Sauna Inspections

A sauna is a bath that uses dry heat to induce perspiration.  Steam is produced by pouring water on heated stones. Unlike a steam bath, a sauna uses very high temperatures to relax muscles and causes intense sweating to clean pores and foster respiratory wellness. In a sauna, you do not see steam.

The average in-home sauna has room for one to four people. It is either made entirely of wood panels or board sheathing.  Saunas are not painted, because the paint does not react well with the elevated temperature and moisture. A heater or stove that is electric, gas/oil-fired or wood/coal-fired is used to heat the room. Stoves are usually constructed of either metal or masonry and on top of the stove will be several large rocks or ceramic plates. The steam heat is generated by the bathers pouring water on the heated stones or plates.

There are usually ventilation ports at the bottom and top of the room, with the bottom being larger and the top being smaller. Inside the sauna, there will usually be two platforms, one high and one low. The bather can sit on the higher platform for more heat or on the lower platform for cooler temperatures.