The core of the Tulppa panels is made from Finnfoam, i.e. XPS insulation material. The maximum operating temperature of the Tulppa panel is +75 °C, which means that Tulppa panels cannot be used in regular saunas above the height of 60 cm from the floor. However, in a steam room the temperature remains at 45–50 °C, so the temperature will not be an issue as long as you ensure that the products used with the panels can withstand a certain amount of movement resulting from the thermal expansion of the structures.
When using Tulppa panels, the steam room will heat up quickly as the heated mass is reduced. The material of the Tulppa panels is mold-proof.
We recommend using 50 or 80 mm thick panels in a steam room. The Tulppa panels can installed on to a frame constructed with an on-center spacing of 600 mm but spacing of 400 or 300 mm is required whenever something is mounted on to the walls.
Unlike in regular use, when used in a steam room the Tulppa panels must be coated with a waterproofing compound that has a very low SD value (water vapor resistance). Always check with the manufacturer of the waterproofing compound that the product is suitable for use with Tulppa panels in a steam room! The ceiling must also be waterproofed. We recommend using dry pressed tiles and an epoxy grout.
We recommend constructing the ceiling of a steam room to be angled or slightly curved to direct steam that condenses into water toward the walls, thus preventing drops of water falling on the people in the steam room.
Tulppa panels can also be used for the benches of the steam room, thus reducing unnecessary mass to be heated in the steam room. As an added bonus, the surface tiles will warm up quickly. If you want to use wooden benches, keep in mind that due to thermal and moisture expansion, they should not be made part of the structure, and should instead remain free-standing.
Technical insulation products designed specifically for this purpose provide the safest method for implementing the inlet and insulation of the steam pipe. You should also ensure a safety distance between the pipe and the Tulppa panels to prevent damage to the panels (the maximum operating temperature of Tulppa panels is +75 °C, with structural changes beginning to occur near 90 °C). You should also note that the steam pipe must slope downward across the entire way to the steam room.