Bath from logs or beams

Long since the bath of logs in Russia was not just a "washing place", but primarily a means for rest, relaxation and spiritual purification. Indeed, what could be better after a long and hard day than a bathhouse with its scorching steam, and with a birch broom spreading around a unique aroma? And from the steam room - straight to the ice hole or to the pool, or at least a cold shower! The body immediately becomes light, the breathing is deep, and the sensation of purity is such that it can not be compared to any whirlpool bath. And after sitting in the waiting room for a samovar and a long time to drink tea in the company of close people.

Baths of various materials are being built - this is brick, and concrete, and stone, and blocks of various kinds. But the best is still a traditional bath of logs. The price of this material, by the way, is lower than on any other. Firstly, wood is an environmentally friendly material; secondly, it keeps the heat perfectly, while walls from it "breathe", thus ensuring natural ventilation of the room. Wood in the process of exploitation gives out phytoncides and essential oils, which works perfectly on the body.

In turn, the wooden structure can be from a log or logs. Building a building from a log is more difficult, but a bath from a log will last for several decades, since during treatment the so-called sapwood - the outer layer of wood, which has an increased density - is preserved. The joints of the log walls win in front of the bar in terms of water drainage. And, of course, the bath of logs looks much more attractive than any other.

After making a decision to build a bathhouse, you first need to determine its location. It is believed that the entrance must be from the south, since there are always less snowdrifts on this side, but the windows should look to the west, because they are soared in the bath more often in the evening, and the sunset rays will create additional lighting. The distance from the nearest buildings should not be less than 10 meters, and, of course, the bath should be "within walking distance" of the pond or well.

The foundation for a bath is no different from the usual foundations - it is also laid on the depth of freezing of the soil. Can be made of blocks or be monolithic, ribbon, pile.

After the installation of the foundation, it is necessary to make a waterproofing between the foundation surface and the mortgage (i.e., bottom) log. It is made of 2-3 layers of roofing material, pasted on bitumen. The collapsible log is also additionally protected in the place where it joins the foundation.

Logs for a bath are preferable to coniferous species (pine, spruce, larch). The latter under the influence of moisture becomes much stronger, even a nail to hammer into her problem. The trunks of these trees, as a rule, are long and even, which makes it possible to do without joints.

The construction of the walls of the bath begins with a "crown crown". The first two logs opposite each other are laid on the foundation. Preliminary in logs it is necessary to cut down longitudinal semicircular grooves. The groove can be turned both downward and upward. It is believed that the lower location of the groove contributes to a better diversion of atmospheric waters. The next pair of logs fit into the ready grooves perpendicular to the first. Upper logs should rise 50% above the bottom logs. The second and subsequent crowns fit the same principle.

Having completed the erection of the walls, you can proceed to the caulk. There are many materials for caulking. Traditionally it is a tow, jute, flax. Caulking is necessary on the perimeter of the entire building due to the possibility of forming distortions when processing separately each wall.

After installing the log house and erecting the roof, you need to wait a certain time before finishing work - the bath should shrink.

In general, the process of building a bath from a log with an attic is quite complicated and not very fast. But it's worth it - for the next few decades your sauna from the log will delight you and your family with a light steam.