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I am installing a two pc. tub/shower insert and have several gaps between the tub and the frame of the insert (fiberglass). It is on an exterior wall on the rear of the tub, and this being Wisconsin, we are known to have some cold days–so how do I keep the tub as warm as possible?
Is it ok to use great stuff to fill in the gaps if I do it a little at a time–over several days. Or should I fall back on poly wrapped fiberglass batts?
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Replies
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dave... not sure what you are installing... is it just the three walls .. or is it a tub/wall insert that fits inside the existing tub ?
you gotta insulate it...
*Mike, I am already going to insulate the 3 walls surrounding the tub insert, but am wondering about the spaces around the fiberglass tub itself, to insulate from the inner skin of the tub to the wall. In other words all of the "dead spaces" around the tub which are not exposed. Thanks
*any space you can effectively insulate , you should..how big is the space ?
*If you can, fill the voids with cellulose. Or use rockwool, as it will be a better sound deadner than FG. Those fibreglass & acrylic shower/tubs sound like a whole drum corps going wild when the shower spray hits them. That'll wake up someone who is sleeping in the next room or a room below.HTH,Phil
*Dave,Assuming the walls are insualted with whatever, It is very important to have an air barrier allaround the tub. This is a rigid material (not poly) like drywall, OSB, foam board, etc. Caulk it to any blocking you have installed, tape the joints, make it airtight.In my experience, tubs are usually cold because there isno air barrier behind them and there is a big hole in the floor under them. This makes them function as air intakes for stack effect in the wintertime. Cold air comes in through the wall and through the hole in the floor. This makes the tub very cold. After this, pack some insulation around the tub if you'd like. I didn't on mine because I made a good air barrier. My wife packed the top and the sides for noise. The bottom is on a concrete mud bed and is very quiet.-Rob
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I am installing a two pc. tub/shower insert and have several gaps between the tub and the frame of the insert (fiberglass). It is on an exterior wall on the rear of the tub, and this being Wisconsin, we are known to have some cold days--so how do I keep the tub as warm as possible?
Is it ok to use great stuff to fill in the gaps if I do it a little at a time--over several days. Or should I fall back on poly wrapped fiberglass batts?