Insulation in Bathroom

mikeylikesit580 · 06-08-2011, 08:04 PM

Hello Guys and Girls

I am going to be tearing my bathroom down to the studs in the near future and I have a ton of questions. But this is the insulation forum, so thats all I will ask.

What kind of insulation would you use? Its an outside wall, with a tile shower. Ive been doing a lot of research and it seems that rockwool is the choice of experts. But I think closed cell foam/spray foam would be good too. If you were doing and were going to do it right, what would you use?

Also How thick of plastic would you use for a vapor barrier.

**oh'mike** · 06-08-2011, 09:10 PM

I use fiberglass bats with a vapor barrier face. In colder climates (Canadian code?) a plastic barrier is required.

That closed cell foam would be great,but the cost for a small job like this might be ridiculous.

mikeylikesit580 · 06-10-2011, 06:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oh'mike

I use fiberglass bats with a vapor barrier face. In colder climates (Canadian code?) a plastic barrier is required.

That closed cell foam would be great,but the cost for a small job like this might be ridiculous.

Hey Mike, thanks for replying, I live in NE OHIO (probably should put that in my sig huh) Anywere from 95 to -10. Vapor Barrier?

**oh'mike** · 06-10-2011, 07:01 AM

I believe that would be your choice---it can't hurt so I suggest adding it.

**Gary in WA** · 06-10-2011, 11:47 PM

Will you be using a backer board or Denshield, etc. ? Some you need a v.b. behind, others you don't.......You don't want two.

Is the exterior a vented cladding or an insulated sheathing?

Gary

HomeInsulation · 06-12-2011, 10:44 AM

Hey mikeylikesit580,

I'm not a big fan of the spray foam insulation kits mainly because they are expensive. But if you're going to be tearing a bathroom down to the studs, I would probably spend the money for a closed cell spray foam kit.

Bathrooms can be tricky places to insulate properly. Especially if you have plumbing on exterior walls. Electrical outlets, wires, plumbing and ductwork can make it difficult to get the rockwool or fiberglass to fit exactly right. Any voids or mistakes will cost you on those cold winter days.

Spray foam makes it quick and easy to get around the obstacles and does a great job of air sealing. It's kind of an insurance policy for frozen pipes if you do it right.

Don't forget to insulate the rim joist beneath the floor. Cold bathroom floors are not a girls best friend

**Gary in WA** · 06-12-2011, 11:40 PM

"If you were doing and were going to do it right, what would you use?" --------- not fiberglass; The "biggest loser" in fiberglass insulation....

If OSB, not spray foam, unless you have a rainscreen: http://www.buildingscience.com/docum...d%20in%20walls

Plastic behind certain backer boards, otherwise not unless your location warrants it: http://publicecodes.citation.com/ico...001_par003.htm

Depends on the siding as mentioned, hit the next two "next section": http://publicecodes.citation.com/ico...001_par004.htm

Gary

06-08-2011, 08:04 PM	#1
mikeylikesit580 Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: N.E Ohio Posts: 124	Insulation in Bathroom Hello Guys and Girls I am going to be tearing my bathroom down to the studs in the near future and I have a ton of questions. But this is the insulation forum, so thats all I will ask. What kind of insulation would you use? Its an outside wall, with a tile shower. Ive been doing a lot of research and it seems that rockwool is the choice of experts. But I think closed cell foam/spray foam would be good too. If you were doing and were going to do it right, what would you use? Also How thick of plastic would you use for a vapor barrier.

06-08-2011, 09:10 PM	#2
oh'mike Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kane county,Illinois Posts: 16,724	Insulation in Bathroom I use fiberglass bats with a vapor barrier face. In colder climates (Canadian code?) a plastic barrier is required. That closed cell foam would be great,but the cost for a small job like this might be ridiculous. __________________ New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

06-10-2011, 07:01 AM	#4
oh'mike Super Moderator Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Kane county,Illinois Posts: 16,724	Insulation in Bathroom I believe that would be your choice---it can't hurt so I suggest adding it. __________________ New members: Adding your location to your profile helps in many ways.--M--

06-10-2011, 11:47 PM	#5
Gary in WA Moderator Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 8,843	Insulation in Bathroom Will you be using a backer board or Denshield, etc. ? Some you need a v.b. behind, others you don't.......You don't want two. Is the exterior a vented cladding or an insulated sheathing? Gary __________________ Clothes taking longer to dry? Clean the dryer screen in HOT water if using fabric softener sheets. They leave a residue that impedes air-flow, costing you money. Clean the ducting in the last six months? 17,000 dryer fires annually!

06-12-2011, 10:44 AM	#6
HomeInsulation Energy Saver Join Date: May 2011 Location: NJ Posts: 61	Insulation in Bathroom Hey mikeylikesit580, I'm not a big fan of the spray foam insulation kits mainly because they are expensive. But if you're going to be tearing a bathroom down to the studs, I would probably spend the money for a closed cell spray foam kit. Bathrooms can be tricky places to insulate properly. Especially if you have plumbing on exterior walls. Electrical outlets, wires, plumbing and ductwork can make it difficult to get the rockwool or fiberglass to fit exactly right. Any voids or mistakes will cost you on those cold winter days. Spray foam makes it quick and easy to get around the obstacles and does a great job of air sealing. It's kind of an insurance policy for frozen pipes if you do it right. Don't forget to insulate the rim joist beneath the floor. Cold bathroom floors are not a girls best friend __________________ Free How To Insulation Videos @ To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

Insulation in Bathroom