How to make ventilation in a bathhouse: design methods. Ventilation in a sauna - correct design and common mistakes The best ventilation scheme for a steam room

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 an inlet hole through which comes Fresh air;
  • 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 flow of air was ensured by the 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 above, the other below the 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 low-lying area and is not surrounded on all sides by buildings, two vents on opposite sides are sufficient, otherwise they are made of 4. Do not forget about the 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 volumes of the room for supply ventilation and 9 - for hood. 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. 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

Russian bathhouse is very good for health. The fundamental point in its construction is well-equipped ventilation in the bathhouse in the steam room. This room usually has very high temperature and humidity. Properly organized air circulation is a necessary condition.

Often, many homeowners doubt whether ventilation is needed in a steam room. The proposed material will allow you to correctly answer this question and solve all problems with arranging ventilation without much difficulty and without significant material costs.

Ventilation in the steam room is necessary for air circulation

Why is ventilation needed in a steam room?

Proper ventilation of a steam room helps solve the following problems:


Ventilation vents in the steam room help regulate the temperature and keep the wood from dampness and fungus longer.

If the ventilation of the steam room in a Russian bath is not arranged correctly, the appearance of such negative factors as:

  • rapid cooling of heated air;
  • accumulation of gases during procedures;
  • premature rotting of finishing materials;
  • the appearance of harmful microbes, bacteria, mold, fungi;
  • bad smell.

The proposed material will describe in detail what properly organized ventilation should be like in a steam room, video and photo materials will clearly illustrate all the key points.

Basic principles of steam room ventilation

A specific ventilation arrangement is usually selected taking into account architectural features the structure itself, size, number of rooms, etc. In this case, it is necessary to strictly observe the basic principles of arranging ventilation systems for steam rooms in Russian baths. If they are violated, various negative phenomena may arise that pose a serious threat to the health and life of vacationers.


The inlet for supplying fresh air is located slightly above floor level. To ensure that the incoming air is immediately warmed up, the inlet is located in close proximity to the furnace.

The outlet for used air is located under the ceiling. The main thing is that the air inlet and outlet be arranged on opposite walls.

Important! Under no circumstances should these holes be placed at the same level! Air in internal space will not circulate fully. There will be a temperature difference that poses a serious health hazard.

The dimensions of the inlet and outlet holes must be identical. They are selected depending on the dimensions of the internal space of the steam room. For 1 cu. m of air, a pipe diameter of 24 cm is required. If necessary, additional air vents can be installed.

The ventilation of the steam room is arranged in such a way that the exhaust air is completely replaced every 3-4 hours. This is required by sanitary and fire safety standards.


The ventilation hole in the bathhouse is equipped with valves to regulate the air flow

The ventilation device in the steam room of the bath requires the mandatory placement of a valve system. You can use special blinds for this. This will allow you to regulate the volume of air in and out. If necessary, the bath can be heated or cooled very quickly and without much difficulty.

You need to think about how to make ventilation in the steam room of a bathhouse when drawing up a project. This will allow you to correctly place all ventilation pipes, openings, etc. during construction. This will allow you to properly equip the mines, lay pipes and perform all other work. Set up an air circulation system after completion construction work it will be much more difficult.


Before building a bathhouse, it is necessary to consider the location of the ventilation ducts in the bathhouse.

Types of ventilation systems for steam rooms

Ventilation in the bathhouse in the steam room (see photo) is used in 3 types - natural, forced (i.e. mechanical) and combined.

  • The choice of a specific system is made taking into account factors such as:
  • the size of the steam room and the dimensions of the building as a whole;
  • it is possible to correctly place exhaust pipes;
  • the material from which the bathhouse is built; use of the sauna all year round

or only during the summer season.

Warm air is lighter than cold air. Therefore, with properly equipped ventilation in a steam room, heated flows rise to the ceiling and are gradually drawn out through the ventilation hole. Air coming from outside is immediately heated by the stove and passes into the room without creating a temperature difference. This is the basic principle by which ventilation works in a steam room.

Natural ventilation


The natural ventilation system provides air exchange due to different levels of pressure and temperature in the internal space (in the steam room) and outside, i.e. on the street. When exhaust air exits through the outlet, the internal atmosphere in the room is discharged, creating conditions for drawing in cold air through the lower inlet. In this case, you need to pay special attention to the insulation of the bath. Otherwise, high-quality heating will not work. Natural ventilation in the steam room in frame bath Most often used for buildings small size , built from breathable material, i.e. wood. Additional elements ventilation system

in this case, small gaps appear in the log walls. The main advantage of natural ventilation is its low cost.

Forced and combined ventilation

  • A mechanical or forced ventilation system in a steam room bath may be necessary if:
  • the total area of ​​the bathhouse is large;
  • the structure was erected from brick, cinder blocks, stone;
  • the steam compartment is very large;
  • exhaust pipes cannot be placed correctly;

increased power oven.

  • Do-it-yourself forced ventilation of a steam room can be installed without any problems. The following are used:
  • fans;
  • supply valves;

deflectors.

Forced ventilation in the bathhouse is suitable for large rooms Nuance!

The combined ventilation system is equipped using elements of both systems described above. Fresh air enters naturally, i.e. through the lower inlet. Extraction of exhaust air masses is ensured by mechanical devices.


How to choose a fan for a steam room

A classic duct-type fan is not suitable for a steam room. High temperatures and humidity are detrimental to such devices. Special fans are used in the steam room. The material for their manufacture is glass-filled polyamide. Such models are resistant to moisture and can withstand temperatures up to 130°C.


Glass-filled polyamide is an ideal material for making steam room fans

The fan model is selected in accordance with the technical characteristics.

Something to remember! Ordinary room fans can only be used for final drying and ventilation of the steam room after taking procedures and subsequent cleaning.

In the presence of Money You can install a self-regulating system for ventilation in the bathhouse in the steam room. This device will automatically provide air inflow and outflow, temperature, and humidity level. It is advisable to purchase such systems only from trusted manufacturers.


Basic schemes

What ventilation can be like in a steam room in a bathhouse, the diagram, video and other materials attached below will clearly show. You just need to choose 1 of the 4 attached options and correctly complete all the necessary work.

According to diagram A, the inlet for fresh air is located below the stove. The outlet channel is mounted on the directly opposite wall under the ceiling.

The exhaust pipe is installed vertically. Its length is calculated so that the upper edge of the pipe rises slightly above the ridge of the roof. This will ensure normal functioning of the ventilation system during periods of strong winds.


Diagram A of the location of ventilation in the bathhouse

Properly selected dimensions of air exhaust pipes will ensure natural circulation of air masses. Additional adjustment is provided by installing dampers.

The use of scheme B is intended only if only 1 of the walls of the steam room can be used for ventilation. Air openings are located opposite the heater. The inlet hole is raised 30 cm from the finished floor. The exit window is lowered 20 cm from the ceiling covering.


Diagram B Location of ventilation ducts opposite the heater

The air passing through the lower inlet is heated by the furnace and rises upward in the direction of the air outlet. Mechanical pulling devices are required for the system to function properly.

According to scheme C, it is possible to provide ventilation not only for the steam room, but also for the underground space. The inlet hole is installed in the wall behind the heater. It needs to be raised above the finished floor by 20 cm.


Diagram C with air flow under the bath floor

The heated supply air passes into the base through the cracks of the leaking floor. Then it returns to the steam room and moves in the direction of the exhaust hole. From here the exhaust air masses come out.

For a constantly used bathhouse, you can use ventilation according to scheme D. In this case, the inlet hole is located at the bottom, but opposite the stove, and not behind it, as in other options. The height above the floor is 20 cm. Exhaust air is extracted using a blower and a chimney.

In order for the ventilation in the steam room to work effectively, it is necessary to choose the right location for the heater. It is most convenient to arrange it inside the paired compartment. If the stove is placed in an adjacent room, the efficiency of using the ventilation system and the heater itself will be noticeably lower.


Preparatory work

To install ventilation in the steam room, you need to prepare the following materials:

  • brick and/or stone;
  • cement and sand;
  • ventilation ducts;
  • ready-made valves or material for their manufacture;
  • a metal sheet;
  • lining for lining the box;
  • fastening materials - nails, screws, self-tapping screws.

To work you will need the following tools:

  • hacksaw;
  • Bulgarian;
  • hammer;
  • screwdriver;
  • tape measure, level, plumb line;
  • construction mixer;
  • drill or hammer drill;
  • set of spatulas;
  • container for mixing the solution;
  • technical knife;

It is better to carry out the work in special clothing. If necessary, use gloves and a respirator.

Installation of supply ventilation

The inlet channel for supplying fresh air is located in close proximity to the firebox sauna stove. It is advisable that the inlet hole be located above a sheet of metal sheathing that protects the wood from accidental ingress of small coals.


First from suitable material need to make a box. Its dimensions should exceed the dimensions of the chimney by about 20%. The outer opening of the box is located on external wall. It is not advisable to place it in the base.

If the firebox is located in the steam room itself, a convection box is additionally installed. Near the wall in which the air inlet is located, you need to lay out a podium of bricks placed “on edge”. They are laid out in 3 rows - under the wall, in the middle and on the edge.

The masonry for the stove is built to a height of 25 cm. It must be brought up to the brick screen and must be covered. To ensure that the newly incoming air passes directly into the oven, it is better not to lay the last 2 bricks. The end is lined with brick.

The convection box is installed completely. A blower is equipped at the end. A protective underlay is placed underneath to protect the floor covering.


When the podium is completely ready, you can start installing the stove. To distribute the load evenly, it is advisable to use a metal corner.

After final installation, a stone or brickwork. To form a gap, it is moved 5-6 cm from the stove. Next, a special screen is installed. You need to form holes in it for the passage of hot air.

Installation of exhaust ventilation

The outflow box is installed diametrically opposite to the inlet hole. It is raised above the finished floor by 30 cm. The internal area of ​​the box is approximately 1.25 m².

The outflow box is led through the wall to the ceiling and an external outlet is arranged for it. You can exhaust exhaust air into an adjacent room. In this way it will be possible to warm it up without extra costs.


Exhaust ventilation can be placed on top of the ceiling

To avoid accidental burns, the chimney duct must be lined with a brick or stone casing. In this case, a special hole with a door must be left at the bottom, which will serve as a blower. An additional hole equipped on top will allow the chimney to be used as a heat pump, this will create both heating of the room and proper air circulation.

How to ventilate a Russian bathhouse

Correct ventilation in the steam room of a Russian bath does not involve the use of any mechanical devices. Otherwise, the heated air will be vented outside very quickly. The effectiveness and pleasure of bath procedures will be significantly reduced.


The Russian bathhouse uses natural ventilation, where air flows out through a window

Therefore, the Russian bathhouse must be thoroughly cleaned, ventilated and dried after each use. For ventilation, a special window is installed in the wall located opposite the door. You can use a mechanical hood. The door must be kept open when ventilating.

Leaves from brooms and random objects must be removed from the floors. Then you need to wash all surfaces and dry them with towels and/or a special absorbent cloth. This will protect against the formation of mold and the proliferation of harmful microorganisms. After cleaning, airing and drying, the steam room is ready for further use.


The steam room in the Russian bath is combined with a washing room, so it needs to be dried after each use

How to warm up a Russian bath

First you need to light the oven. The outlet openings must be kept closed. Only the input is opened.

Having warmed the room to the desired temperature, you need to open the valve of the lower air outlet pipe. This will ensure proper air circulation. The temperature will not drop.


In order to warm up the oven, you need to open the valve in the Russian bath oven

Passing into the box from below, the heated air will gradually displace cool air masses to the outlet. When passing through the box they will provide additional heating of the room. At the same time, ventilation of the steam room will also take place.

If the ventilation is not working properly

When using the steam room, it is necessary to periodically check the serviceability of the ventilation system. With good air circulation in the steam room, it is always easy to breathe, the body is heated evenly, the temperature and humidity are maintained at the required level.

If the ventilation in the steam room was installed incorrectly or became unusable over time, signs such as:

  • abundant condensation on vertical surfaces;
  • mold, especially in the corners;
  • noxious odor;
  • uneven air heating;
  • drafts;
  • slow setting of the required temperature;
  • excessively rapid heat loss;
  • an unpleasant internal atmosphere that makes breathing difficult.

Mold in the steam room indicates a lack of ventilation

If at least 1 or 2 of the above factors are present, it means that the ventilation in the steam room is not equipped correctly. Another option is clogging and/or damage to the system, the need for urgent repairs and/or thorough cleaning of individual elements or the ventilation system as a whole.


Clogged ventilation ducts interfere with its operation

From all of the above, it becomes clear that properly ventilating a steam room in a bathhouse is inexpensive and not very difficult. However, this requires careful adherence to all technologies. The attached video “How to make ventilation in a steam room” will help you avoid mistakes.

The ventilation system in the steam room is one of the most important components of comfortable water procedures and a pleasant pastime. If in a living space its main task is to provide the space with fresh air, then in a bathhouse it not only removes excess moisture, but also regulates the temperature. In some cases, it may be necessary to quickly cool the steam room (if the procedures are performed by overweight people or children). How to make ventilation in a bathhouse so that it sets the required temperature in a few minutes?

Today’s article is devoted to such an important issue.

    Show all

    Air exchange device for a bath: rules and recommendations

    The ventilation device in the bathhouse depends on the design features and architecture of the building. No special hole is required in cases where there are small gaps in the floor for drainage of liquid. Obviously, they will be enough to supply fresh air.

    Most steam rooms are equipped with small windows. When open, they are delegated the role of a simple air exchange device. An effective way to change air is to adjust the position of the damper. But this rule is only valid in cases where the stove firebox is located in a steam room.

    Experts state that the listed options are the most affordable and effective for organizing a ventilation system in a bathhouse. But what to do in cases where air does not penetrate from the underground, due to the absence of cracks, and the firebox is in next room? I would like to dwell on such pairs in more detail. So, is ventilation needed in the steam room and why exactly?

    1. 1. For high-quality connection of air flows. Natural convection is not able to balance the temperature regime over the entire area. The walls have one meaning, the ceiling has another, and the floor has yet another. The difference can reach 10-20 °C. In such conditions it is not very pleasant to take any water procedures.
    2. 2. To ensure the influx of masses from outside. For a sauna with only 1 person for no longer than 25 minutes, forced ventilation is not required. There is enough oxygen supply. In other cases, fresh air is an important component.

    The most difficult cases arise when careless developers have an irresistible desire to realize the impossible. For some, the ventilation of the steam room is so powerful that the room simply does not warm up. Others do not have a corresponding system at all. There can be only one piece of advice here – don’t go to extremes!

    Properly implemented ventilation in a Russian bathhouse, which takes into account regulatory requirements and the characteristics of each room, is inexpensive, and its benefits are enormous. The main task is to take into account all the nuances: wall thickness, material, cladding, etc.

    If air exchange is not provided in principle, there is a high risk of oxygen starvation. In combination with high humidity and temperature, people can even be poisoned by gases. Excessively productive can contribute to longer heating of the room. Fresh air is directed inside very quickly, the floor remains constantly cold.

    Bath ventilation

    Where is the air exchange system installed?

    Experts say that air supply solutions are installed in 2 zones: under wooden deck chairs or behind the base of the stove. Let's consider these options in more detail.

    The World Wide Web contains a huge number of schemes for the movement of air masses, but in most cases they are implemented by amateurs and do not deserve any attention. Professionals recommend fulfilling just a couple of conditions:

    • the hood is done exclusively at the top;
    • air intake holes - in the lower part of the walls;
    • ventilation ducts are located diagonally.

    Such solutions will be sufficient for good oxygen circulation. Any other reasoning on this matter is the fruit of a sick imagination, nothing more. The corresponding valves can be located at different levels, in fact, as well as the holes for removing air masses.

    Ventilation of the bathhouse in the form of a small hole under the ceiling is used exclusively after completion of water procedures, when it is necessary to completely ventilate the room. As for the second opening, it is advisable to arrange it 40 cm lower. The optimal period of use is during the washing process.

    Advice! Some novice builders, answering the question of how to make ventilation in a steam room, advise connecting adjacent openings of the system into separate internal air ducts. Then 2-3 valves are installed. This complication does not in any way improve comfort when taking water procedures. Don't experiment - simplicity is everything!

    A well-organized air exchange system for a bathhouse is the simplest, in which there are no common channels under the casing. The optimal solution to the problem is to do it for each of the walls located in different rooms several holes and place small tubular elements in them. Grill valves can be used as a plug. This option is successfully used both in the case of a traditional Russian bath and exclusive steam rooms.

    Natural air exchange

    One of the most affordable options for organizing ventilation in log baths. The main advantages are efficiency, safety, simplicity and minimal cost. The corresponding holes are placed taking into account the location of the stove, the material from which the building is made, and the number of shelves.

    Proper ventilation will help general recommendation– the recesses should be located at different heights – it is enough to raise the inlet opening from the floor only 0.2 m, and the outlet – 0.25 m below the ceiling. When choosing, it is necessary to take into account their position not only inside the building, but also external walls. We do not recommend disturbing the façade composition of the property.

    As for the size of the holes for natural ventilation in the bathhouse, they are chosen in the range from 300 to 400 cm2. If you are in doubt about a specific value, it is better to go with the larger option. An incorrect system can lead to excessively rapid air exchange, and as a result, cooling in the steam room. In this case, you cannot do without dampers.

    Advice! Ventilation in a steam room or bath will look aesthetically pleasing if the openings of the system are covered with decorative grilles.

    Forced ventilation

    Forced ventilation in a bathhouse is more difficult from the point of view of independent implementation, since it involves the installation of special electrical equipment. Often, competent implementation requires drawings, individual calculations of the power of the exhaust fan, intake, etc. During the installation process, you will also have to solve the problem associated with the special microclimate of the steam room.

    Electrical equipment is incompatible with high air humidity, hard temperature conditions. For these purposes, it is better to use fans installed in a protected case. To make the ventilation in the bathhouse with your own hands as high-quality and safe as possible, we recommend that you study the relevant instructions, regulations and recommendations of the PUE. Preliminary theoretical preparation is the key to successful endeavors.

    Forced ventilation of the steam room allows you to flexibly regulate the input parameters of the rate of renewal of air masses in the room. It does not depend on environment, weather. Floor ventilation in the bathhouse using the forced principle has also proven itself to be excellent. It remains effective regardless of the strength and direction of the wind.

    Option for forced ventilation in a bathhouse (video)

    Ventilation in the bath

    We make the system ourselves

    So, the main question is ventilation in the bathhouse with your own hands - how to implement it, what should it be like? First of all, you shouldn’t rush and cut from the shoulder. Secondly, carefully study the source data. In most buildings, holes and cracks in the floor, doors and windows are simply not provided. This is a typical situation for a modern Russian bath.

    The corresponding holes must be made by hand. Do-it-yourself ventilation in a sauna should include recesses for the intake and removal of air masses. A building made according to traditional standards does not include external and interior lining, since the main building material sawn timber protrudes.

    Step 1: Determine the areas where the input and output channels will be located

    We have already talked about how to make ventilation in a sauna . If you forgot, we remind you: from the floor at a height of 0.2 m - entrance, under the ceiling diagonally - exit. This effective method distribution of air masses inside a Russian bath. Particular attention should be paid to the availability of channels.

Ventilation of the steam room is the most important component of the design of a modern bathhouse. Ventilation serves to remove excess steam, exhaust air and properly distribute heat in the room. You can provide ventilation in the steam room with your own hands, investing very little money and materials. But first, let’s figure out whether ventilation is needed in the steam room.

Why is there ventilation in the steam room?

Properly constructed ventilation in a steam room solves two problems:

  • comfort for steamers;
  • safety.

Lack of air exchange or improper ventilation in the steam room can lead to such sad consequences as:

  • rapid decay and deterioration of the structure. Even in a properly constructed bathhouse, wood lasts no longer than 2 decades. If there is no ventilation, this period will decrease significantly;
  • the unpleasant smell of rot and mustiness will discourage you from visiting the steam room;
  • the accumulation of gases and microbes is harmful to health. When wood burns and people are in the bathhouse, gases are released. And in a humid and warm atmosphere, mold and fungi develop. If there is no air exchange, all harmful impurities are concentrated, making bath procedures dangerous for the human body.

One of the most important functions of ventilation in a steam room is to optimize heating. Air saturated with water vapor is a weak conductor of heat.

This is why a sauna without ventilation takes longer to heat up. To enhance air movement, the supply hole is located behind the firebox, just above the floor. The air entering the room is first warmed up, without lowering the overall temperature in the steam room.

So, ventilation is needed in a Russian steam room, but how to do it correctly - read on and watch the video.

Rules for ventilation in the steam room

There are many ventilation schemes in the steam room. The choice of the appropriate one depends on the architectural features of the bathhouse. But some laws cannot be broken anyway.

  • The air flow is organized in the lower part of the room, preferably near the firebox;
  • When constructing ventilation in a steam room with your own hands, it is best to place the exhaust air outflow on the opposite side, as close to the ceiling as possible. Some owners make an exhaust hole directly in the ceiling, which has its pros and cons.

The inlet and outlet must not be placed at the same height!

Otherwise, most of the air in the bath will not participate in the movement. Your feet will freeze and your head will overheat.

The diameter of the ventilation holes depends on the volume of the bath:

1 cubic meter of air requires 24 square meters. centimeter of pipe diameter.

Before arranging ventilation in the steam room, it is necessary to consider the valve system. They are needed to regulate the air flow and allow you to quickly cool or warm the bath. It is advisable to install ventilation pipes during the construction phase of the building.

Signs bad work ventilation:

  • condensation on the walls;
  • mold in the corners;
  • heavy smell;
  • drafts;
  • cold in the middle and upper layers of air;
  • the bathhouse does not gain temperature well and cools down quickly;
  • Fresh supply air is removed, and carbon dioxide remains in the room (feeling stuffy).

Even in a very hot steam room it should be easy to breathe.

Which steam room ventilation is better: natural or forced?

When thinking about how to make ventilation in a steam room, you need to solve the main question: will the air exchange be natural or mechanical. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages. When equipping ventilation in the steam room with your own hands, it is easier to resort to mechanical traction.

There is no need to carefully check the location and diameter of the ventilation ducts while mastering the skills of a stove maker. You just need to insert the fans and they will do all the work themselves.

  • With the natural ventilation scheme of the steam room, air movement is ensured by the difference in temperature and pressure outside and in the bath. Warm air rushes to the ceiling and is drawn out into the street, creating some rarefaction in the air. The lack of pressure is compensated by the influx of fresh air. Natural ventilation is especially good in steam rooms made of wood, a breathable material. The movement of air flows is also supported by the presence of gaps between the logs. If the area of ​​the bathhouse is small, natural air exchange will be quite sufficient;
  • With a forced ventilation scheme, the influx or exhaust of air in the steam room is organized by a fan. Sometimes fans are installed for both inflow and outflow. In such cases, ventilation grilles can be installed in any location. If there is only one fan, the air flow is only made near the floor behind the firebox. A large bathhouse built of stone or brick cannot be properly ventilated naturally. Assistive methods are used to improve traction, e.g. exhaust fan or supply valve.

Advantage natural scheme steam room ventilation at low cost. However, it is not always possible to install exhaust pipes in in the right places and you have to resort to mechanical traction.

Before you ventilate the steam room, you need to purchase a fan. Not every model can cope with high humidity and temperature. An ordinary household fan can be used exclusively for ventilating the room after completing bath procedures.

In addition to fans, traction amplifiers also include deflectors. They are placed at the outer end of the ventilation duct.

If a heating steam room is installed geyser, a special ventilation duct is equipped for it.

Often, steam rooms and saunas are equipped with supply and exhaust systems that independently regulate temperature, humidity and air exchange in the room.

Steam room ventilation schemes

An error in steam room ventilation can be costly. The diagrams clearly show how to correctly position the ventilation holes:

A– photo of steam room ventilation with natural draft. The inflow is organized behind the firebox, the outflow is opposite from the upper part of the room. In order for the system to work in windy weather, the exhaust pipe is made vertical, its edge is higher than the ridge of the roof. It is important to choose the correct diameter of the air ducts, then the air exchange will proceed independently. It is regulated by flaps.

B– in this photo, ventilation in the steam room was made with your own hands with an uncharacteristic distribution of air ducts. The scheme is used when only one wall can be allocated for ventilation. The air enters the steam room from below, hits the hot stove, warms up and rushes to the ceiling, gradually moving towards the exhaust vent. The exhaust must be forced.

IN– not only the steam room room is ventilated, but also the subfloor, preventing the boards from rotting. The supply air is immediately warmed by the stove, falls down through the cracks in the floor, then rises up and is drawn out into the street.

G- on this photo chimney used for ventilation of the steam room and is a hood. The inlet is opposite the stove near the floor. Such ventilation is often installed in public steam rooms, since here the stove operates constantly.

Very important role The stove plays a role in organizing the ventilation of the steam room. The ventilation scheme largely depends on its location. More efficient air exchange is possible when the heater is installed directly inside the steam room, and not in the adjacent room.

About ventilating a Russian bath

It is impossible to install a mechanical hood in a classic Russian bathhouse. She will blow all the steam out onto the street in a matter of minutes. Therefore, after completing the bath procedures, the room is simply thoroughly ventilated. To do this, they most often open the door and the window, which is usually located on the wall opposite the door. If there forced exhaust, it can be used, but also with open door. It is imperative to remove all wet leaves from brooms, because they retain moisture and germs. And the benches and wooden floors are dried with towels. Microbes multiply remarkably in wet floorboards and accumulate harmful substances, excreted with sweat.

After thoroughly drying and ventilating the room, you can begin to heat the steam room, where ventilation is required.

During heating in the steam room, the exhaust pipes are closed and the inflow is opened.

air movement at the end of kindling)

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 also gradually accumulates in the steam room carbon monoxide(CO is the chemical formula for 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 performance (this is what we go to the bathhouse for), you can get, at best, lethargy, weakness and headache, and at worst - 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 released into the atmosphere. After completing the bath procedures, with good ventilation, the vapor is actively removed outside the building, and the 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 - as a rule, 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”. In this case, they also talk about the presence of natural ventilation in the bathhouse: any wood has pores and cracks 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 specific case, during construction ventilation duct 100 micron thick aluminum foil was used.

Ventilation device in baths

In the very simple version, the ventilation system of 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, depending on design features, and the materials from which they are made. But there is general rules and several of the most common schemes, following which you can choose the optimal ventilation specifically for your case.

The dimensions of the ventilation holes are calculated based on the volume of the steam room: per one cubic meter 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, closed wooden gratings. 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 installed, 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).

It is impossible to make an exhaust pipe in a steam room from plastic boxes for ventilation - they cannot withstand high temperatures, but it is permissible to use them in a 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 creating an unpleasant odor, it is necessary to provide ventilation for the floors. 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. You need to decide on the optimal ventilation system specifically for your conditions and select/develop the most suitable scheme. Ventilation in the washing compartment differs only in that due to more low temperatures air, you can use plastic ventilation ducts here (which you cannot do in a steam room) and you can install fans 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 brick bath It must be taken into account that its efficiency should be several times higher than that of wood. 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 100% humidity, exhaust ventilation It must also be very efficient: in an hour of operation it is necessary to provide six times replacement of air in the room. In addition, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of removing condensate that 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.