All about windows for the baths

When equipping a bathhouse, due attention should be paid to every detail. It is important to choose the right doors and windows. About the latter we will talk about below.

In the bath must be thought through all the components. The furnishings must be not only safe, but also ergonomic. For each part must be chosen a perfect place, and windows are no exception.

The steam room - is a room in which really extreme operating conditions of window constructions are created. This is where the highest temperatures and an impressive percentage of humidity take place. Not to face the problem of heat loss and maintain an optimal microclimate in the cold seasons, It is allowed to install not very big windows. The latter should consist of high quality heat-resistant glass and the window unit itself.

Do not do without windows and in the room, allocated for recreation. Here, the installation of more reliable reinforced products, characterized by a high level of noise and thermal insulation is acceptable. Frames of such windows can seamlessly withstand sharp temperature jumps, as well as a high percentage of humidity in the environment.

The specific location of windows in the sauna recreation room can be different, depending on the layout of the building and the position of the free walls. In the areas indicated. allowed to put larger and even panoramic window designs - Everything depends on the wishes and choice of the owners and the peculiarities of the very place for rest.

Windows, suitable for the Russian bath, can be made of a variety of materials. This is an important characteristic of such elements, because it affects not only the lifetime of the windows, but also their performance, appearance, cost and nuances of care. Let's understand what to construct windows for the bath and what are the features of different options.

Currently, the windows of this type are far from those instances that were installed some 10 years ago. Today's designs are distinguished by special treatments and new assembly techniques.

Models are characterized by excellent air-tightness. They are not afraid of atmospheric influences or fluctuations in temperature values. The level of humidity exceeding the norm, is also not able to harm modern wooden windows. In such conditions, they are not deformed, do not swell. Manufacturers have taken care to ensure that such products can last much longer and with less hassle for owners.

The main advantage of wood as a material for windows is its ability to "breathe". Because of this a pleasant microclimate can be maintained in the room. Unfortunately, the use of impregnations and coatings reduces these abilities of wood to a minimum. But this does not exclude other important advantages of wooden windows for baths:

• wood has a beautiful appearance, so windows made of it look expensive and cozy, which cannot be said about simple plastic models;
• the wood surface is much more efficient in storing heat, so frames made of this natural material always feel warmer;
• if necessary, wood can be restored if there are scratches, abrasions or other damages on its surface;
• wood is an environmentally friendly and absolutely safe material, which does not emit any chemicals or pungent odors;
• From natural wood emanates a very pleasant natural aroma, acting on a person relaxing.

Many craftsmen at home are taking to make windows from wood with their own hands. At the cost of such structures are much cheaper than the factory. In quality they may be inferior to the latter, but with the right care can last for decades.

Wooden windows also have their disadvantages:

• such constructions are more expensive than popular plastic ones;
• If the wooden constructions are excessively moistened, they risk swelling, so that the window sashes stop opening and closing easily;
• the technical preparation of such natural raw materials is often complicated and time-consuming
• wood is susceptible to attack by parasitic insects as well as mold;
• wooden windows should not be left without regular maintenance.

For many users, a serious disadvantage of wooden windows is the need for proper maintenance. You will have to periodically treat such structures with specialized antiseptic compositions. If you neglect such a procedure, the wood risks quickly deteriorating. It will either dry out or swell due to high humidity, deform, can be covered with cracks and mold. In addition, unprotected wood is a direct target of dangerous pests that devour this natural material.

In the manufacture of window designs can be used different types of wood.

1. The most affordable, budget material is pine. It is malleable in processing, very resistant to moisture. Pine does not deteriorate even under the influence of regular temperature jumps. However, during the moments of heat this species produces resin, so for windows in the steam room this kind of wood is not suitable.
2. The most durable and wear-resistant species are recognized as oak, beech, larch. Most often it is from this wood make bathing windows. But it should be borne in mind that these products are usually expensive.
3. If you want to feel the effects of the healing properties of wooden structures, it is advisable to give preference to models in which the frame is made of ash, linden or aspen. These materials emit very pleasant natural aromas under the influence of high temperatures.
4. At the factory, the windows are made of glued laminated beams, most often of pine.
5. You can also encounter constructions made of rare species, for example, mahogany. They look expensive and are pleasant to the touch. However, this type of wood with negative consequences "survives" minus temperatures and can be covered with cracks due to freezing.

In the Russian bathhouse is allowed to install not only wooden, but also modern windows made of PVC (polyvinyl chloride). Such products are becoming more and more popular from year to year. They are installed both in dwellings and in a variety of institutions. It is also possible to put them in the bath, namely in the anteroom, washing room, rest room or in the sauna. But it is better not to put PVC in the steam room, even if the glass is the highest quality and most expensive.

Plastic windows demonstrate several significant advantages:

• they are designed to last a long time;
• have a structure that does not absorb moisture, so the frames do not swell;
• temperature instability is not terrible for such windows;
• they are hermetic, perfectly keep warmth in the space;
• have good soundproofing properties;
• they do not require complex and regular care;
• they are very ergonomic and easy to operate - they are easy to open and close.

The following are uncompromisingly suitable for baths double-glazed windows are notable for tightness and thermal insulation. Such windows can keep a warm temperature in the room, even if there is a cracking frost outside the window. The frame color does not have to be only white, there are many other color options. Buyers have the opportunity to order options that imitate a log or any other natural material.

Of the disadvantages of plastic windows are the following:

• even perfect quality plastic will not have a beneficial effect on health - it is not breathable, so condensation forms in a closed space and keeps unpleasant stuffiness;
• at moments of heating PVC emits toxic substances - the lower the qualitative characteristics of the material, the more it can harm human health;
• Plastic is not the most reliable, it can be easily damaged - if any defect or damage appeared on the window construction, it is impossible to hide it or repair it - you will have to resort to a complete replacement.

Since modern plastic windows are made to order, the owners can choose a certain size and design of the future construction. It is up to the consumer and the selection of the type of profile, fittings. The best recognized details are from German manufacturers. However, you can also settle on products from domestic firms, which operate on German technological lines. Such products will cost less, but in quality will not be inferior to foreign models.

PVC-windows can be solid or with the function of opening. By the type of opening mechanism are allocated below subspecies of windows:

• hinged;
• rotary;
• tilt and turn.

Mechanism hinged subtype allows you to open the window only in its upper part. Simply put, the top of the sash moves away from the frame by a certain distance, but it does not fully open.

The tilt-and-turn mechanism allows the sash to open completely, as in standard windows. If we talk about models of the tilt-turn subspecies, it allows you to change the method of opening, based on the direct position of the handle. That is, the user can slightly open such a window for ventilation, and can open it completely.

No less popular today are high-quality combination windows, which perfectly "feel" in the difficult bathing conditions. In the manufacture of such structures is used metal, plastic and wood in a variety of combinations. For example, it can be such combinations:

• aluminum and wood;
• plastic and wood;
• plastic and aluminium;
• plastic, wood and aluminum.

A variety of materials in the construction of modern windows can be combined in different ways.

1. The inner component of the frame may be lined with slats of wood, while the bulkhead and the entire frame edging is made of practical plastic. On the inside, such windows look as if they were made entirely of wood. For additional decoration and protection, the wood is treated with high-quality varnish in several layers.
2. The entire frame is made of glued beam, and on the outer half are laths made of plastic or aluminum, using special clips that allow the wood to "breathe".
3. In the first step, two separate frames are made: the inner one is made of wood, and the outer one is made of PVC or metal. The perimeter of the frames are fixed to each other with special brackets, and the glazing is done with standard glass, not double-glazed windows. If necessary, any frame can be removed.

Combined window constructions are very popular today and are among the most reliable, but they have one serious drawback. Such products are characterized by the manual assembly of certain frame parts. In the same way is carried out Fittings and elements of the insulating glass unit lining are adjusted in the same way.

Owners should take into account that in the sauna building should not be too many window structures, since each of them increases heat loss. It is generally accepted that the total area of windows should not be more than 5% of the floor area in the building, and the size of each window - to be within 60x80 cm. Today, popular designs with the following dimensions: 30x30 cm, 40x40 cm, 50x50 cm.

Basically The largest window is placed in the resting room, as well as in the anteroom. Miniature and narrow variants are put in the steam room and the washing room. Typically, these products are square or rectangular in shape, although sometimes you can meet and original figured copies.

Windows are needed not only to make the space more light, but also for ventilation. Therefore, ideally they should all be able to swing open or at least be equipped with shutters. The most comfortable are considered double-pane windows with double frames.

1. In the steam room, you can install a small window with the size of 20x40 cm. There can be two of them installed over the top shelf.
2. Equipping a window in the washing room, you must make sure that from the street were not visible to those people who bathe. The opening should be based on a height of 1.5 m. The size of the windows should also not be too large.

Install windows in the bath is possible both independently and by turning to professionals. This process can not be called prohibitively difficult, but from the master is still required the utmost care and accuracy in the actions. Let us acquaint ourselves with some useful tips concerning the installation of window structures in the Russian bathhouse.

1. If the bath is built of timber, shrinkage it will give for a long time after construction. If the windows immediately put in the openings, the frames risk a lot of deformation, and all connections will lose their original tightness. To avoid such serious problems, it is desirable to install windows, not forgetting to leave a gap of 5-10 cm between the top plank of trim and timber/logs, of which the wall base is constructed. In structures made of stone or brick, these problems have no place, so the windows are allowed to put up immediately, leaving no gaps.
2. Installation of modern windows with double-glazed windows can be implemented with your own hands, but only if the master has previously encountered similar work and has some experience. Installation of such structures has its own subtleties and nuances, of which an inexperienced user can not know exactly. If you do not follow the technology, the profile can be seriously damaged, and the glass unit itself risks depressurization. Regular wooden windows are much easier to install, although they need some skill.

Do not underestimate the importance of compiling a harmonious environment in the bathhouse. Windows in such structures can also be beautifully decorated to make the interior more cozy and welcoming:

• Bath windows can be closed by means of wooden shutters with carved patterns or patterned lines;
• Curtains look good on bath windows, e.g. in a rustic style with small floral prints on a contrasting background;
• Curtains on the windows can be not only decorated with flowers, but also monochrome - such solutions look more solid;
• unusually in the conditions of the bath look motley stained glass windows.

In the recreation room, arranged in the bath, there is often a sofa or a few chairs. It is desirable to pick up the windows of such curtains, which will have resonance with the upholstery or the cover on the furniture structure. Then the situation will be most harmonious and well thought out.

Some users decide to decorate the installed bath windows, using lightweight tulle of discreet design. Often this decoration is not complemented by dense curtains - Here it all depends on the taste preferences of the owners. In any case, such additions bring notes of warmth and coziness into the environment.

On the features of bath windows, see below.