Vapor Barrier Bathroom Interior Walls

If the tub shares this exterior wall i would put vapor barrier behind it if you can as the plastic tub surround will not give you a vapor barrier i don t think.

Vapor barrier bathroom interior walls. Most authorities recommend vapor barriers in certain situations. There is no need to vapor barrier the non exterior walls. Run the height of the vapor barrier from the top all the way down into the shower pan make sure not cut too short before the water barrier. Use appropriate tape to adhere two pieces of vapor barrier and edges to avoid moisture entry to the back walls.

Between tub and shower sinks and toilet a bathroom has a high potential for water damage not only from leaks of liquid water but also from water vapor that can collect inside exterior walls and condense. Vapor retarders are there to slow the diffusion of moisture so the building inspector is off base argues senior editor martin holladay. Interior walls normally interior walls do not require a vapor barrier but there are some situations where it is highly recommended. Not every wall does.

A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall ceiling or floor during the cold winter. Use a minimal amount of staples to secure the vapor barrier to the walls studs. When a vapor barrier is on the side of a wall where the dry air is i e outside in winter or inside in summer moisture problems can occur. It s usually a thin layer of plastic that sits between the drywall and the studs.

After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder sometimes called a vapor barrier if you need one. A vapor or moisture barrier is a layer of protection that is designed to act as a waterproof shield helping to keep condensation away from wood insulation and other mold prone materials that are located behind the drywall. A vapor barrier reduces the movement of water vapor by diffusion. Whether or not you need a vapor retarder hinges on three main factors your climate your home and the location of the wall you re insulating.

Interior bathroom and kitchen walls for example are areas. Avoid adding interior vapor barriers where the outer wall construction already includes a material with vapor barrier properties. The traditional approach to preventing water vapor from penetrating walls in homes is a 6 mil polyethylene vapour barrier or vapor barrier for our southern neighbours. The vapor barrier should be on the inside between the insulation and drywall.