is determined in accordance with the volume of the room served: 24 cm2 for every 1 m3.

All that remains is to figure out the optimal height of the ventilation holes:

• for the flow of fresh air - on average 25-30 cm above the floor (in the steam room - near the stove);
• for exhaust air outflow - approximately 15-20 cm below the ceiling, usually on the opposite wall to the supply wall.

Popular bath ventilation schemes

Only options for arranging ventilation in the steam room deserve special consideration - in the remaining rooms everything is done according to the standard scheme, for example, like this:

Air exchange in the steam room can be organized in accordance with 4 main schemes presented in the following image.

Scheme "a". The most popular option. The window for air flow is next to the stove, at a distance of about 25-30 cm from the floor. The incoming clean air gradually displaces the waste warm air upward to the opposite wall. There is an exhaust hole on it, approximately 15-25 cm below the ceiling.

Scheme "b". Both holes are on the same wall. The circuit will only work if you install an exhaust fan. Fresh air enters through the lower hole, located in the wall opposite to the stove. The air will rush in the direction of the stove, and then, covering the space of the steam room in an arc, move to the hood and be discharged outside the bathhouse.

Scheme "c". This option is suitable for steam rooms with leaking floors. The inlet hole is located as in diagram “a”. Having warmed up in the upper part of the steam room, the air descends to the floor, passes through the gaps in the plank flooring, facilitating more efficient drying of the boards, and is then discharged through an exhaust vent, usually located in another room. Exhaust can also be carried out through a separate isolated channel.

Scheme "g". Option for baths with a constantly running stove. In this case, the exhaust function is performed by the furnace ash hole. The supply window is located under the shelf, in the wall opposite to the stove. The height of the inlet opening must correspond to the height of the furnace vent. Fresh air rushes towards the stove, displacing the air masses heated by it to the ceiling. Cooling there, the air descends and is removed from the bathhouse through the ash pan.

To ensure that the air exchange system operates as efficiently and as efficiently as possible, before starting its installation, study and remember a few simple tips.

If your bathhouse has a bathroom or even a kitchen, equip them only with exhaust ventilation - this solution will eliminate the possibility of unpleasant odors spreading to other rooms. As an alternative, you can install fresh ventilation in other rooms, and equip the bathrooms with natural exhaust - in this case, the air will move towards the bathrooms.

When calculating the performance of fans, it is recommended to reduce the total power of the supply units by 5-10% of the total capacity of the exhaust units. In this case, the exhaust air will be completely replaced by incoming air masses, and a reserve of 5-10% will compensate for the influx of air entering through windows, cracks, etc., which will allow a balance to be maintained.

In rooms with only natural ventilation, it is recommended to make opening windows - this will increase the efficiency of fresh air supply and reduce the risk of fungi, mold, rot, etc.

Important! If your bathhouse has a non-standard configuration, the design of the ventilation system will also be individual. When compiling it, the features of the composition of the premises, their design, design features, etc. should be taken into account.

The main stages of independent installation of a ventilation system

Any ventilation system in any room is installed in approximately the same sequence. The differences are present only in the characteristics of the air duct openings and their locations, as well as the configuration of the system (mechanical, unlike natural, are supplemented with various types of devices).

For example, the following arrangement of ventilation elements can be used.

Or its slightly modified analogue, shown in the following image.

Recommendations regarding the choice of the location of each opening, the type of air exchange system for different rooms of the bath, as well as the procedure for determining the characteristics of ventilation elements, were discussed earlier.

Along with this, the procedure for arranging ventilation may vary depending on which design option you prefer. There are few solutions available:

• independent ventilation in each room. A simpler option. Work is limited to the installation of transoms, windows, fans and other necessary elements, if provided for by the project. Fans can be mounted both in windows and in separate ducts led outside through the wall;
• centralized system. A more complex option. Requires gaskets ventilation ducts. It is used mainly in private homes - in the case of a bathhouse, this option will be too expensive and labor-intensive;
• "hybrid" option. Some rooms are ventilated individually, others are combined into a joint system.

An appropriate option for use in a bathhouse is independent ventilation - the owner can choose the optimal characteristics of fans and other elements for each room, saving money, time and effort on carrying out the activities necessary to combine the channels into a single system.

Important! The location of some bathhouse rooms may not allow for independent supply and exhaust ventilation. In this case, it will not be possible to avoid laying ventilation ducts. Alternatively, the boxes can be placed in the attic, and the ventilation holes can be installed in the ceiling or connected to channels installed in the walls (the option is more complicated if the installation of such channels was not provided for by the project at the construction stage of the bathhouse).

In most cases, the first option is used: ventilation pipes of the required length are led out through holes in the ceilings of the premises served and are either equipped with their own fan, if necessary (easier to implement for an untrained user, the procedure is similar to that shown in the following table), or are connected into a single circuit and connect to a common hood (may require the involvement of specialists).

Remember: maximum efficiency The operation of the ventilation system is ensured by using the shortest and straightest air ducts possible - up to 3 m when arranging natural air exchange and up to 6 m when using electric fans.

The procedure for installing an independent ventilation system is given in the following table.

Important! The example describes instructions for arranging a mechanical ventilation system using fans. The installation procedure for natural air exchange remains almost the same: only the stages of laying wires and installing fans are excluded.

Table. Ventilation arrangement

Work stageExplanations

	The operating procedure remains the same for the supply and exhaust openings. Only the height of their arrangement and location changes ( possible options discussed earlier), as well as the type of fans used (supply or exhaust). The characteristics of the latter are selected individually, taking into account the volume of the room served, the required speed of air movement in the air ducts, the required air exchange rate, etc. – all these points were covered in the theoretical part. We arrange the holes in the following order: - outline the center and contours. We make the markings so that the resulting hole diameter slightly (usually a 2-3 mm gap is made) exceeds the diameter of the pipe being installed (recommendations for choosing air duct diameters were given earlier); - using a puncher we make a hole in accordance with the markings. We hold the working tool horizontally, but with a slight downward tilt; - carefully take out the cut material (a hammer and chisel will help us with this), after which we carefully clean the finished hole from dirt and dust.
	The ventilation pipe (ventilation duct body) is placed in the prepared hole, but before that it (if mechanical/forced ventilation is planned) must be equipped with a fan. Useful recommendation! Buy initially ready-made kits for arranging ventilation, including, in addition to related additions, a ventilation duct/pipe and a fan with a housing of the appropriate size - this way you will avoid difficulties at the assembly stage. The pipe with the fan is placed in the prepared hole, and the remaining cracks are filled with foam.
	The fan is electrical appliance, therefore, it needs to be connected to the network. Let's do this while the mounting foam dries (at least 10-12 hours). The procedure is standard: - the contours of the groove for the cable are cut out in the wall using a grinder. Excess material is removed using a bumper; - a hole is prepared in the wall for installing the switch box (for example, you can use a hammer drill). The box is installed (pre-read the instructions specific to your switch). The switch itself will be mounted after finishing; - the wire is laid in the groove. To fix the cable we use alabaster; - connect the wire to the switch and the fan. First, be sure to study the connection diagram recommended by the fan manufacturer in the attached instructions, because For different devices it may differ. As an example, one of the most commonly used schemes is given.
	All that remains is to bring the entire structure into proper form. To do this we do the following: - get rid of excess dried polyurethane foam using a knife; - putty the grooves; - we install adjustable ventilation grilles on both sides of the pipe. For fastening we use self-tapping screws. If provided, at the appropriate stages of work we install additional elements (for example, an air heater, filter, etc.). Each of these devices is installed individually - we first clarify these points in the manufacturer’s instructions.

Video - Arrangement of ventilation holes

Video - Ventilation in a bathhouse with your own hands - diagram

State standards for room ventilation are regulated by SNiP 41–01–2003; the document establishes the minimum rate of air exchange in rooms depending on their purpose and features of use. In residential premises, ventilation must perform two tasks - to provide favorable indicators of the percentage of oxygen in the air and to remove exhaust gases.

SNiP 41-01-2003. Heating, ventilation and air conditioning. File for download

SNiP 41–01–2003

For a bathhouse, ventilation tasks become more complicated; it must additionally remove moist air as quickly as possible (providing rapid drying of wooden structures) and regulate the temperature in the steam room. There are times when it is necessary to quickly reduce the temperature in the steam room before small children, the elderly or large people undergo procedures. Bake long time continues to give off heat, it takes a very long time to wait until the bathhouse cools down on its own. By ventilating a room, you can quickly set the desired temperature and maintain it within the specified limits the entire time people are in it.

What types of ventilation are there and how to calculate them

Ventilation can only exist in cases where there is an influx of fresh air into the room and an outflow of used air. You can often come across the concepts of “supply” or “exhaust” ventilation. These are not entirely correct concepts; it cannot be only an inflow or only exhaust ventilation, it is always only flow-exhaust. Why are these concepts used? Thus, it is emphasized that the influx or exhaust of exhaust air is carried out in a forced way, and, accordingly, the removal or supply of fresh air occurs naturally.

When calculating the parameters of ventilation systems, the initial data takes into account the volume and purpose of the premises, the presence of special conditions based on air indicators, the presence or likelihood of the presence of carbon monoxide or other chemical compounds harmful to health. Based on these data, state regulations establish the frequency of air changes per hour; it can vary from 1÷2 to ten or more.

Next, engineers determine the parameters and location of the channels to ensure the necessary intake and removal of air, taking into account weather conditions and climate zone. If natural ventilation cannot provide the required frequency of air changes, then use coercive systems, supplying/extracting air with electric fans. Baths have their own characteristics for each type of ventilation; let’s look at them in more detail.

General rules for ventilation in a bathhouse

The principles of ventilation in a bathhouse largely depend on the architectural features of its design. If the floors have slots for draining water, then supply air can also be supplied through these same slots; there is no need to make a special hole.

Quite often, small windows are installed in the bathhouse; when opened, they “turn” into exhaust vents. In addition, if the furnace firebox is located directly in the steam room, the room can be ventilated even easier - open the firebox and, by changing the position of the damper, adjust the frequency of air changes.

This is the most simple options steam room (by the way, both the most effective and low-cost), but there are cases when the furnace firebox is located in another room, there is no window, and the floors are solid without cracks. It is this kind of bathhouse that we will focus on in our article. Why do you need ventilation in the bathhouse?

1. For better air mixing throughout the entire volume. Natural convection of air masses is not able to equalize the air temperature in height; the difference in values ​​under the ceiling and near the floor can reach tens of degrees. This negatively affects the comfort of taking water procedures.
2. To bring in fresh air. If one person is steaming in the steam room, and the stay time does not exceed 20–30 minutes, then the oxygen concentration in the air will not have time to drop to critical values. And if several people steam at the same time in a steam room for a long time, then the flow of fresh air becomes mandatory.

Quite often, developers go to two extremes: in order to save heat, they abandon ventilation altogether or make it too strong and unregulated. Both extremes have negative consequences; ventilation should not be neglected, it is cheap, and the positive effect is very impressive. But it should be done correctly, taking into account as much as possible the characteristics of the premises, temperature requirements in the steam room, materials for making walls and cladding.

In the case of a complete lack of ventilation, the risks of oxygen starvation and, if the furnace firebox is located directly in the steam room, increase in carbon monoxide poisoning. In the case of strong unregulated ventilation, the heating time increases significantly, and warm air is quickly removed from the room. But this is not all the problems - the rapid removal of warm air automatically causes an equally rapid influx of fresh air - the floors will always be very cold, and this increases the risk of contracting colds.

Uncontrolled ventilation can lead to cold floors

The flow of fresh air into the steam room is arranged in two places: behind the stove or under the sun loungers.

There are many diagrams of air movement on the Internet, most of them were made by amateurs, you should not pay attention to them. Fulfill only two conditions: air flow at the bottom, exhaust at the top, placement of ducts diagonally in the room.

This is quite enough to ensure normal air circulation and mixing. Everything else is just speculation; it can only confuse inexperienced developers, significantly complicate the ventilation system, making it expensive and unreliable. There are options with two different-level exhaust valves, with two supply valves, etc. The holes for air removal are located at different heights.

One right under the ceiling, used only for complete ventilation of the bath after finishing the water procedures. The third is made 30÷40 centimeters below the first and is used during washing. Some craftsmen connect them together with internal air ducts, install several control dampers, etc. We assure you that these complications do not have any visible effect on the comfort of staying in the steam room.

A few words should be said about the ventilation ducts in the bathhouse; they are often suggested to be used in steam rooms. In large buildings, ventilation ducts serve to connect several different rooms to a common ventilation system, no matter whether it is natural or forced. This is completely justified from both technological and economic points of view.

What other rooms can be connected? ventilation ducts to the steam room? Weird question. Then, why make complex channels under the wall sheathing? Isn't it easier to make ordinary holes in the walls and insert ordinary pieces of pipes and grilles with elementary valves into them? Of course, we will tell you about a real, effective, simple and cheap way to install ventilation; we will not lay any ducts anywhere. This universal option, is perfect for both “budget” and expensive exclusive doubles.

Video - Ventilation in the bathhouse

Natural ventilation of the bath

The most accepted option for most baths, minimal in cost and safety and quite effective. The specific locations of ventilation openings should be taken into account the size of the rooms, the location of shelves, the stove and the material of the building. The general rule is that the openings should be located at different heights, as a rule, the inlet (supply) is 20 cm from the floor and the outlet (exhaust) is 20÷30 cm from the ceiling. When selecting holes, you need to consider where the holes will be located on external walls. It is advisable that they do not stand out too much on the façade walls.

The dimensions of the holes are approximately 300÷400 cm2, it is better to make them larger rather than smaller. In case too quick exchange air leading to a decrease in temperature in the steam room, the channels should be covered with control dampers. For improvement appearance It is better to use decorative grilles; they can be purchased in specialized stores or made independently.

Makes the ventilation system somewhat more complicated and requires installation electrical equipment. Another problem is related to the microclimate in the steam room. There, high temperature and air humidity are the main enemies of any electrical equipment. Fans must have reliable protection housing from moisture, during connection you should strictly follow the recommendations of the PUE. And in order to comply, you need to know them.

The advantages of forced ventilation are that the rate of air change in the room is significantly accelerated and the control parameters are expanded. Natural ventilation is very dependent on weather conditions, and in some cases it can become ineffective. Especially if the wind is directed at right angles to the exhaust vent. Forced ventilation works with the same effectiveness in any weather and regardless of the direction and strength of the wind.

How to make ventilation in a bathhouse with your own hands

Initial data. The architectural features of the bathhouse do not provide for the flow of air through floor cracks, doors, windows or the furnace firebox. It is necessary to make holes for both air inlet and outlet. There is no internal or external wall cladding; the bathhouse is built from sawn timber.

Step 1. Decide on the location of the input and output channels.

We have already mentioned that it is better to place the inlet channel near the stove at a distance of about 20 centimeters from the floor level. The outlet channel is diagonally under the ceiling. This position of the inlet and outlet openings will ensure the distribution of air flows throughout the entire volume of the room. In addition, the inlet air will not cool flooring. Channels should be easily accessible. There are recommendations to make an outlet hole in the ceiling. We are against such a solution; humid air will certainly cause great damage to the entire rafter system.

Step 2. Purchase or make your own grilles and valves.

They can be various sizes and geometric shapes: round, square or rectangular. At the same time, take into account the materials of the future cladding of the external and internal walls, think about how the decorative grilles will be attached to them.

Important. Be sure to install grilles with adjustable clearances; only they can ensure smooth adjustment of the frequency of air changes in the room.

And one more thing - the holes on the outside of the bath should also be closed. Moreover, the closure should be as airtight as possible, preventing moisture from rain or snow from getting on the crowns of the log house.

Step 3. Make holes in the walls.

The most labor-intensive operation will have to be done manually. You need to pre-drill holes around the perimeter in the marked places. The closer they are to each other, the easier it is to hollow out the wood later. When the holes are drilled, take a chisel, chisel and hammer in your hands and begin to destroy the beams remaining between the holes. The holes for ventilation should be made 1-2 cm larger around the perimeter than the pipe being inserted. The fact is that this pipe then needs to be insulated to prevent the appearance of condensation on wooden structures.

Use only a sharp chisel and a chisel - you will have to cut the timber across the grain, this is quite difficult. If the thickness of the beam is 20 centimeters, then it is better to make half the depth of the hole from the inside of the bathhouse, and the other half from the outside. If you have extensive experience using a gasoline saw, then you can cut out the hole. But we immediately warn you that working with a gasoline saw in such conditions is very dangerous. You will have to cut with the end of the bar; when you grab the tree with the lower part of the chain, the saw will be pulled out of your hands. This method of using a saw is strictly prohibited by safety regulations, remember this.

If there is a need to separate the inlet hole in the wall and in the bathhouse, then buy a pipe with an elbow. It is advisable to use rectangular rather than round pipes; they take up less space under the lining of the internal walls of the steam room.

Be sure to seal the joints between the elbow and the pipe with silicone and wrap it with tape for reliability.

Metallized adhesive tape

Step 4. Place foil or plastic film and mineral wool around the perimeter of the holes; the layer of wool should be dense, without gaps. It will not be possible to make the edges of the hole absolutely even; be careful that the waterproofing is not damaged by the sharp protrusions of the timber.

Step 5. Insert the pipes into the holes in the log house. They should fit in with little effort, quite tightly. In order to increase the reliability of sealing and fastening, be sure to use foam around the perimeter of the hole and pipe. Polyurethane foam eliminates all invisible gaps in thermal insulation between the pipe and the wall and firmly fixes it in the desired position.

We recommend foaming the holes and after covering the walls, the foam will eliminate the gaps between the wall and the vapor barrier. As the foam expands, the vapor barrier will press tightly around the uneven hole, all possible small damage will be automatically closed.

The exhaust pipe may not be insulated; warm air escapes through it. But we advise you to do all the operations for her, just in case. Firstly, you will lose a little time and money. Secondly, you will provide additional and reliable protection against penetration wooden structures atmospheric moisture.

Once both holes are prepared, you can begin covering the walls and installing decorative grilles with adjustable throughput parameters.

Important. When installing steam room ventilation, we strongly advise you to ventilate the space between the wall cladding and the aluminum foil. The work is carried out according to the algorithm described above with one difference. Ventilation should be either constantly closed (during water procedures) or constantly open (during ventilating the bath). Using foil as a vapor barrier for walls has many benefits positive aspects. But there is one problem - the difficulty of removing condensation between the sheathing and insulation. An ordinary hole solves all problems and completely eliminates damage to wood.

Video - DIY ventilation

How to make a hole in a log house using a crown

If you do not want to make holes for ventilation manually, you can drill them with a special metal crown. They are sold in stores and are inexpensive. The only problem is that the crown requires a powerful low-speed drill or a hand-held drilling machine; ordinary drills can quickly fail due to the heavy load. Another limitation is that the maximum diameter of crowns is rarely more than 120 mm. But for most baths, small volumes of this size are sufficient.

Step 1. Select a bit of the appropriate diameter and secure it in the chuck. Mark the drilling location.

Step 2. To ease the cutting force, be sure to lubricate the bit with machine oil. Lubrication must be repeated periodically. Once the bit is about two-thirds deep, stop drilling, remove the bit and re-lubricate its internal and external surfaces.

Step 3. Mark the center of the hole with any thin drill bit. Insert the crown into the shallow hole and begin drilling the beam.

Step 4. Drill as far as the crown height allows. Keep a close eye on your work electric tool, do not allow heavy loads. Loads are regulated by the force of pressing the crown against the beam.

Step 5. The crown no longer works - take it out and gradually remove the cut wood with a chisel or chisel. It can be removed quickly, start gradually chipping away the holes in the corners. Do not cut the log across the grain with a chisel; chop it only along the grain, this makes it much easier to do the job.

Repeat the operations until the hole becomes through. If the timber is so thick that the drill cannot get through one side of it, move to the other. To do this, you need to find the center of the hole already made as accurately as possible. The crown has its own centering drill, but its length may not always be enough to reach the reverse side. You'll have to find the center yourself. To do this, install a thin wood drill in the drill, insert it into the existing hole from the centering drill of the crown and very carefully make a through hole. The more accurately you drill the center, the easier and faster it will be to work on the other side of the wall.

Video - How to drill a hole with a crown

Heated sauna ventilation

Enough original way ventilation devices, not only fresh air is supplied to the bathhouse, it is immediately heated. This is very important in winter; it not only improves the comfort of your stay, but also speeds up the heating of the premises and saves firewood.

Air is taken from the bottom of the bath and, with the help of electric fans, is supplied to the air intake duct.

The stove has a metal chimney, a special screen is installed around the chimney, and air from the air duct enters the screen channels. The screen performs two functions: it protects the limbs from burns and serves as a radiator to heat the air coming from the air duct. The heated air exits the screen into the steam room.

If desired, you can improve the design a little. Place a tee with a damper on the air duct. This will allow you to take in both air from the bathhouse and from the street - the possibilities for regulating the microclimate parameters in the room are significantly expanded.

Video - Ventilation in a steam room with heated air

Why is ventilation needed in a Russian bath? Let's take a simple example: a person is steaming, there is hot steam around him and he breathes it. Oxygen is exhaled and carbon dioxide is constantly inhaled - and if there is no influx of fresh air in such an environment, the vacationer may simply get burned. That is, if there is no ventilation, the bathhouse simply becomes life-threatening - that’s why in technical rules There are so many subtleties in operating a bathhouse. Yes, sometimes you can hear from experienced craftsmen that ventilation in a brick bathhouse, for example, is not needed - but the point is not that fresh air is not needed in the steam room, but that sometimes natural ventilation is sufficient in the bathhouse, and it does not need forced ventilation.

So, how to make ventilation in a bathhouse - we are looking for the answer together with the Stroy-Banya.com portal.

General rules when planning bath ventilation

The ventilation system in the bathhouse itself has two main tasks: to deliver fresh air during procedures and to ensure quick and high-quality drying of the bathhouse premises after them. Both options must be thought out and implemented.

Here's what ventilation shouldn't do:

• Disturb the flow of fresh air temperature regime baths
• It is wrong to stratify temperature flows – i.e. It can only be cool near the floor, but not on a shelf where a steamed person is sitting.
• Remove the wrong air from the steam room - not exhaust air, which contains the most carbon dioxide.

Also, a lack of fresh air will invariably lead to the appearance of an unpleasant odor in the bathhouse - and it is difficult to get rid of. Yes, air filled with mold and fungi spores is not the most healing for a vacationing person.

In total, the following types of ventilation in the bathhouse are provided:

• Natural, when all the air flow occurs due to the difference in pressure outside and indoors.
• Mechanical - when both the temperature and the air supply are monitored by devices.
• Combined, when pressure is artificially created using a fan.

And in the bathhouse itself you need not only an inflow, but also an outflow - and this is already done with the help of a box, which is always located diagonally from the supply channel.

Ventilation is vital not only in a stuffy steam room, but also in the shower, in the locker room and even in the rest room. You just need to initially decide which type is suitable for a particular bath.

The floors in the bathhouse must also be ventilated - after all, they are constantly in contact with water, which can lead to their destruction. If this is not done, they will have to be changed at least once every 5 years. Therefore, in order to extend their service life, it is important to do the following:

1. Initially, even while laying the foundation, it is necessary to ensure ventilation of the floors - make small vents on opposite sides of the base.
2. It is necessary to leave two more ventilation holes near the opposite walls of the steam room - for fresh air. To prevent a rodent from accidentally entering the bathhouse, these windows are usually covered with bars.
3. When installing the stove, it is important to ensure that the level of the finished floor is slightly higher than the vent - then it will work like an exhaust hood.
4. The boards should be laid so that there are gaps of 0.5 to 1 cm between them.
5. Upon completion of the bath procedures, the floors must be thoroughly dried - every time.

You can also make ventilation in the bathhouse “according to Bast”: organize the influx of fresh air under the stove, and the exhaust from the ceiling directly opposite the door in the corner. For this, a special exhaust duct is used - it can be made from a board and sheathed inside with foil

Correct air flow direction

Under the floor, the veterinary duct must be made directly next to the metal sheet - it is this that protects the floors from fire. And the size of the box itself should not exceed the diameter of the chimney by 20%. In general, this system is good - the flow of fresh air from the street is easy to regulate, but the unpleasant odor no longer penetrates into the steam room.

If the firebox is located directly in the steam room, then this option is the most rational. Of course, the design turns out to be more complex - after all, you already need to install two boxes in it: one to ensure convection of air masses, the second to burn wood. And the channels themselves can be placed directly in the brick podium - if a stove is installed.

5 popular device schemes to choose from

But the ventilation in the steam room must be thought out especially carefully - otherwise there will be no comfort from the pleasant procedures. And this can be achieved in different ways:

Option #1. The inlet is located behind the stove, half a meter from the floor, while the outlet is on the opposite side, at a height of 30 cm. A fan is installed in it for forced air movement. In this option, the air is heated evenly - cool currents are heated from the stove and go up, where they cool and fall down. There they are already taken out through the exhaust hole. And the lower it is, the stronger the air flow will be.

Option #2. Both ventilation holes are located on the same wall - opposite the stove. But the entrance is at the bottom, 30 cm from the floor, and the exit is at the top, 30 cm from the ceiling. Here, a fan is also installed in the outlet hole. But the flow pattern is somewhat different: cold air penetrates the steam room, hits the stove, heats up and rushes upward - into the hood and out.

Option #3. In this method, the inlet is behind the stove, at a height of 20 cm from the floor, and the outlet is at the same height, but on the opposite side. A fan is also installed here. The whole system is quite simple: cold air enters the steam room, passes through the stove and is drawn out using a fan.

Option number 4. This option is ideal for a steam room with floors where there are cracks for water to flow out. The inlet hole behind the stove is at a height of 30 cm from the floor; the air, which has cooled, falls down and penetrates through the floor, and then is discharged outside through the ventilation pipe.

Option #5. This method is for those baths where the stove operates constantly. The inlet is opposite the stove, 30 cm from the floor, and chimney and a firebox with a blower serve as an exhaust hood.

If you need to raise the temperature in the steam room or increase the amount or saturation of steam, then it will be enough to close the inlet holes with plugs. And after completing the procedures, remove the plugs. And it’s easier than pressing buttons on some kind of remote control for a complex and expensive ventilation system. This is how you do the ventilation of a bathhouse with your own hands - nothing complicated!

Ventilation is needed in all rooms; the rules for its installation are prescribed in SNiP 41–01–2003. But they apply only to residential, public and industrial premises in which conditions favorable for humans are created. It is taken into account that people stay in such premises for a long period of time and the same standard microclimate and air quality indicators must be created for everyone.

Baths have completely different tasks; they create a microclimate that is stressful for the body - high temperatures (in Russian baths up to +60°C, in saunas more than +100°C) and high air humidity (up to 90%). Moreover, in one room, temperature and humidity indicators should vary within wide limits depending on the wishes of those being washed. Changes in microclimate parameters should be carried out as quickly as possible, and the achieved values ​​should be maintained for a relatively long period of time. And another very important difference between a bathhouse and ordinary premises. If, secondly, people have the opportunity to “protect themselves” from temporary inconveniences with clothing, then this is impossible to do in bathhouses.

Based on these features, the ventilation of baths must fulfill individual tasks, and this affects the principles of its design and operating features. Ventilation in a bathhouse can be natural or forced; each type has its own characteristics, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages. In this article we will talk in detail about only one type of ventilation – natural.

Types of natural bath ventilation

We have already found out the tasks of bathhouse ventilation and how it differs from the ventilation of other rooms, now it’s time to tell you how they can be achieved. The methods depend on the architectural features of the room and your preferences.

First you need to remember your physics lessons from school. Ventilation of rooms occurs due to the difference in air density outside and indoors. Heated air has less weight and rises, cold air is heavier and sinks down, so-called convection occurs. Accordingly, in order for the room to be ventilated, hot air must be able to leave and cold air must be able to enter; inlet and outlet openings are needed. These can be ordinary cracks in windows and doors or specially made ventilation holes.

On the Internet you can find statements that these holes must have the same dimensions, otherwise the ventilation does not work or “blows in the wrong direction.” Only those who skipped classes can say that. The ratio of the sizes of air inlet and outlet does not affect the performance of ventilation in any way.

Square ventilation window

If the outlet, for example, can release only 1 m3 of warm air per hour, then exactly the same amount of cold air will enter the room, no matter what the size of the inlet, and vice versa. And the effect of reverse draft occurs in the case of wind pressure or in the complete absence of fresh air. In the first case, a strong external wind “drives” the air into the room; in the second case, after the air leaves the room, a small vacuum is formed, which draws the air back into the room. This is not to say that ventilation is completely absent, it just becomes cyclical and works on a “back and forth” principle. Of course, the efficiency of such ventilation approaches zero; the air moves a little only near the holes.

And these phenomena are clear, now let’s look at specific types of natural ventilation of the bathhouse. Let's start with the simplest ones and end with the more complex ones.

The simplest, but also the least effective method ventilation.

In the steam room, a door opens or a door and a window open at the same time - ventilation occurs quickly, but not as we would like. Why?

Steam is removed from the bath, and this has negative consequences.

The result is that ventilation is not a ventilation method that should be used constantly. This is a last resort; it is recommended to resort to it only in case of urgent need.

This method can be considered more successful, but it is only possible in one case - the firebox of the sauna stove is located in the steam room. Warm air is removed through the firebox and chimney; entry can occur through floor cracks, a slightly open window or door. Sometimes a special hole is made in the lower part of the door leaf; to improve the design, it is covered with a decorative grille.

Advantages of ventilating a bathhouse with a stove.

There are, of course, disadvantages, let’s name the main ones.

1. Insufficient performance. It will not be possible to quickly change the temperature or humidity in the steam room.
2. Presence of “dead” zones. Air mixing throughout the entire volume does not occur; zones with drafts and zones with standing air appear.
3. Dependence of draft (ventilation) on weather conditions.

Despite some disadvantages, this method of ventilation in combination with ordinary ventilation is very often used in “budget” options for baths.

For a budget steam room, the best option is ventilation with a stove and ventilation

Ventilating a bathhouse with a stove - diagram

The optimal ventilation device for most baths.

Advantages:

Important. It is advisable to consider the ventilation device before starting the construction of the bathhouse. Solve issues with specific hole placement and their overall dimensions. We advise you to make the height of the vents no more than the height of the beam, and adjust the holes to make them longer.

Why is it best to provide ventilation at the construction stage?

Ventilation duct placement options and sizes

For all natural ventilation products there are several general rules. First, in order to improve the efficiency of the system, the cold air supply openings should be located below about 20 centimeters from the floor level. Exit openings should be located at the maximum height - under the ceiling or on the ceiling. Secondly, the mixing of different layers of air in the volume of the steam room is improved if the inlet and outlet openings are located at the maximum distance from each other, preferably along the diagonal of the room. In what places is it recommended to install them?

It can be done at the bottom of the steam room door leaf.

Advantages - there is no need to make an extra hole in the wall of the bathhouse. This saves time and effort; in addition, it eliminates the possibility of the lower crowns of the log house getting wet. Disadvantage - in most cases, the doors are located opposite the shelves for bathing procedures; cold air flows appear, creating a number of inconveniences.

Under the shelf.

Advantages - the inlet is invisible, the flow of cold air mixes well with warm air throughout the entire volume. Disadvantage: Access to the grille for opening/closing the damper becomes more difficult. If during washing you can regulate the intensity of ventilation only using the top grill, then after ventilating the baths you need to close both. This means that after some time you will have to visit the steam room specifically to close the vent.

Important. The dampers on the ventilation openings must be installed, two per each - outside and inside the steam room. After ventilation, both baths should be closed. Choose a technology for installing grilles that guarantees complete tightness of the external dampers. It is strictly forbidden for atmospheric moisture to enter the crowns of the log house.

Behind the stove.

Most best option. Cold air from the street hits the stove, warms up a little and breaks into several separate flows with low speed. Drafts are completely eliminated. Disadvantages - it is not always possible to install decorative grilles in this place. If the stove is close to the wall, then the high temperature negatively affects plastic or wooden materials decorative lattice. In addition, according to safety regulations, such places behind the stove must be insulated with sheet iron using thermal insulation.

No option is suitable for your specific case? No problem, make a hole where you see fit.

As for the outlet, there are fewer problems with its placement. Our only advice is don’t do it in the ceiling. Over-humidified air cannot be vented into the attic; it will cause constant moisture in the wooden elements rafter system, and its premature repair always costs a pretty penny. To protect the rafters, moist air will have to be vented to the roof. Why make an additional hole in the covering, why worsen the tightness of the roof covering with your own hands and at your own expense?

Opening sizes for natural ventilation

The technology for calculating the size of ventilation holes is specified in the current regulations. Determining the size of vents for natural ventilation is much more difficult than for forced ventilation - there are too many factors beyond the control of people. The main performance parameter of the ventilation system is the frequency of air changes. For residential premises, the minimum multiplicity value is regulated, taking into account both the temperature in the rooms and the temperature outside. The temperature in residential premises fluctuates within small limits, this simplifies the work of designers.

In steam rooms the situation is much more complicated - temperature and humidity indicators vary within very wide limits. In addition, the speed of air arrival/entry into different situations may differ significantly. Such preconditions make it almost impossible to accurately calculate the optimal air exchange rate for natural ventilation.

Some bathhouse owners are afraid of suffocating during bathing procedures due to lack of oxygen. We bring to their attention that one cubic meter There is enough air for one person to breathe for an hour and a half. Calculate the cubic capacity of the steam room and find out how long you can safely steam; the count goes into tens of hours.

Carbon monoxide can cause problems. If you close the stove gate until the wood is completely burned out, then no amount of ventilation will help. It can ventilate the room only if carbon monoxide no longer enters. Heat the stove correctly and never burn out, do not rely in vain on ventilation.

How to make a ventilation hole in the wall of a bathhouse

For example, we will take the most complex option - the external and internal cladding of the walls of the bathhouse has already been done. The hole can be round, square or rectangular.

Step 1. Mark the location of the vent on the inner lining of the steam room. Before starting work, you must not only know the location of the hole, but also its size and configuration. It is advisable that air ducts and decorative grilles be available; this will make it possible to accurately control the size of the opening and not do unnecessary work.

Step 2. Prepare a long wood drill; the working length should exceed the thickness of the bathhouse wall together with the outer and inner cladding. In the center of the drawn outline of the vent, drill a through hole from inside the steam room. The drill outlet outside the steam room will be the center of the air flow. Draw around it the dimensions of the hole, similarly made in the steam room.

Step 3. Remove the internal and external cladding elements in the outline. If your bathhouse is lined with natural clapboard on both sides, then the process is simplified, just carefully cut out the boards. If metal sheets were used on the outside, use a grinder.

Step 4. Inspect carefully bearing structures casings, if they are damaged, repair them. Along the contour ventilation duct Drill through holes as close to each other as possible, constantly check where they exit from the outside of the wall. The drill must always be perpendicular to the plane. Drill the same holes over the entire area of ​​the vent; the more there are, the easier it is to make a hole in the wall.

Video - How to drill a large diameter hole in wood

Step 5. Next you need to work with a chisel and chisel, gradually removing the wooden bridges between the holes. It will not be possible to completely hollow out a hole on one side of the wall - it is too difficult to reach with a tool. Do half the work from the inside of the steam room, and the other half from the outside. There is no need to carefully level the surfaces of the holes, the main thing is that the air duct fits easily into the channel.

The most difficult physical work is done, you can begin installing the air duct and grilles. Don't be discouraged if it takes a lot of time to make holes; even experienced builders can rarely prepare more than two holes per day.

How to install ducts and grilles

For air ducts, you can use galvanized or plastic pipes, the length is determined by the length of the passage. Select the grille according to the size of the opening; to regulate the ventilation efficiency, it must have dampers.

Step 1. Insulate the planes of the hole with mineral wool and carefully insert the air duct into place. To firmly fix the pipe in the desired position, use polyurethane foam. Excess foam that appears should be cut off after hardening.

Step 2. If there is waterproofing between the sheathing and the wall, treat the gap between the wall and the hole in the sheathing with foam, it will seal the cut and prevent water from getting into the wooden structures.

Step 3. Fasten the gratings; the method of fastening depends on the material of the wall cladding and sheathing.

Check the operation of the ventilation using a smoldering firebrand or other source of smoke. Bring it to the inlet and observe how and at what speed the air currents move in the steam room.

The photo shows the air supply valve and checking its functionality

Experiment with natural ventilation at different damper positions, from maximum to minimum.

Video - Installation of the KPV 125 valve

Video - Ventilation in a bathhouse with a Termofor stove-conditioner