Sure, some aging and weathering of our wall cladding is a good thing. Many refer to this as Spiritual Patina. However, if we start seeing some blackening around our heat source, well, that’s called pyrolysis. And that is a lot to potentially lose. It is better to deal with it, vs. have paralysis and just watch it happen, and start a fire.
Pyrolysis vs. paralysis
The best way to ward off pyrolysis is, despite what it may say in the manual, to build our saunas with a stone surround.
A stone surround behind our sauna stove/heater:
- Stops pyrolysis before it can start.
- Offers a customizable aesthetic.
- Is better for the inevitable overspray of throwing water. (repeated water hitting wood looks bad over time).
- Gives us a lämpömassa enhancement.
Many of us casual sauna builders are big fans of cement board and cultured stone. Consider these non combustibles for behind your heat source. You won’t get pyrolysis vs. paralysis if you build your sauna with non combustibles.
