Need opinions regarding a window install in my hall bath tub area

9 years ago

last modified: 9 years ago

I live alone in a 1500 sq. ft. contemporary, single story patio home and have upgraded it for retirement. The plan is to replace all windows as soon as I can decide whether to install a 46" x 46" clear glass window in the tub/shower area. For me, this bath remodel is about the view so don't want glass blocks. A 46"w x 6.5"h obscured glass window is now in place. That window area would just be extended lower. The hall bath is 10 ft. long x 5" 1" wide with a narrower step in alcove 22" deep in addition to the 10 ft. The width of the tub is against the back wall. A bedroom is on each side of the bathroom. That back wall faces north and exterior is Hardiplank. There is a lovely view outside with many trees, and a wood fence is at the back of the lot. The house directly behind me is single story and has no windows on the back. The house to the right of it is a two story. I'm in Texas where we are mandated to use LowE-366 glass which is dark on the exterior and allows only 66% visible light transmitted. My window installer is one of the pros on the Windows forum and has said he can waterproof it. I trust his judgment . For night privacy I will use vinyl shutters inside or an electric exterior shade. My concern is that guests may feel uncomfortable using this room during the day. I do have a master bath nearby available for guest use as well. My master bedroom is used as a sitting room. Would you "go for it" or leave the window as it is now? If those who have waded through all this, thank you.

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Creative Ceramic & Marble/ Bill Vincent

9 years ago

I have no idea. I go to the posting links, I click on the html link and it automatically copies, an that's what spits out. The only thing I'm an expert on is tile. :-) Know what I mean? LOL

Comments (9)

enduring
9 years ago
I like the idea of a view. Guest could always close the shutters. I think I'd go for shutters instead of exterior shade, but I live in Iowa where the wind is always an issue.
texasgal47
Original Author
9 years ago
Enduring, thanks for your feedback. You have no idea how much that helps as I feel like a nut job for wanting a big window in a small hall bathroom.
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enduring
9 years ago
Its just a tub right? Yet I've seen plenty of windows in showers, but I would rather not have one in a shower. Years ago a friend of mine in the PNW, remodeled their main bath and put in a tub with a view, it was so nice and peaceful.
PRO
Creative Ceramic & Marble/ Bill Vincent
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
It can be done. But remember this-- any intrusion into the wall is another chance for water to get in it, sooner than later. If you DO put a window in, the best bet is a vinyl clad fixed window (doesn't open). Either way, it should be vinyl clad, though.
weedyacres
9 years ago
I might try some sort of middle ground on the window size. We put a window in our tub/shower. It was a tall skinny one and we replaced it with one a bit wider but that only went down to about shoulder level when standing in the tub. That way there's still privacy, but you get the light/view. And it's high enough that it won't get the direct shower stream, just some random splashing and condensation.

To waterproof it, I glued Kerdi scraps to the vinyl on the window, bridging the gap to the cement board. Then I painted a waterproof membrane over the whole thing.
PRO
Creative Ceramic & Marble/ Bill Vincent
9 years ago
I've done showers that had all kinds of windows. I'm not saying it can't be done. BUT. be aware there's a risk associated with it.

<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Bill_Vincent/media/Flaherty033.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="
" border="0" alt=" photo Flaherty033.jpg"/></a>

<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/user/Bill_Vincent/media/Allen120.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="
" border="0" alt=" photo Allen120.jpg"/></a>
enduring
9 years ago
bill, why do your images from photobucket show up and with a wacky link - part green and hot, part black?
texasgal47
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks all for commenting. Weedyacres, your suggestion to take a more conservative path make sense. I'll give it very serious consideration. Also, those who posted photos, that was quite helpful as well. I'll re-read the instructions regarding installation.

Need opinions regarding a window install in my hall bath tub area

Creative Ceramic & Marble/ Bill Vincent

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enduring

texasgal47
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Need opinions regarding a window install in my hall bath tub area

Creative Ceramic & Marble/ Bill Vincent

Comments (9)

enduring

texasgal47Original Author

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enduring

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texasgal47
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