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Shower Window: Question about timelines

3 years ago

Hey all,

I’m remodeling my bathroom and am installing new tile around the tub, to the ceiling. I have everything stripped down to the studs and I’m ready to put up Durock 1/2” backer to prep for tiling. Here’s my problem:

I have a window in the shower that I need to replace. Tile will surround the window, with the sill/frame being PVC trim. I haven’t ordered the window yet, and it’s a 4 week lead time. Am I able to remove this old window, tape or seal it off from the exterior side, and do my tiling before installing the new window? Will any tile be damaged during installation? Without the window my project is at a standstill, and I want to keep moving to finish as efficiently as possible.

I have pictures I can post tomorrow to help with the dilemma. Thanks in advance!

- AA

Featured Answer

millworkman

3 years ago

last modified: 3 years ago

What the frame thickness? I would imagine 3 1/4", and then your wall is 4 9/16" so you would need cement board returns which would need to be taped , as well as the window to cement board transition, then the whole enchilada covered with Aqua Defense. I do not know how it would possibly to do all of that after the tile was installed. Personally I would wait since you obviously cannot plan it out better at this point and this point of the waterproofing stage is crucial as you really do not want your exterior wall system getting water infiltration (insulation wet = mold = rot).

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Comments (8)

User
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
All the materials must be on site. The window must be installed right after demo of the old. You can’t properly install, or integrate the waterproofing to it if you tile first. What waterproofing system are you using?
millworkman
3 years ago
You MUST have new the window installed as the waterproofing must be tied in to the new window and tied in extremely well at that. Please tell me it is vinyl? Also as LWO asked what waterproofing system will you be using? Would be a good idea to contact that manufacturer and get their recommendations on tying in the window to the shower waterproofing system.
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Just to be clear, in case anyone else go the impression this is a steam shower, it is not a steam shower. I will only be taking regular showers with the same amount of heat/steam generated by a regular shower. So there isn't nearly as much steam to purge as with a steam shower. And the showers won't be nearly as long as a steaming session. Also, if I do this I plan to tile the ceiling. This kind of brings up an interesting counterpoint to Sophie Wheeler and rococogurl. A steam shower generates way more steam and never has a fan. According to what Sophie's said any steam shower is essentially a petri disk for mold and mildew because they have lots of steam and no fan. The only difference between a typical steam shower and my concept is that my transom (or gap around two complete walls) will be a few inches below the ceiling instead of at the top. But I'm also generating WAY less steam than a steam shower so, logically, it seems like a reasonable tradeoff. Since my shower is 6' x 4' that gap will be ten feet long by 8-10 inches high. That's a big gap. Is that really insufficient to ventilate the steam produced by a regular shower just because it's a few inches below the ceiling?
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Adam Copp
Original Author
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
Thanks for the advice, I’m using AquaDefense paint-on waterproofing. The current window is aluminum and I’m replacing it with vinyl. The previous contractor that did work in the house obviously cut a lot of corners. (I just bought this house as a foreclosure and I’m fixing up a lot of things).

Am I able to prime and waterproof the window frame and then tie the window waterproofing to the frame instead?

For theory sake, would the waterproofing system be the only thing that gets screwed up if someone were to do it this way?
Adam Copp
Original Author
3 years ago
I think I’ll go to the store today and see if I can buy a window that’s in stock instead of the 4 week lead time window! I also am remodeling the floor (previous contractor did a crappy job tiling and they’re popping up) so I can work on that while I wait for the window as well. Seems like there’s no getting around this error and i don’t want my haste to result in serious damage down the road.
millworkman
3 years ago
Good choice.
PRO
Mint tile Minneapolis
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
could be done , methodically. Millworkman is correct the board returns need to be flashed/sealed to the window FRAME. your better off utilizing a waterproof foam board in the window jamb returns and seal the entire 1/2" of foam directly to A vinyl or fiberglass frame. I would strongly suggest all the trim be azek or similar and sealed to the waterproofing w/ hydroban sealant /kerdifix or similar NO NAILS THRU waterproofing. then abut tile to the azek leaving 1/8" gap minimum. and finish w/100% silicone.

thats how the pros do it. Smart build.
Adam Copp
Original Author
3 years ago
Thanks Mint, I'll check it out!

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