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Best option for window in shower?

6 years ago

We have a window existing in our bathroom made of redwood (as are the rest of the windows on this floor). However, we want to move the shower such that the window will be incorporated into the shower. Moreover, the window isn't quite straight since it's an old house.

What's the best way to go about this?

a) Apply waterproofing to the window (any rec's for specific products?)

b) Replace window with steel window.

c) Something else.

Featured Answer

millworkman

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Either remove it entirely (best option IMHO), or replace it with a vinyl or fiberglass window with fully waterproofing integrated into shower waterproofing. You are going to completely redo the waterproofing in the shower correct?

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Comments (9)

PRO
Roost & Row
Original Author
6 years ago
Yes, we'll be fully redoing waterproofing. It's a total gut of the bathroom. One more piece of info in case it matters: It's a window that opens out.

We're hesitant to remove it completely because of it looks out into our garden and adds significant light.

Does fiberglass not contract with water? What about steel?
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millworkman
6 years ago
Correct on the fiberglass, and steel windows (even factory painted) are just a pc of metal waiting to rust................
Marta
6 years ago
We have a window in the bathtub/shower area. Before we remodeled, it had a wooden sill and frame (the window frame itself is plastic). When we remodeled the bathroom, we tiled all around the window sill right up to the inner frame. It works.
PRO
Roost & Row
Original Author
6 years ago
Marta, does it look like this?

Our window is roughly 30" by 50" (casement) so probably not cheap to replace with fiberglass, maybe $1000. Still going back and forth on what the most cost-effective option in the long term will be. Since we're demo'ing the bathroom I'm tempted to replace the window. If the window gets warped, that's not too bad as we don't need to open the window but if it gets rot it will definitely need replacing.

How much more costly would it be to replace later rather than now?
millworkman
6 years ago
To replace it later will compromise the entire waterproofing system. If you don't need to open the window (but still insist on having it be there) use a fixed casement, it should be less money.
PRO
User
6 years ago
The only suitable type of window in a wet environment is vinyl or fiberglass. Replace it with the best quality of either that you can afford, and be sure that your contractor knows how to integrate the waterproofing system into the window. Otherwise it was a waste to do any of it. Water must be kept out of your walls, and given zero point to enter.
Marta
6 years ago
Azlee, it’s not quite as nice as that... here it is.
everdebz
6 years ago
In addition bathroom, a Lowe's window was used: probably the basement type, small and rectangular. I enjoyed the steam, and a bit of fresh air that entered. I felt a bit of the outdoors, and loved it. Vinyl?

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