Always contact a contract when retrofitting in-wall vapor barriers.
Vapor barriers prevent moisture from leaking into the wood frame of a building, thereby preventing wood rot and the formation of mold. When it comes to sealing bathrooms, two types of vapor protection exist, barriers that go in bathroom walls and material used to seal around fixtures in showers, tubs and sinks. Installing an actual vapor barrier requires access to the wood frame of the bathroom and should be done during home construction. Retro-sealing shower fixtures, on the other hand, requires minimal effort.
Instructions
Vapor Barrier
1. Measure the height of the bathroom, from floor to ceiling, using a tape measure.
2. Measure the length of the walls in the bathroom.
3. Cut gypsum board to fit the height and length of each bathroom wall, using a saw. Measure and mark the board for cutting with a tape measure and pencil.
4. Spread a waterproof membrane, usually a plastic sheet made of a material such as chlorinate polyethylene (CPE), across the back of the gypsum board.
5. Staple or nail the barrier to the board - use staples if sturdy enough, nails if staples won't penetrate the board. Start at the end of the board, installing vertical rows of fasteners and working horizontally across the board, pulling the membrane tight with each fastener so no air gets between the board and membrane.
6. Affix the boards to the wall studs in your bathroom using a nail gun and framing nails.
7. Attach the bathroom wall to the gypsum board surface. The vapor barrier on the back of the board will prevent moisture from leaking through shower fixtures to your home's frame.
Sealing Shower Fixtures
8. Purchase a waterproof caulk or sealant suited for use with metal and tile. The caulk or sealant must work with both your shower fixtures and walls.
9. Apply waterproof sealant or caulk, as per manufacturer's instructions, to any gaps between fittings and the surrounding shower wall. Use an expanding foam sealant for areas with large gaps.
10. Seal or caulk the area where the shower fixtures meet the wall. Allow sealant and caulk enough time to dry, as per manufacturer's information.
11. Check dry sealant or caulk for holes or cracks. Fill in holes or cracks with more caulk or sealant. The moisture barrier created by the caulk or sealant prevents moist air from leaking into your home's walls through gaps around shower fixtures.
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