skip to main content

Is window possible in tub/shower with acrylic/fiberglass enclosur

14 years ago

I have stripped my bathroom down to the studs (see my other post for structural work done) and I want to install a new shower/bathtub combo with a fiberglass/acrylic tub enclosure (there was only a small corner shower there before).

The problem is that there is a window on the long side of this shower/bathtub. How do I seal around the window? This must be a common problem. Is there something that can be used around the window that will even remotely look like a continuation of the fiberglass/acrylic enclosure? Of course, it would have to be something that keeps the shower water out. As far as the window itself, IÂm planning to change the current aluminum frame with dual pane vinyl.

I found something along these lines:

http://www.americanbathind.com/productdrawings/AmeriWall-Simulated-Tile-Window-Kits.pdf

but judging from the fact that it only protects 3 sides (what about the top?) perhaps it does not provide the watertightness I am hoping for.

-----

P.S. Window is 2Âx2Â about 60" up from floor level. Eliminating the window would make things easier but this window is the only source of natural light in the bathroom, so IÂd like to keep it.

I know that using tile rather then a fiberglass enclosure would allow me to tile around the window and that with proper waterproofing it could turn out decent. However, call me cheap, but I do prefer fiberglass/acrylic over tile. Tile feels harsh and cold (it IS actually cold in the winter) and seems more difficult to keep clean than fiberglass/acrylic.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

sombreuil_mongrel
14 years ago
Sorry, there is no satisfactory way to do what you want. It will either leak and do damage, or look like crap; more likely both together. Have you considered Abitibi board for the surround?
Casey
mooie
14 years ago
I gutted and remodeled my bathroom last spring and it also has a window over the tub/shower. I considered the surrounds because of price at first, but after doing the number crunching again, I ended up having it tiled. The watertightness of the tile around the window is what sold me. I used regular ole porcelain tile in there and have had no regrets. It's simple to clean and I always use a squeegee after use. It seems easier to me than any acrylic surround I've ever had.

Teresa
Related Discussions
Tub/shower combo & 2 sinks or Separate Tub & Shower & 1 sink
Q
Comments (7)
Is there any way to run plumbing to the separate vanity area to make it into a sink? We are doing a gut remodel of our bathroom and we were able to cram in the shower, 5'6" claw foot tub, toilet and two sinks (on adjacent walls though, not next to each other) in a slightly less than 10'x11' space including sloped ceilings and a couple of windows. Here is an older version of our plan for the bathroom but shows the two sinks. The one next to the tub is a console sink (on chrome legs) so very open and the tub is now a double ended tub with plumbing in the middle. Here is a newer plan showing a tile layout I was messing with and the right tub. It also shows a bump out for a knee wall where the new drain is going to run - it turns out there was steel angle along that wall and we could not run the drain line under it so had to go through. It's more of a challenge to get the water there but wasn't impossible.
...See More
Do you love your one piece acrylic/fiberglass tub or shower?
Q
Comments (22)
Well, I don't love mine- but it could be as old as 30 years+. We've been in this house 13 years, and it was already there and well-used when we moved in. When we gut the BR I guess maybe we'll find out if there was anything else there before. And it's more because it is tiny- inside dimensions of 28X30. Certainly don't find it stains- I used a steamer and Oxy-clean to get PO's dirt off, and try to squeegee it after each use- DH couldn't be bothered- not worth nagging him as we're replacing it soon anyways. My Mom built a fairly high end luxury home and put two in her two guest baths- She loves them and definitely the ease of cleaning is an important bonus for her as she approaches her 80's. (In fact, she may have one in her Master shower- I've just never been in there!)
...See More
Need opinions on patching/repairing fiberglass tub surround
Q
Comments (7)
So I got an Elmer's Fiberglass repair kit and some white appliance enamel repair. Hope this works to touch up this tub. Although I'm going to have to wait a while till the roommate is gone for a couple of days to do this. I'll then remove the doors, patch the holes left by doing this, cover up the chips with the enamel, and find a nice shower curtain and rod. Is there anything else I should consider doing with this tub? I'm really don't like how short the top of the wall stops. Would there be a clean way to extend this so it goes up higher or to the ceiling, but seamlessly? But I guess this takes me back to my first post and what I decided not to do and that is a liner. But it wouldn't really be a liner because it wouldn't go over the existing, just extend it. Also, what are my options for replacing the faucet? I do not have access to the valves to replace the whole thing, so I think this somewhat limits me to what I can do. When I bought the place, I replaced the spigot, knob, round plate behind the knob, shower arm and head. So everything visible was new, and the valves work fine. But I just replaced it with the same Price Pfister replacement parts. Are there different designs/styles I can use, or am I basically stuck with this? Keep in mind this is original and 25 years old. Also, I will eventually be replacing the vanity, top, and faucet. I would like for the bath and sink faucets to match, but don't want a chrome sink faucet. Is there any hope here? Thanks!!!
...See More
Install acrylic tub onto existing plaster wall.
Q
Comments (13)
The flange must go directly against the studs, with the cement board over it. This job is not possible to do without removing the existing plaster, or removing the shower, and changing the tub to a tub only. You’ll just end up funneling water into your walls otherwise. Which is what will happen around the window. If the dimension with the ? is at least 36”, then you can build a standard shower, with a wall at the edge of the window, and relocate the plumbing there. That requires just as extensive a remodel as trying to install the tub shower, but at least there’s no window inside a shower that way.
...See More
orourke
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for the suggestions.
I had not heard of Abitibi board before. I goodled it but seems like abitibi makes so many different panels so I did not find anything specific for bethroom enclosures. I assume the abitibi panel sombreuil_mongrel is talking about is a waterproof type of panel? Seems like an attractive option if I can find it in the San Jose,CA area and if they make enough trim/flashings to achieve water tightness around the window.

Mooie, thanks for sharing your tile experience. I may consider tile too, after all.

I even thought of perhaps making something from scratch myself around the window like fiberglass (liquid form+glass cloth) or same with epoxy and glass cloth? On the other hand, IÂm weary of using non standard methods/materials in case I ever want to sell the house. Unfortunately I have found that inspectors tend to flag anything they are unfamiliar with even if it is superior to the "standard" stuff.
sombreuil_mongrel
14 years ago
It's like a masonite with a factory-applied finish that is basically waterproof except where cut. But they make moldings of aluminum extrusions just for this so you can join sheets at flat angles or in- or outside corners. You can apply it over 1/2" plywood for more rigidity. It is also made to simulate tile patterns, BTW.
It's obviously a stop-gap thing, and if not caulked and sealed properly, if will break down where water gets in, but for the cost and effort, you can't ask more of a product. IMO, it's better than the stick-on plastic tub surrounds.
Casey

Related Stories

BATHROOM DESIGN Doorless Showers Open a World of Possibilities

By Lisa Frederick

Universal design and an open bathroom feel are just two benefits. Here’s how to make the most of these design darlings

BATHROOM DESIGN 7 Reasons Why Your Shower Floor Squeaks

By By Any Design Ltd.

No one wants to deal with a squeaky fiberglass shower floor. Here's what might be happening and how to fix it

BATHROOM DESIGN Why You Might Want to Put Your Tub in the Shower

By By Any Design Ltd.

Save space, cleanup time and maybe even a little money with a shower-bathtub combo. These examples show how to do it right

SHOWERS 10 Stylish Options for Shower Enclosures

By Change Your Bathroom©

One look at these showers with glass block, frameless glass, tile and more, and you may never settle for a basic brass frame again

BATHROOM DESIGN Convert Your Tub Space Into a Shower — the Tiling and Grouting Phase

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 3 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Pick the right tile and test it out, then choose your grout color and type

BATHROOM DESIGN Convert Your Tub Space to a Shower — the Planning Phase

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 1 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Get all the remodel details down on paper

BATHROOM DESIGN Convert Your Tub Space Into a Shower — Waterproofing and Drainage

By By Any Design Ltd.

Step 4 in swapping your tub for a sleek new shower: Pick your waterproofing materials and drain, and don't forget to test

ROOM OF THE DAY Room of the Day: Ditching the Tub for a Spacious Shower

By Jeannie Matteucci

A Georgia designer transforms her master bathroom to create a more efficient and stylish space for 2

SHOWERS Shower Design: 13 Tricks With Tile and Other Materials

By Toronto Interior Design Group

Playing with stripes, angles, tones and more can add drama to your shower enclosure

BATHROOM DESIGN Dreaming of a Spa Tub at Home? Read This Pro Advice First

By By Any Design Ltd.

Before you float away on visions of jets and bubbles and the steamiest water around, consider these very real spa tub issues

Sponsored

EK Interior Design

5 Reviews

TIMELESS INTERIOR DESIGN FOR ENDLESS MEMORIES

More Discussions

gap fill in prefinished hardwood flooring

7

Design HELP-choose siding for Lake House

3

Sliding glass doors leaking

9

Exterior Update to Tudor House

13

diagnosing and fixing “weird house smells”

0