How to build a bathhouse from polystyrene concrete?

While constructing a bathhouse out of polystyrene concrete may seem strange, it’s a creative approach to building a long-lasting and energy-efficient building. Foam concrete, sometimes referred to as polystyrene concrete, is made of polystyrene beads mixed with regular concrete to create a lightweight yet sturdy mixture. Because of this material’s superior insulation qualities and ease of use, it is growing in popularity.

We’ll take you step-by-step through the construction of a bathhouse with polystyrene concrete in this article. We will cover every aspect of construction, from material selection to hands-on building. Whether you’re a do-it-yourself enthusiast or organizing a professional construction, knowing how to work with this material will enable you to create a luxurious and cozy bathroom.

We will also discuss the advantages of using polystyrene concrete, including its moisture and heat resistance. We’ll also provide helpful advice to make sure your building project runs smoothly. Let’s explore how you can use this adaptable and efficient building material to make your bathhouse project a reality.

Is it possible to build?

It is advised to research the matter of relevance before constructing a bathhouse out of polystyrene and concrete blocks. Situations where building is the better option:

• simultaneous construction of a house from the same material is taking place on the site;
• the goal is to build a warm room;
• I want to save money on materials.

It will be financially advantageous to construct a bathhouse right away using this material if a residential building made of polystyrene concrete blocks is being constructed on the property concurrently. Since the stone will be delivered in its entirety on a single truck, the owner won’t have to pay extra for transportation. Additionally, there won’t be any additional fees for unloading the cargo.

The low thermal conductivity coefficient of polystyrene concrete blocks suggests that the interior of the bathhouse will be warm.

This is the better option if this is the designated goal indicator. Because blocks require fewer purchases of materials, you can save money on construction.

You can use a wide stone edge for this if the wall is 300 mm thick.

If finishing is not included in the budget, it is not advisable to construct a bathhouse out of polystyrene concrete. Since the stone is photosensitive, exposure to UV rays will not be beneficial to the house in areas where sunny days predominate for the majority of the year.

Which polystyrene concrete blocks are suitable?

You should consider the density, strength class, size, and thermal conductivity of polystyrene concrete blocks when selecting a material for a sauna. The frost resistance indicator is another crucial component. It is advised that blocks be chosen using the following criteria:

• dimensions 600x300x250 mm;
• density – D400-D600;
• strength class: B2;
• thermal conductivity coefficient – 0.105-0.135 W/mºC;
• frost resistance – F75-F100.

The material can be used with confidence to build a bathhouse because of its low water absorption percentage (only 4%). Densities between 400 and 600 merely signify the material’s universality as a structural and thermal insulator. It works well for creating bathroom walls. The stone’s strength class needs to be no less than B2, though this is dependent on how high the wall will eventually be built.

Wall requirements

Bathhouse walls constructed of this material must meet a number of specifications, one of which is the structure’s thickness:

• to ensure normal load-bearing capacity of the wall, a thickness of 380 mm will be sufficient;
• to obtain the heat resistance of a room, calculations must be made;
• Each region has its own seasonal thermal conductivity coefficient.

The requirements for walls are documented in official documents, such as GOST 33929-2016 and SP 434.1325800.2018. These are all the specifications and technical requirements for the state of the masonry-grade materials. Here are the specifications and prerequisites for constructing a bathhouse as well.

How to make a project?

You can attempt to do it yourself or get in touch with the right company to start a bathhouse construction project. Things to think about when creating:

• choose a construction site;
• develop planning solutions;
• draw a plan;
• coordinate it with the relevant organizations.

While it is preferable to build on a hill close to a reservoir, if one is not available, the bathhouse must be set back from the site’s edges by at least one meter and from other structures by at least five to six meters. There should be an entryway, a dressing area, a laundry room, and a steam room in the layout. Make a rest area as well. A plan can be created manually using a pencil and paper, or it can be created electronically using computer programs.

Consumables and tools

To erect a polystyrene concrete bathhouse, you will require the following equipment:

• building level;
• cord;
• rubber mallet;
• plane;
• Master OK;
• spatula-comb;
• brush.

Consumables like cement, sand, water, and block glue must also be ready. To construct a bathhouse of the necessary size, you must determine ahead of time how many blocks will be required.

Citation! Blocks from the manufacturer are preferable because you can save money this way.

DIY construction instructions

Here are the steps you must take in order to construct a bathhouse with your own hands out of polystyrene concrete blocks:

1. Foundation arrangement. The simplest type of foundation for such a bathhouse is strip. To do this, you need to dig a trench 60 cm deep and 30 cm wide around the perimeter, then make markings and arrange a sand cushion. Then the reinforcement frame and formwork are assembled, concrete is poured, having previously organized a sewerage supply. Foundation height 70-75 cm.
2. Walling. The first row of blocks is laid on cement-sand mortar. Then you can use special glue. You need to adjust the laid stone using a rubber mallet. It is important to check the evenness of each laid row using a level or building level.
3. To arrange window and door openings, you need to use additional elements or lintels made of the same material.
4. Roof construction. First they make the frame, then they attach the roofing material to it.
5. Do not forget about the construction of a straight chimney, which should be separated from the entire bathhouse structure using heat-insulating material.

Is insulation required??

The substance polystyrene concrete itself has the ability to hold heat inside. Nonetheless, using foil insulation from the steam room’s interior is still advised. Slag or expanded clay should also be poured underground to act as insulation. The structure doesn’t need to be insulated from the outside, but it is preferable to be covered. There needs to be waterproofing and a vapor barrier installed between the polystyrene concrete and the facing material.

Possible difficulties and errors

Errors and difficulties may occur while working, particularly if it is done by novices. Here are a few of them:

• incorrectly designed bath plan;
• the masonry mortar is not prepared according to proportions;
• no special masonry adhesive was used;
• there is no vapor or waterproofing;
• no foundation provided.

Such a bathhouse won’t last very long if you neglect it or skip one of the building stages. Its walls will get smaller, and the surface might start to crack.

Advantages and disadvantages

The use of this raw material in the building of a bathhouse has a number of benefits and drawbacks. Let’s first examine the benefits:

• availability;
• low thermal conductivity;
• possibility of preparing the solution yourself;
• simple installation process;
• resistance to aggressive environmental conditions;
• durability;
• sanitary and hygienic safety.

When compared to brick or timber, the material is thought to be the most acceptable in terms of availability. It can retain heat indoors on its own, so it doesn’t require extra insulation. Additionally, the finishing materials fit perfectly on the base of the polystyrene concrete block if it was decided to decorate the bathhouse to your taste.

Crucial! Concrete made of polystyrene is resistant to mold, rot, and insect infestation. This gives it an advantage over the same timber from which saunas are often built.

To further cut the building process’s expenses For blocks, you can prepare your own solution. It only takes adherence to technology and the use of specialized tools to accomplish this. In contrast, you will be unable to prepare the wood or bricks yourself. The blocks have good geometry, so you can lay them yourself as well. A bathhouse composed of this material can also endure for up to 100 years.

However, there are some drawbacks to using polystyrene concrete in bathing areas. High shrinkage and instability to temperature changes are a couple of them. Furthermore, the material is classified as fire safety class G1. This indicates that it is regarded as a low-burning raw material because fire won’t harm it for 90 minutes.

Owner reviews

We can summarize the main benefits and drawbacks from owners of bathhouses made of polystyrene concrete blocks after examining a number of construction forums. Principal advantages:

• does not absorb moisture;
• easy;
• there is the possibility of self-installation;
• good strength;
• affordable price.

However, some people weren’t happy with the materials used to construct the bathhouse. The other side argues that, if we use European standards as our foundation, the content does not meet the requirements. They maintain that polystyrene releases toxic gases even beneath plaster and that, in the event of a fire, the material will release noxious materials into the atmosphere at a temperature of +135 degrees.

You can read reviews here and here from people who own bathhouses made of polystyrene concrete.

Constructing a bathhouse out of polystyrene concrete can be an economical and practical method of establishing a sturdy and cozy area. Lightweight and relatively simple to work with, expanded polystyrene beads, cement, and sand combine to create polystyrene concrete, which has good insulating qualities.

In the first place, it’s critical to begin planning your bathhouse project with a strong foundation. Before installing the concrete slab, make sure the ground has been leveled and compacted appropriately. The entire structure will be supported and stabilized by this base.

The next step in building the walls is to stack the polystyrene concrete blocks and adhere them to one another using mortar. These blocks are perfect for do-it-yourself construction projects because they are strong and lightweight. Whenever you construct the walls, don’t forget to leave room for doors and windows.

Insulating properties of polystyrene concrete are one of its benefits. The composition of the material aids in controlling interior temperature, keeping the bathhouse warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Over time, this feature lowers energy costs while simultaneously improving comfort.

Lastly, careful consideration should be given to the finishing touches, which include the exterior siding, interior fixtures, and roofing. The walls will look good with a well-insulated roof, which will guarantee constant thermal performance. Consider the arrangement and usability inside, adding shelves, benches, and suitable ventilation.

These instructions will help you construct a polystyrene concrete bathhouse that is not only practical but also economical and energy-efficient. Years of enjoyment and relaxation can be had from your new bathhouse with careful planning and attention to detail.

In this piece, we look at a useful tutorial for building a bathhouse out of polystyrene concrete, which is a strong, lightweight material that works well for projects like this. We’ll go over detailed instructions for everything from setting up the foundation and readying the site to mixing and pouring polystyrene concrete. We’ll also go over the advantages of utilizing this material, like its insulating qualities and ease of handling, which make it an affordable option for both professionals and do-it-yourselfers. Whether your goal is to construct a modest backyard sauna or a more elaborate bathhouse, this article will provide you the knowledge you need to get started and finish the project properly.

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