Wall insulation?

Question

I am looking at using insulation to try and soundproof (or reduce sounds) from inside my bathroom. What would be the best type to use? The walls are stripped down to the studs.

Answer 1

An odd choice of what room to deaden sound from; no offense; but I did have a chuckle about singing in the shower. :)

Also with all to respect to Her Majesty, and others; Id go with construction grade; high density foam sheet insulation. Assuming the studs are at least 3 and 5/8 inch; I'd go with 3 inch; usually sold in 4 x 8 sheets, and often in Blue. Construction adhesive will do the hold.

I'd probably do a vapor barrier and Concrete backer board. That's a personal choice. I haven't used GREEN board in years. That said however...that would be more in the shower/bath area. Green board is fine for the balance of the bath. I'll assume you plan tile or a tub/shower surround otherwise.

The suggestion regarding MOLD is a valid one, and proper sealing will at the very least, delay that possibility.

Steven Wolf

Answer 2

One thing many of my clients are concerned with is the sound of the water pipes from the bathroom. Any insulation helps to block sound transmission, but make sure you also take care of the pipes. They must be securely attached (rattling pipes are always heard) also have the pipe insulated with the neoprene insulators. then insulate the wall. Sound board is an extra precaution, but it will stop sounds made inside the bathroom, but not the sound of the water pipes (they are on the wrong side of the sound board, and are heard outside the room).

Answer 3

Best way, if you have room, is to actually build another stud wall in front of the existing one, with the studs offset from the ones that are there already.
Sound travels through hard surfaces like the wood studs.
I did the 'double wall' between 2 bedrooms when I remodeled and now barely hear even the loudest sounds from one room to the other. I also used fiberglass batts between the studs.

Answer 4

You can buy special acoustic sound insulation from your local builders merchants. It's like the normal stuff but is denser and designed for sound deafening rather than heat loss. You can also sheet with an acoustic plaster board and then plaster it to finish. I did my own bathroom and you cant hear a thing and im the queen so i should know! good luck

Answer 5

I would use a standard insulating material, but I would use soundboard as well, and then drywall. It'll be quiet for sure.

I have built music studios and I can tell you that stuff really works!

Jim

Answer 6

carefull doing insulation around your bathroom, i would go green borad, or hard rock board, as you might just end up with a nice mold prob later on , nice thick green borad is water proof and is thick enough to hold down the sound of you singing in the shower!!!!