How Do I Vapor Barrier My Bathroom Ceiling?

Vapor barriers are often used in bathroom ceilings in damp proofing and prevent condensation from making its way through drywall to the structure of your home. Installed between the sheetrock and the insulation of the ceiling, the barrier helps prevent mildew and mold, which can potentially weaken and permanently damage your home from taking root inside your ceiling.

6-mil plastic sheeting
Utility knife
Staple gun
Seaming tape
Measuring tape

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the drywall from the ceiling as well as any screws from the joists.
- 2
  Roll the plastic vapor barrier out on the floor stretching from one wall to the other.
- 3
  Cut the vapor barrier to size using a utility knife.
- 4
  Unfold the barrier.
- 5
  Staple the barrier to the ceiling joist at one corner of the ceiling. Continue stapling the barrier to the joist along the complete length of the wall every 6 to 8 inches.
- 6
  Cut openings in the barrier around light fixtures.
- 7
  Seal all gaps around the light fixture and barrier using seaming tape.
- 8
  Install new drywall over the vapor barrier.

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