Tuesday, April 26, 2005
Getting up a head of steam
I have gotten the framing and electrical inspections on the sauna. I had a unique design for venting the spaces between the walls of the basement and the bathroom walls to prevent any chance for mold to form and while the framing inspector thought it was a good idea he let me know it wast allowed by code. It appears that a firestop is required to prevent a fire from spreading from the walls to the interstitial space between the floors where I was planning on venting the moisture. Without a firestop the spaces between the studs act like a chimney. As a compromise I will install screen and fiberglass insulation at the top of my venting channels (chimneys) to prevent a fire from spreading but still leaving some permeability for moisture to get out of the wall area. Minnesota has some issues with mold growth in houses because of the construction techniques used for energy efficiency.
Piping inspector will require the addition of a backflow preventer, the plumbing inspector interprets boilers and steam generators as being similar and my talking did not convince him to the contrary. (They are not the same as the steam generator does not make or operate under pressure so there is no chance of backflow) Be that as it may (or as Fritz says, "regardless of the facts.") I bought a backflow preventer and will install it.
Kate and Kathleen went with me to look at fixtures and vanities and have some ideas so as soon as the drywall is done we will be ready for the installation of all the other items.
I have tested the sauna on a number of occasions and am experiencing some electronic problems with the steam generator. I have talked to customer service and think they will be replacing the mother board for the controls soon. I also am ordering a new control package, the basic unit is only on off but the sauna gets way too hot and cycling it on and off to control temperature is not very convenient. The new control measures temperature in the sauna and control the number of heaters turned on the unit to maintain the set temperature. Should work better.
All for now. Fred
Piping inspector will require the addition of a backflow preventer, the plumbing inspector interprets boilers and steam generators as being similar and my talking did not convince him to the contrary. (They are not the same as the steam generator does not make or operate under pressure so there is no chance of backflow) Be that as it may (or as Fritz says, "regardless of the facts.") I bought a backflow preventer and will install it.
Kate and Kathleen went with me to look at fixtures and vanities and have some ideas so as soon as the drywall is done we will be ready for the installation of all the other items.
I have tested the sauna on a number of occasions and am experiencing some electronic problems with the steam generator. I have talked to customer service and think they will be replacing the mother board for the controls soon. I also am ordering a new control package, the basic unit is only on off but the sauna gets way too hot and cycling it on and off to control temperature is not very convenient. The new control measures temperature in the sauna and control the number of heaters turned on the unit to maintain the set temperature. Should work better.
All for now. Fred
This is the insulated vent ducting, code requires R8 for 3 feet from outside wall.
Bathroom vent
Downstairs bath is moving along after a brief period of inactivity.
