The most popular products on the plumbing market are steel bathtubs. In some ways, they can be called budget class, since their price is relatively low.
However, if handled properly, such products can boast very long term operation.
At the same time, the owners of such bathtubs note a couple of serious shortcomings.
- Firstly, the water in them cools much faster than in their cast iron counterparts;
- and secondly, a very loud sound is produced by a stream of accumulating water, which can be heard not only in neighboring rooms, but also apartments.
And these shortcomings can negate the main advantage of such baths, namely, low cost.
However, this is not such a problem, because both the noise and the rapid cooling of the water can be forgotten once and for all if the insulation is carried out correctly steel bath. This will be discussed in this article.
About steel baths
Despite the fact that cast iron is considered the traditional material for making bathtubs, metal and plastic products are quite common these days. And if plastic surgery in this case Most buyers don’t trust it, but people willingly buy metal bathtubs.
After all, even over cast iron analogues they have several advantages, among which it should be noted:
- Not high cost.
- Light weight.
- Durability and shock resistance.
- The metal heats up very quickly. It is enough to open hot water for a few seconds, and such a bath becomes warm.
Taking into account all the advantages, it can be noted that steel bathtubs are worthy competitors to traditional cast iron ones, but require minor modifications, namely insulation.
Preparing for insulation
How to insulate a bathtub and how to insulate a bathtub? These two questions concern many home craftsmen, and the answers to them are much simpler than they might seem at first glance.
For insulation it is best to use polyurethane foam. This material very easy to install, and you can carry out the thermal insulation process with your own hands without any difficulties or problems. Polyurethane foam is a universal insulating material, which is used as insulation for windows and doors.
As a main or additional thermal insulation material, floors, roofing, it is also used to insulate the loggia.
Most often, polyurethane foam is used to seal the joints and cracks between the main slabs. However, this heat insulator is often sprayed directly onto the insulated surface in a continuous layer.
To insulate the bathtub, you will need ordinary polyurethane foam, which is sold in cans and does not require the use of any special devices.
Advice!
Insulation should be done before the initial installation of the bathtub, because dismantling an installed and tiled product is a rather difficult task.
Before work, you should make the necessary preparations:
- The product must be assembled and fully prepared for installation.. Install the drain siphon and secure the legs.
- Clean the surface from dirt and dust.
- Before applying polyurethane foam, the surface should be well moistened. We wet the cloth generously with water, washing away dust and dirt from the bathtub.
- Next, you should prepare the polyurethane foam for the insulation process.. To do this, shake the container thoroughly. If possible, you should warm it up further by bringing it under the stream. hot water. This will maximize the foam output from the can, saving you money and time.
Advice!
If subsequently it is planned to sew and cover with tiles, then with front side bathtubs need to install a UD guide profile.
We insulate the bathtub
The instructions for thermal insulation involve several stages:
We should also talk about wall insulation. Here there may be slight difficulties with applying insulation. So, the foam can subside and flow down in large chunks. In principle, if you carry out the entire process carefully and slowly, without applying foam with a strong stream, then you will not have any problems.
But if you are not sure that you can handle this process, then it is better to wait a little until the foam applied to the bottom dries completely (this will take no more than half an hour).
After this, simply turn the bathtub on its side and continue working in the same way.
Conclusion
Now you know how to insulate a bathtub in a simple and in an accessible way without spending extra money. After treating the surface, you should leave the product alone for eight hours until the sealant finally sets. After this, you can safely install the bathtub in place and enjoy its new characteristics.
In the video presented in this article you will find Additional information on this topic.
The modern world of plumbing offers its customers only 3 types of bathtubs: cast iron, steel and acrylic. Cast iron implies reliability, durability, but at the same time heavy weight, high cost and complexity of installation. A steel bathtub, in turn, boasts light weight, ease of installation, relatively low cost and a large selection of sizes. Except large quantity These baths also have their disadvantages: poor heat retention and low sound insulation. As for acrylic bathtubs, they are practically silent when filling with water, have low thermal conductivity, and their surface is completely non-slippery. Disadvantages: they are very fragile and scratch easily.
However, owners of steel and acrylic bathtubs can eliminate their shortcomings. To do this, you need to know how to foam a bath. For this you will need:
High quality polyurethane foam;
Solvent;
Extreme care and accuracy.
To foam steel bath, you need to turn it over and place it on a flat surface. Position it so that access is provided from either side, since you will need to walk around the bathtub when working with foam.
First you need to wipe the outside of the bathtub with solvent. After this, you need to move on to the foaming itself. You will need about 3 packs of foam. The thickness of the foam layer should be the same around the entire perimeter. Optimal width layer - 2-3 cm. Foam treatment is best done in a circle, carefully adhering the layers to each other, avoiding gaps.
It will take about an hour for the foam to set, and 12 hours should pass for it to completely harden. After the foam has become absolutely hard, you can install the overflow drain and siphon. If there is excess foam where they enter the bath, they must be removed.
Many people are interested in the question: how to foam acrylic bath and why do this? And indeed, it is warm and silent. There is one “but” here: the acrylic bathtub is not entirely stable. A strong push can move it, which will not happen, for example, with a cast-iron bathtub.
Therefore, for greater stability, it is customary to make a special substrate under the bottom of the bathtub. Bricks, rubber, boards and much more can be used for this, but why all this complexity if you can use polyurethane foam?! Between the floor and the bottom of the bathtub you can place plastic bottles, filled with water, they will serve as the foundation. They need to be foamed, lifting the layers up to the bottom of the bath. The bathtub must first be filled with water so that the foam cannot rise. After the entire process is completed, let the foam harden. Now you can take a shower in peace and not worry about the bathtub moving out of place.
Knowing how to foam a steel acrylic bathtub, you can independently ensure complete comfort when water procedures for the whole family.
It often happens that you really want to update the plumbing in the bathroom, but finances do not allow you to spend money on a good cast-iron or thick-walled acrylic font, or maybe even. In this case, usually, steel bathtubs or inexpensive thin-walled acrylic ones are purchased.
Everything would be fine, but metal products There are 2 very unpleasant ones: high thermal conductivity (water cools quickly) and poor sound insulation (very loud sound from the water jet).
But don’t be upset, during the installation process it’s quite easy to get rid of these disadvantages, there are many ways to insulate and soundproof a steel bathtub, but today we will focus on the simplest and most affordable - heat and sound insulation using polyurethane foam (polyurethane sealant).
In cheap acrylic hot tubs, these shortcomings are expressed, of course, to a much lesser extent, but the insulation of such products will not be superfluous.
Material selection
Is it possible to use polyurethane foam in the bathroom? Yes, but the main condition when choosing it is presence of moisture resistance.
After all, condensation from hot water will gradually accumulate on surfaces, and if the selected sealant is not resistant to moisture, it will quickly shrink and become unusable.
Also, you shouldn’t skimp on the manufacturer, because for work You only need 2 cylinders. If you look for a cheaper sealant, you will only win 100-200 rubles, but there can be many problems with low-quality foam. To the point of needing it complete replacement. It will also be much more convenient to use it with a special pistol.
What tools are needed?
For quality and correct execution work you will need the following list of tools and materials:
- 2 cylinders of polyurethane foam;
- degreaser;
- spray bottle with water (to wet the surface of the bowl);
- knife (for cutting off excess);
- foam gun;
- respirator (foam vapors are volatile, it is better to protect the respiratory tract).
Instructions on how to properly foam a steel hot tub?
Typically, this method is used to soundproof steel bowls, but it can also be used for acrylic bathtubs.
Be sure to read articles about other methods and soundproofing of bathtubs.STEP 1. Place the bathtub upside down on the floor. Don’t forget to first place pieces of cardboard underneath it so as not to scratch the enamel surface.
STEP 2. Be sure to thoroughly wipe off dust from the surface on which you are going to apply the foam. Then you need to degrease it; for this you can use a universal degreaser, alcohol or dishwashing detergent.
STEP 3. It is better to prepare the container before use. It needs to be shaken well and heated a little by placing it under the stream. warm water for 5 minutes. It would be enough.
STEP 4. Spray the bath generously with water using a spray bottle. This way the foam will stick to the surface much better. If the bowl dries out during application, repeat the procedure.
STEP 5. Place the can on the gun and get to work. It is better to apply the foam in dense layers using a snake. Start with flat surfaces and gradually move to the top. There are no special recommendations for the sequence of surface coating. It is important not to leave any gaps.
STEP 6. Now you need to leave the font until completely dry for 5-6 hours. After the foam has completely dried, cut off any excess foam at the leg attachment points using a knife.
Useful video
Video instructions for applying polyurethane foam to the font:
conclusions
We have considered very effective method and soundproofing the bath. The main advantage of this method is its simplicity and low price implementation. We hope it will help improve your comfort when using plumbing fixtures.
The bathroom has become an integral part modern apartment. We can no longer imagine life without a comfortable, secluded room where we can relax, pamper ourselves, and unwind. This is why sound insulation is so important. Taking a bath - The best way recovery vitality after a busy day.
If in earlier times the bathroom was considered only a place for carrying out hygienic procedures, now it is a comfortable place where you can combine business with pleasure. Taking a bath has become a kind of sacrament for many people. That is why the choice of the container itself is important.Advantages and disadvantages of steel containers
: expensive and heavy, replaced steel and. Bathtub container made of steel alloy - best option for replacement old bath. However, many people still do not trust steel bathtubs. This attitude towards this plumbing equipment has developed due to the fact that the sound insulation of a metal bathtub made of steel alloy has low level.
But this is a minimal drawback of a steel bathtub, which can be easily and simply eliminated. A steel bathtub has many advantages, which are a strong argument in favor of choosing it. steel structures.
The advantages of steel bathtubs are:
- Low cost of equipment compared to acrylic and cast iron bathtubs,
- Durable coating of enameled surfaces,
- Rapid heating of metal
- structural stability,
- Easy to deliver, move, install and dismantle,
- Possibility of different fastenings,
- Modern varied design and size.
Some people consider the following to be disadvantages:
- Low sound insulation of a steel bathtub,
- Rapid heat loss.
Sound insulation and insulation of a steel bathtub
However, many do not think about the fact that there are many possibilities and ways to easily, simply and quickly eliminate these shortcomings with your own hands when installing a container. A number of measures to eliminate noise and heat loss can be applied in advance of installation. And this will make the steel bathtub quite competitive, not inferior in its performance data to other structures of this type made of acrylic and cast iron.
Soundproofing a steel bathtub with your own hands is a simple manipulation, inexpensive, accessible and does not require special skills.
When purchasing imported equipment of this type, many paid attention to the presence of rubber or rubberized pieces of rubber glued to the bottom of the bathtub. special material. It is this material that is able to retain heat and absorb noise and splashes of water.
The process that makes the insulation of a steel bathtub complete is based on this principle of sound absorption.
So there are several simple ways to eliminate hum and retain heat.
Vibroizol
Vibroizol
In shops and supermarkets, in markets specializing in the sale of auto parts. This is where you can find the Vibroizol material. This is a specially developed material with a unique composition, which is intended for use in the automotive industry. With its help, many car enthusiasts restore the sound insulation of their car. Vibroizol is based on bitumen and a rubberized base. One side of this material has a durable adhesive composition.
Note!
This composition adheres tightly to any smooth surface at any air temperature.
If Vibroizol perfectly eliminates noise in the car interior, then it will perfectly cope with its task in the bathroom - it will eliminate unnecessary sounds. To do this, the outer part of the bathroom is covered with this unique material. It is possible to treat with Vibroizol only the areas where water falls into the container from the tap and the area where the human body comes into contact with the bottom and some of the side walls of the bathroom. This will reduce the hum and noise of the water jet and help retain the heat of the container walls.
Polyurethane foam
The question often arises - how to thoroughly insulate an iron bathtub. The answer is quite simple - you need to use ordinary construction foam. Exactly the foam that is used to seal windows and doors.
The bathtub container is turned over and a layer of polyurethane foam is slowly applied. The foam is applied to a previously degreased surface. To do this, treat the outer part of the bathroom with an alcohol-containing composition. For convenience, the bathtub is turned over from its legs onto the sides of the container, placing it on a soft surface to prevent accidental scratches. The polyurethane foam is applied evenly, in a continuous layer, without gaps. To prevent the foam from draining, the layer is applied slowly, and the bath is turned from one side to the other as it is covered with foam. But only after the foam has dried.
To enhance the sound absorption effect, you can additionally use plastic film. It is best to use polyethylene, which is intended for forming greenhouses. It is dense, elastic, inexpensive. After applying the foam, a previously prepared piece of film is applied to its surface. He presses his hands against the foam, forming a “crust” on the area, similar to a shell. This will be additional insulation.
Noise insulation with polyurethane foam
When treating the outside of the bathroom with polyurethane foam, you should follow some rules:
- Foam should be used indoors.
- Foam for use in summer period more practical, as it is resistant to high temperatures, swells better.
- In order for the layer to be uniform, without sharp bumps, gaps and stacks, it is necessary to use a special nozzle for applying foam. Usually a special “ ” is used.
- In order for the foam output to be as large as possible and at the same time economical, you should heat the foam container under running hot water and shake it thoroughly.
- The place where the siphon is installed and the part adjacent to it should not be covered with a layer of foam. Since this place must be accessible when changing the siphon.
- The overflow area should be left free.
- It is imperative to pay attention to the period of use of polyurethane foam, as this product loses its performance upon expiration date.
Eat different ways soundproofing
Other ways
There are some other ways to insulate a steel bathtub. Often a steel bathtub is installed on a pedestal and then covered with slabs or bricks. Then lay tiles on top. This method of installing a bathtub helps improve sound insulation, but also provides the opportunity to fully retain heat. But if you cover the bathtub with an additional layer from the inside of the wall, you will be able to correct the situation.
There is a method of increasing thermal insulation using technical cork. This method is more expensive, but the most environmentally friendly.
Note!
With this method, the fire safety and moisture resistance of the structure are high.
The technical plug is applied according to the instructions.
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Steel enameled bathtubs with proper care serve for quite a long time. Their service life can be measured in decades.
The main enemy of enamel is the fall of heavy, sharp, hard objects (for example, a tool). If this happens, the damaged surface must be cleaned, degreased, and covered with a layer of deeply penetrating enamel.
Each use of the bathtub should end with washing it with a washcloth and soapy water. Then rinse thoroughly clean water. There is no need to use water whose temperature exceeds 75 º C to wash the bathtub.
If yellowish spots appear on the surface of the bath, these are salts and minerals that are present in the water. They need to be washed with a solution of vinegar and water.
The market for plumbing fixtures and accessories is saturated with a large selection of bathtubs. A significant niche in it is occupied by steel bathtubs, since they are inexpensive options bathroom arrangement.
With proper and careful use, steel bathtubs last for decades. One of the few disadvantages of a steel bathtub is that it is not able to retain heat. This disadvantage can be eliminated, and many people choose steel bathtubs, and eliminate the disadvantage of low heat transfer.
Modern Construction Materials allow you to insulate the bath without special costs. For a regular bath standard sizes you need to purchase only three cans of polyurethane sealant (spray foam) with a capacity of 0.75 liters.
A steel bathtub must be insulated before it is installed in place; legs and a siphon with overflow must be installed on it. You can also insulate the bath yourself. To do this you need:
- clean the entire outside surface of the bathtub from foreign elements of dirt and dust;
- then we wet the bathtub with a damp cloth, while the polyurethane foam adheres better to the surface;
- take a bottle of polyurethane foam, shake it several times and rinse it hot water, to ensure rapid release of the polyurethane substance;
- then you need to direct the jet of the balloon onto the surface of the bath and, making abundant spiral movements, envelop the bath. Don't forget to leave a little free space near the siphon so that it can be replaced.
The process of foaming a steel bath is simple in its technology, but it requires concentration and synchronization of movements from a person. This is necessary for an abundant and high-quality result of thermal insulation and soundproofing.
First of all, in order to foam the bathroom, you need to purchase several cylinders of polyurethane foam. On average, you need about 3 cylinders of polyurethane foam with a capacity of 750 ml.
Today, there are many consumer options to choose from different manufacturers, which offer high-quality polyurethane foam, but you only need to purchase a proven, high-quality product.
To apply foam, you can purchase a special gun that regulates the speed of foam supply, the strength of the jet flow and the width of application to the surface.
To properly foam a steel bath, you must perform the following steps:
- you need to install everything necessary details for the bathroom (siphon, overflow tube and legs);
- you need to turn the bath over and place it on a soft surface to avoid damaging the enamel;
- clean the surface of the bathtub from stickers and protective film;
- Prepare the container for use and begin the foaming process in spiral or circular waves around the bath.
A steel bathtub, due to its design and the composition of the material from which it is made, tends to conduct noise at a higher frequency than similar models made of cast iron or acrylic.
When water gets into the bathtub bowl, a loud noise appears. This phenomenon can cause some discomfort when taking a bath, not only for the owners, but also for their neighbors. Therefore, when choosing a steel bathtub, you need to think about its sound insulation before installation.
Soundproofing of the bathtub is carried out immediately before its installation in place. Also, all the necessary elements must be installed on the bathtub.
There are several ways to soundproof steel bathtubs. The main and relatively inexpensive methods are:
- use of vibration isode. Vibroisode is a material used for sound absorption of the body in the automotive industry. It is used to cover the underbody of the body, thus preventing extraneous sounds from entering the cabin. It can be used to soundproof a bathtub bowl by gluing it on the outside, sides and bottom;
- use of polyurethane sealant. This method of sound insulation is simpler and accessible to everyone. To do this, you need to purchase several cylinders and apply sealant to the bathroom. The sealant application process must be carried out in full concentration. It should be applied around the bathtub in even layers.