How to Insulate Behind Shower Walls
Insulating the walls behind a shower stall or enclosure dampens the sound of interior walls, prevents heat loss and increases energy efficiency of exterior walls. According to the South Carolina Energy Office, "Improving wall insulation is one of the most effective measures one can take to increase the energy efficiency of their home."
Three types of insulation can be used for this application: fiberglass bats, rigid foam and foam-in-place. The most popular insulation used for this application is fiberglass batting, which has a paper and plastic backing on one side, comes in rolls, can be cut to fit, and is the least expensive to use. The type of insulation used will be determined by the scope of the project, the budget and personal preference.
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Things You'll Need
- Gloves
- Paper face mask
- Fiberglass batting
- Tape measure
- Razor knife
- Straight edge (at least 2 feet long)
- Staple hammer
- Staples
Instructions
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Measure the area between two studs to find the width measurement needed for this piece of insulation.
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Measure the distance, from top to bottom, of the area between two studs to find the length needed for this piece.
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Unroll at least 10 feet of insulation, paper side down.
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Measure the bat from the end. Place the straight edge on top of, and across the bat at the desired length measurement.
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Cut the bat with the razor knife, pressing down firmly, so the knife cuts through the paper backing.
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Measure the width of the bat. If the bat will fit between the studs, then no more cutting on this piece will be needed.
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Observe to see if the bat is too wide to fit in the space between two studs, measure across the bat, at the end of the bat, and place the straight edge at the desired width measurement. Measure across the bat at both ends of the straight edge to make sure the straight edge is straight on the bat.
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Cut the bat lengthwise, from one end of the bat to the other. Press down firmly with the knife and cut through the paper backing.
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Push the bat into the space between the two studs, starting at the bottom, with the insulation side facing the exterior wall and the paper side facing the installer. A properly fitting insulation bat will fit snugly into the opening.
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Staple the paper wings on either side of the bat to the sides of both studs. This will hold the bat in place until the wall can be finished. Do not let any material stick out of the wall past the outside edges of the studs.
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Repeat these steps for each bay between studs until all have been filled with insulation.
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Tips & Warnings
Try not to damage the paper backing of the insulation. It acts as a moisture barrier. If the paper is torn or damaged, cover the tear with duct tape to keep moisture from condensing on the exterior wall.
Make sure not to damage the floor when cutting the insulation bats.
Wear a long sleeve shirt, gloves, and face mask when working with fiberglass.
Keep small children away from the fiberglass. To them it looks like cotton candy, and they may try to eat it.
