Which bath is better - a timber-frame or a frame bath?
Construction from a bar is a traditional technique, but the frame technology has recently become no less popular. In fact, both options have their advantages and disadvantages. It is also worth taking into account the requirements that are important for the future owner of the bathhouse, the peculiarities of the site, financial opportunities and other moments. A step-by-step analysis will tell you which construction technology to choose.
What is cheaper to build?
First of all, everyone is concerned about the financial issue. This is emphasized by the manufacturers of frame baths, claiming that their method requires less money, but this is a controversial statement. Put frame construction is really cheaper than the construction of a bath from a beam, but do not forget that you will need more and finishing, and this practically equalizes the cost. If you get to save money, then about ten thousand - the difference is negligible.
Let's consider the estimated costs in more detail. Construction of any bath begins with the foundation. If we are talking about a frame construction, including a combined frame and panel or mobile, then the following types of foundations will be suitable:
- strip shallow-deep version - prefabricated or solid;
- The columnar concrete foundation.
For a log or beam bathhouse, you need a base that can withstand heavier loads, since the structure itself will be heavier. In this case, you can use:
- strip buried version;
- Pillar base, but with a stronger base;
- reinforced plates;
- screwed piles.
The choice of foundation depends on the characteristics of the site and the type of soil, so the costs here may be different. For example, the installation of a columnar base "will not hit the wallet," but reinforced plates - this is an expensive material.
Once the foundation work is complete, it's time for the walls and finishes. Frame buildings are sheathed with boards or special panels, and insulation, vapor barrier and waterproofing are also laid. It is important to use only safe materials that will not emit harmful substances when heated. As a finish, which is performed both inside and outside, you can choose battens, siding or block house, focusing on prices to stay within the budget.
Three types of materials are used for log cabins:
- laminated;
- planed;
- profiled.
The cost depends on the type of wood and method of processing. However, it is worth noting that when building with laminated or profiled beams, you can do without insulation or finishing.
Which will be warmer?
It should be hot in the bathhouse, and a log steam room wins here. Such material is able to accumulate heat and retain it longer. However, to do this, you need to use chamber processed wood. In addition, there is a disadvantage - over time, the timber dries out, so you will need to caulk the cracks.
A frame sauna warms up quickly due to the insulation, but also cools down almost immediately if you stop heating. For those who take a steam bath rarely and want to build a small steam room in the countryside, this option is quite suitable. You can also appreciate the pluses of quick assembly. But if you like a hot bath and often visit it, it is better to choose the timber.
It is important to consider that the main sources of heat loss are cracks in the windows and doors, also contributed to this mistakes made during the laying of the floor or roof. Regardless of the chosen methodology, you need to pay special attention to these places. Also in a frame bath can be a weak link in the ventilation. If it is not properly arranged, the heat will quickly escape.
Timing of construction
A frame structure can be put up in a couple of weeks, and about the same amount will be spent on finishing work. As a result, in a month the building will be completely ready for use. Another plus - such a bath can be folded even with your own hands, if you do not want to spend money and hire a team of builders.
It will take at least a year to build with logs, since this material shrinks. In addition, it is not possible to work alone - the logs are quite bulky and heavy. However, there is a way to speed up construction, if you choose chamber-dried timber. The cost of it will be higher, but in terms of time it is equal to the frame technology.
There is another option - to use winter logs. In this case, even the material with a natural moisture content shrinkage is much faster. Due to the minus temperatures the excess moisture freezes, and the quality of the beam is not inferior to samples that have passed the chamber drying.
The question of environmental friendliness
The most safe will be natural wood. Pine beam when heated even releases beneficial substances that help strengthen the immune system. You can choose a simple or profiled beam, but glued beam is not such a good option. The lamellae, of which it consists, are pressed with a special compound, it is not completely environmentally friendly. EPI glue is considered safe, but it costs more, so Russian manufacturers do not often use it.
Frame construction is wooden, but it is accompanied by insulation, insulation, finishing materials. These materials include chemicals, so they can not be called completely environmentally friendly.
Also, the presence of glue makes the construction "not breathable", so you will have to take care of additional ventilation system. If you care about maximum environmental friendliness, it is better to choose a solid beam.
The following video tells about what kind of sauna is better to choose - from a bar or frame.
