Ceiling Height and Slope for Steam Showers

Ceiling Height & Slope for steam shower designs

Professionals always recommend building steam rooms between 84″ and 96″ in ceiling height and slope at its most. This is because high ceiling rooms always have poor performing steam showers though they may give a luxurious looking steam room.

Steam shower rooms are generally made natural stone such as granite and marble, tile, fiberglass, acrylic, or of solid surface composites. These materials will determine the size of the generator you will need and can change based on which material the shower room is made of.

Here is a simple guide on what to consider and look into when building a steam shower room:

1. A steam shower room ceiling should be angled in a slope to prevent condensation in bathing area. It is generally recommended that ceiling heights are not higher than 8’. A larger generator would be required for a higher ceiling.

2. Steam generators would require a drain and a water line and an access to an electrical outlet.

3. To pick the right steam generator for your steam room could make the big difference. If too small, it’s won’t be effective. If too big, it would be wasteful. Consult a specialist on picking the right size for your steam room before buying one.

4. Steam is delivered from the generator through pipes to the steam heads in the steam shower room which are activated by a set of controls. It is recommended that all controls be installed and located inside the shower room. However, there are remote controls available commercially for added convenience.

5. In steam rooms, shower seats are installed to help one complete the total steam spa experience with ease. There are folding teak shower seats available commercially designed to relax in comfort.

6. Steam showers do not require special ventilation. Very little steam escapes when the shower door is closed. Turn on the shower to condense the remaining steam in the enclosure at the end of a session before opening the door.

Since steam shower installation involves both water and electricity, professionals recommend expert installation by a licensed plumber, electrician, or a licensed contractor with focus on steam. Commercial suppliers of steam generators can supply the names of contractors and even answer questions your builder or contractor might have about steam shower installation.

In your shopping make sure any generator has these important features.

• Stainless steel make on the inside and out for longer life performance
• Compact size for flexibility and ease of installation
• For easy plug and play installation of multiple features, precision connectors are also installed
• State of the art microprocessor-controlled water monitoring and delivery system is installed
• For smooth steam and hassle free operation, self-diagnostic LED indicators are installed
• Another safety feature is the unique seven-second electronic shut-off device
• For a quiet and safe steam shower, an anti-hammer, low voltage water solenoid valve is used
• For safety and protection, a 24-volt transformer in included
• For ease of service, most use the standard ½” full port ball valve
• A factory option can be installed to maintain water temperature and produce steam more quickly
• Eco-friendly and using recycled materials. Generators can be recycled and can save energy.
• UL listed in the US and Canada

Professionals advise that if you desire to eliminate the chance for condensation droplets falling during shower bath, a 2″ maximum slope per lineal foot is applied on the steam room ceiling. For better physical appearance, it is best to slope down starting from the door wall. Consult an expert for further details on ceiling slope or steam room construction.

Copied verbatim from the TCNA HANDBOOK:

*Steam rooms require a waterproofing membrane on all surfaces to prevent moisture from penetrating adjoining spaces.
*slope ceilings (2″ per ft. minimum) to avoid condensation from dripping onto occupants (sometimes sloped to center to minimize rundown on walls).
*waterproof membrane must be capable of withstanding heat exposure.
*adequate insulation on walls and ceiling will reduce moisture condensation at temperature variations on steam rooms as long as they have the standard ceiling height and slope.