Product Brochure

O in its gaseous form (vapor) can penetrate conventional waterproofing membranes. These membranes are designed

to withstand penetration of water in its liquid form. Liquid, plain water presents a larger and tighter mass of H

molecules and is a less energetic unit in comparison. Particularly, if the vapor molecules escape and meet their dew

point inside structures, and then condensate, the condensation remains inside these structures and causes damage

that may not be immediately detectable, but massively and continuously present. Wall and roof structures are typically

colder, because they are in contact to the outside environment of the steam room. This attracts much condensation

on the inside surfaces of the steam room, such as tile. But what is not immediately apparent is, that the water vapor

also enters into the equally cold grout and thinset layers until stopped. Insulation inside a wall cavity or structure is

therefore important, as it will moderate the climate variation and difference to the outside. This helps prevent excessive

condensation and will allow the vapor to circulate more effectively, and it will help saving energy.

The water vapor saturation inside the steam room is maintained through the temperature in the steam room. Average

temperature levels are maintained between 100 – 120 Degree Fahrenheit. When the temperature level drops, a feeler

activates the steam generator to produce more hot water vapor. The warm temperature is directly caused and maintained

by the hot vapor entering the steam room. There is a constant vapor pressure kept on a high level, up to saturation,

which is the point at which the steam generator produces as many water vapor molecules that are separating from its

water fill as there are water vapor molecules reverting back into liquid condensation inside the room. This condensation

is most noticeable when it drips like warm to hot rain off the roof of the steam room. This is why it is important to design

a slope of 2” (50.8 mm) per foot into ceiling structures and a recommended 1/8” (3.2 mm) of slope for bench seating

areas, so most condensation is lead to the wall, over the benches and towards the slope (1/4” [6.4 mm] / foot) and drain

of the steam room floor. Temperature, also in combination with moisture, prompts many materials to expand or contract

and at varying degrees, which may impact the steam room functionally and cosmetically. Movement in materials of all

construction layers and in between connected parts, product and equipment can cause cracks, leaks and bond issues.

To mitigate the risk from water, water vapor and temperature exposure, the waterproofing and vapor proofing or

retarder is placed directly on the inside of the tile underlayment surfaces, where it will now be located directly below

the tile adhesive, tile and grout material layers. Insulation is installed behind the tile underlayment.

c. How wedi Can Offer a System to Simplify Construction and Ensure Safe Operation in Consideration of a

Steam Room’s Special Challenges

wedi Building Panel is a tile backer board and underlayment, which offers insulation and waterproofing all in one prod-

uct. wedi offers its range of pre-fabricated and pre- sloped Fundo shower floors incl. line drains or point drains for the

floor. Besides wedi’s regular tile backer boards in 1/2” (12.7 mm) and 5/8” (15.9 mm) thickness for use over existing

wall, ceiling or bench structures, framework or solid, wedi also offers an optional 2” (50.8 mm) thick panel. When

used at walls and ceilings they could replace framing or other structures and conventional insulation in one step when

installed in a free standing concept. They can be used to build benches completely eliminating conventional structures.

Such conventional structures can present challenges in steam rooms. Particularly wood materials move, when exposed

to temperature changes, and this creates a risk for sealed seams and may cause cracks in surface finishes. When shap-

ing curvy benches or round walls, the 2” (50.8 mm) wedi Panels can complete this job much quicker than for example

concrete materials, and without need for time consuming skim coating to get a structure ready for intricate mosaic

tile. With our systems, you have two options to provide a strong vapor barrier on top of the wedi Building Panel basis.

One option includes the use of wedi Subliner Dry over wedi Building Panel or other suitable surfaces. The other option