The choice of a cinder block bath project depends on the size of the bath, which is planned in the future:
- country bath - a standard building that does not imply a dedicated room for a restroom or a washroom;
- bath house - a large building with an area of 6 * 6 meters. Includes a kitchen and sometimes a bedroom.
The country bath has a standard area 5 * 5 meters and consists of three rooms - dressing room, steam room and shower. For subzero temperatures, it is necessary to provide an electric fireplace to heat the dressing room.
In winter, the heater cannot cope with heating the entire room. To reduce the cost of construction, insulation is carried out outside.
Foundation
Since cinder block structures are lightweight, they do not require a strong foundation. Dense stone-sandy substrates require the installation of cinder blocks without prior laying the foundation. If the foundation is planned, then it is performed according to the following rules:
- the base rises half a meter above the ground so that the cinder blocks do not absorb moisture in the future;
- after laying the base, a layer of waterproofing is laid;
- a strip foundation is placed on a leveled base (there is also a columnar option, but it is considered less reliable).
Walls
The walls of a cinder block bath are erected by analogy with the walls of a brick building:
- every 3-4 rows of blocks are reinforced using a metal mesh or reinforcing rods. The mesh should be immersed in the cement mortar so that the seam hardly enlarges;
- the cinder block easily moves during the construction process, therefore it must be regularly controlled with a plumb line or level - so that the building does not warp later;
- cinder block lintels are used to decorate window frames. If there are no jumpers, they can be replaced with wooden beams (placed in the upper part of the window);
- the last row of cinder blocks ends with the laying of Mauerlat timber. It must be fixed on metal rods embedded in the masonry;
- a rafter system is laid on top of the Mauerlat. The design can be single-slope or dual-slope - depending on the project.
Finishing outside and inside
The quality of the bath depends on the quality of the finish. When carrying out work, you need to adhere to several recommendations:
- the outer side of the bath is finished with siding or blockhouse. If the choice falls on a natural tree, then it is treated with an antiseptic;
- floors are laid with concrete or wood. Concrete ones are insulated with foam glass. For wooden floors, high-quality drainage is important so that the water goes away faster and does not damage the wood;
- the ceiling of the bath provides for multi-level insulation, which consists of three layers: mineral wool, vapor barrier membrane, foil material. This method is used in the steam room and in the shower. In the rest of the rooms, you can use refined layers of mineral wool;
- the decorative lining of the bath is made of cinder block.
You can buy any type of stove for the bath. The best option for a steam room would be a small wood-burning or electric heater.