AboutPaul S. Brown, AIA Expertise How to work with an Architect. What to expect for design fees. What services are normally
included; what are not included? How do I find an Architect in my area? Why do I need an
Architect? How to be clear about your space needs. Why time must be managed properly.
Experience 24 years involvement in the practice of Architecture, including some teaching experience. Most of my work has been within the employment of various firms, but I have also done some small-scale projects on my own.
Particular interests include Environmental Design, "Green" Design, and Appropriate Technologies. LEED (TM) Accredited Professional.
I have some specific experience with Historic Preservation, Medical Facilities, Commercial Interiors, and Public School projects.
Question QUESTION: Building a new home in S C. Unsure how to insulate around bathrooms to cut down on noise but at the samr time I do not want to create a moisture problem behind the walls. I know what goes on the one exterior wall-it's the other 3 interior walls. Insulating with paper/batts facing in, facing out towards the other room, without paper on the batts, cover walls with plastic, do nothing???
ANSWER: Hi Jerry:
There are 'acoustical' insulation batt products that are readily available for this application. You should be able to get them from your local lumber yard; just be sure to ask for acoustical batts, and not thermal insulation. The acoustical batts are a bit denser and heavier; a slightly different product than fiberglass thermal insulation.
Also; consider adding just one additional layer of gypsum wallboard to either side of the wall; what really stops sound transmission is density .... the more solid the wall, the less the sound that will go through it; also, be very careful about gaps. Sound is like water ... if there is a gap around a power outlet, or a sink supply line, the sound will leak right around it; all these cuts should be well sealed with a high-grade acoustical sealant.
Hope this helps,
PB
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QUESTION: Should I use batts with paper or without the paper and which way would it face, or does it matter. Should I use plastic to keep moisture out or am I worrying about nothing. I have exhaust fans but am concerned about moisture that may collect inside the interior walls. Thanks
Answer Hi Jerry:
I should have mentioned that the acoustical batts come without any paper facing.
You should not need plastic if you have adequate ventilation, but if you are concerned, I don't see that it would do any harm to put it on the bathroom side of the wall, below the Gyp bd., on the stud faces.
The most important thing is to use a good quality moisture-resistant gypsum wallboard product in the bathroom; or cement board if you are going over it with ceramic tile; do not use regular gyp bd, which is subject to growing mold on the paper facings.
When you paint, be sure to use a good quality primer and a high-quality paint suitable for damp locations; ask your paint supplier for what they recommend.
Thanks,
PB
