Avoid using porous materials like marble, granite, or concrete for your steam shower's walls and ceiling. The higher the material's porosity, the quicker it will dissipate heat and the larger a steam generator you will need. Use nonporous materials such as ceramic or porcelain tile that will retain heat instead.
Typically, ceilings are constructed of 2' x 8" joists covered by a vapor-proof barrier, concrete board and finished with ceramic tile or other shower-approved materials such as acrylic, cultured marble, fiberglass, glass tile, granite, marble, natural stone, or slate.
I'd use kerdi board for the entire steam shower including ceiling and water proof all of it. Be sure the lights you put in there are water proof led and seal them up good or it can be a point of mold build up.
As long as the shower has good ventilation (Read: Extractor fan that vents through the roof) and you apply primer + paint to the ceiling, it is not necessary to tile the ceiling. Most showers tile to just above the shower outlet or even up to the ceiling line, but omit tiling the actual ceiling.
Because steam rises, a low ceiling is ideal—aim for 7 feet (8 feet maximum). For best results, a steam shower should not be placed along outside walls, especially in colder climates.
4. The Slope Of The Shower Ceiling. The ceiling in a large steam shower enclosure should be slightly sloped to prevent dripping of condensate. The Tile Council of North America and the Marble Institute of America suggest between ½" to 2" per foot depending on the ceiling material.
A steam shower typically requires non-porous material, such as porcelain, but it can also be designed with natural stone that is routinely sealed as a regular maintenance procedure, according to Kim.
For anyone looking to update the look of their home or office that's wondering, "Can you put tiles on the ceiling," the answer is yes! Adding ceiling tiles is a simple and effective way of giving any interior space a new and fresh feel.
The most common standard height for a shower stall is around 84 inches. That leaves a bit of room for some tile or acrylic surround above the shower head, which is typically installed at about 80 inches. Now, 80 inches is usually enough for most people to comfortably fit under the flow of water.
Wash Thoroughly. Ensuring a sanitary steam shower is essential to preventing the growth of mold and mildew. Begin by rinsing the shower area with warm water, eliminating any excess dirt or residue. Next, use a safe cleansing product to thoroughly sanitize the doors, windows, floors and fixtures.
Glass Enclosures
Unlike traditional showers that can be left open, steam showers need to be enclosed entirely to trap the steam and heat inside. Design options include creating a walled shower stall, installing floor-to-ceiling glass panels, or placing a hopper window above the shower door.
You need wall materials that are not porous to help prevent the steam from dissipating due to cooling too quickly. While natural stone is popular and without a doubt beautiful, it won't hold in the heat like non-porous porcelain or ceramic tile.
You can install KERDI-BOARD directly to an existing ceiling using thin-set mortar, or fasten directly to the stud frame structure if no ceiling is currently in place. The KERDI-BOARD will protect the ceiling from both water and vapor penetration.
In all, porcelain tile is an excellent choice for a tiled steam shower.
Due to new guidelines, TCNA Handbook steam shower installation methods now require either a bonded waterproof wall membrane with a water vapor permeance (perm rating) of 0.5 perms or less, or use of secondary vapor retarder membrane.
Tile is meant for a wet area.
If the tile doesn't go to the ceiling, the section of the shower with paint and drywall will get wet. Paint and drywall is not water proof, so, overtime you may have problems with mold and decay.
One of the best benefits of ceiling tiles is how easily you can repair any harm done to the ceiling. Since ceiling tiles come in individual pieces, you merely need to replace the tiles that have been damaged. Repairing other types of ceilings can be far more expensive and time-consuming.
If an unsuitable tile is exposed to excessive humidity, it will absorb the moisture, becoming heavy and eventually sagging or breaking. While no tile is actually waterproof, there are tiles that are designed to withstand a high level of humidity and are best suited to shower areas, swimming pools, salons & kitchens.
Drywall is a common bathroom ceiling material, but when it comes to areas with high moisture, like showers, greenboard is the better option. Greenboard's core has a wax-like substance that repels water, making it more resistant to moisture than regular drywall.
For a custom look, tiled or stone showers offer endless design options, are more durable, and will add value to your home. However, tiled showers often require professional installation, are longer to install, and cost more in materials and labor than prefab options.
Even if there is no huge water leak such as from a hole in the roof, the steam and moisture of showers, bathtubs, and boiling pots can potentially affect the structure and safety of a house or building. This is why vapor barriers are needed in areas that are more moisture-prone.
All tile in a steam room or shower must be grouted with either a cement- based grout or a 100% epoxy-based grout. CUSTOM recommends Prism® Color Consistent Grout. Prism is a high performance, hydraulic cement grout that meets the requirements of ANSI A118.
Can a steam shower be used as a regular shower? Yes! A steam generator can be added to your standard shower, so you can choose your relaxation experience day by day – no need to install a separate unit or stall.
It's essential to vent a steam shower PROPERLY in order to prevent mold and mildew growth. This can be done by installing an exhaust fan or venting the steam DIRECTLY outside. Exhaust fans should be installed NEAR the top of the shower and must be powerful enough to draw out all of the moist air created during use.