How To Insulate An Exterior Wall In A Bathroom

Handy homeowners can rent an insulation blower.

How to insulate an exterior wall in a bathroom.

The batt should not be tightly compressed against the studs. In an older home there s a good chance that no one insulated the exterior wall before installing the shower. Liquid barriers may also be used to prevent moisture from getting into the walls. Install vapor barriers after the bathroom s plumbing electrical and insulation are complete.

When moisture becomes trapped in walls mold and mildew can grow damaging your home and presenting a potential health danger. Proper insulation will help keep your bathrooms a comfortable temperature year round. If the whole batt cannot fit inside the cavity cut off the excess material with a scalpel knife leaving a couple of centimeters over on each side to ensure a tight fit. When you reach the end of the wall cut off the insulation.

Seal the gap between the bottom plate of the wall and the floor with acoustical sealant or caulk. Add soundproofing to add soundproofing weave a continuous roll of fiberglass insulation between staggered studs using insulation designed for 2x4 walls. Tuck the insulation into the cavity snug against the top of the stud bay and edges flush with the studs. That will reduce its r value.

Place the insulation slabs or batts inside the wall cavity between the studs. Buy unfaced friction fit batts and seal the walls with a 4 mil poly vapor retarder. Weave loosely to fill the cavity but tightly enough so you won t have to compress the insulation when you install drywall. Bathroom projects need special consideration because of the humidity and moisture that bathrooms generate.

Use special airtight electrical boxes see photo tip 5 or seal the poly to the electrical box with acoustical sealant. Press the poly into the sealant.