fixed frame vinyl for shower stall; prudent choice or mistake?

8 years ago

TLDR: see bold

proposed shower stall will replace old tub shower stall with an existing single pane aluminum framed window with wavy privacy glass. rough opening is 48 wide by 36 tall at 60" from the finished floor.

im proposing to use the window sill as storage(as was the case previously) for things like shampoo... soaps etc. This would be in addition to a niche on one of the interior walls.

first question:

is that in bad taste? storing junk on a window sill? i thought about buying some pvc/ABS plantation shutters to fill in the window cavity and for privacy... but IDK because it would exclude its use as storage.

planning to tile and aggressively water proof the window sill, sloping it 5-10% and treating with kerdi or liquid applied membrane.

my main concern is water proofing this window. Ive never built a shower before and i am concerned that a horizontal or vertical slider would accumulate water from condensation and or splashing. yes i am aware windows have weep holes and all that... but this window is ONLY 60" from the floor. its a brick veneer home and i dont have anywhere near enough spare bricks to raise the window up.

second question:

am i being stupid worrying about water infiltrating into a vinyl window?

third question:

assuming a fixed window is chosen... is there any particular reason to go with an expensive brand like marvin? let me just say that this house does not warrant thousand dollar windows. however i do not want builders grade.

i made the mistake of ordering several pella windows through lowes some time back... while i was NOT unhappy with them once installed, i found them to be cheap feeling and the 60x60 windows to be quite flexible and difficult to shim properly.

biggest gripe was the flimsy trim material connecting glass panel to the vinyl stiles.

thanks in advance for any advice offered.

Featured Answer

PRO

Windows on Washington Ltd

8 years ago

Water weeps to the exterior surface. If you use an inorganic (i.e. plastic) for the window, you should be fine based on your waterproofing details.

Don't use anything Pella vinyl. If you are sourcing it, go with an upper end Simonton or go to a building supply house and get a nicer unit.

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Comments (7)

PRO
East Bay 10
8 years ago
Marvin is a wood window and you do not want that in an area that is exposed to direct water contact. Their Integrity line has an all fiberglass (they call it all Ultrex) would be a better choice. I like awnings for that application. At 60" you will probably have to temper the glass if that matters.
tim_manley_jr thanked East Bay 10
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tim_manley_jr
Original Author
8 years ago
re windows on washington:

ok well ill avoid pella then. i had like 600 budgeted for the window... but ill pay what is necessary for long term peace of mind.

so i gather you take no issues with say... a horizontal slider in a shower stall? what about a casement? would its mechanical linkages and crank suffer from constant water exposure?

i gather i should be vigilant in cleaning the weep holes in what ever window i go with...

re East bay 10:

i was assuming marvin had a vinyl line in addition to their fiberglass units? perhaps i was wrong in that assumption.

your suggestion of an awning window is something i had not considered. I think you are bang on here. thats a great idea. thanks for that.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
8 years ago
I would stay with something that has as few working parts a possible. The Slider fits that description better than any other operable window out there.
tim_manley_jr thanked Windows on Washington Ltd
PRO
toddinmn
8 years ago
Ice build up can be a concern in colder climates for all types. casements and awnings have screens to the interior side, some sliders have tracks that are completely removable with would aid in clean out gunk and residue.Tempered would be required 60'' from floor to edge of glass, so some money could be saved if the window is raised slightly or is not to edge of glass.
tim_manley_jr
Original Author
8 years ago
re: windows on Washington

sounds reasonable to me. im not familiar enough with the materials used in the cranks and mechanical linkages... i assume they are powder coated or other wise painted in some manner?
this is a huge long shot... but you ever hear of water resistant hardware? glass fiber reinforced plastics or SS?

i cold conceivably have them powder coated, or enamel coat them myself inside my oven... too much work i know... just thinking out loud here.

appreciate the feed back WoW.

re todinmn:
this is a Houston home. should have mentioned that earlier.

i made a mistake in stating 60" its actually 47-48" from the floor.
60" was from another window measurement.

there is 0 chance i could raise it up that far. i have enough brick for maby 3 courses. ive never tried to find matching bricks for sale though... nor have i researched other options.

i admit to being ignorant as to the cost add on for tempered glass... what would you estimate? any ball park figure wold be appreciated here.

regarding the general project:

gong to start calling the window places next week. the big suppliers in my area is through ABC building supplies and the big boxes.

Im assuming i should not even bother with the home depot only simonton Vantage Point windows?
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
8 years ago
Most of the hardware operators are not painted or coated. They may have some sort of galvanization on them, but that would be the extent of the coatings. When the windows are in the closed position, they are normally exposed to zero moisture. You situation is the reverse in the sense that the moisture (even that in air) will be coming from the inside of the home surface. I have seen casement operators in shower areas and they rarely do well. Tough to estimate the cost of tempered glass where you are but $12-$18 a square foot is probably a safe bet.
tim_manley_jr thanked Windows on Washington Ltd

fixed frame vinyl for shower stall; prudent choice or mistake?

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East Bay 10

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fixed frame vinyl for shower stall; prudent choice or mistake?

Windows on Washington Ltd

Comments (7)

East Bay 10

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tim_manley_jrOriginal Author

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toddinmn

tim_manley_jrOriginal Author

Windows on Washington Ltd

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tim_manley_jr
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