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Windows Design Dilemma Bathrooms

Window in shower

3 years ago

We have a wood window above a bathtub with tempered glass. The shower is next to the tub but we are going to remove the tub and put the shower where it the current tub is. So wondering if we need to get a whole new window or if we can waterproof the existing window...

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Comments (5)

AJCN
3 years ago
last modified: 3 years ago
I think replacing the window and moving it higher is a good idea. On HOUZZ you’ll see lots of pics where a shower window is place horizontal, high up on the wall. If you are remodeling the bathroom, which is expensive, the cost of dealing with the window would be worth it in my view. I’ve read on here that a vinyl window is required, but I don’t know much about how they are waterproofed. If you are hiring a GC, make sure they hire a qualified tile pro who knows how to waterproof a window. It’s a good idea to meet and check the credentials of the tile pro the GC hires.
kudzu9
3 years ago
A window in a shower is a problem waiting to happen unless it is high up and never gets hit with spray. Waterproofing a shower properly is challenging enough without having intersecting, disparate surfaces where water will start getting into seams sooner or later. There is no such thing as a "waterproof shower window," so even if you get a new window you are still looking at a problem at some point which can lead to water damage and rot inside the wall.
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You are right, that is the best solution-if you are going to mostly store the shower curtain inside the tub. I'm only going to be using this for an occasional shower at, if at all so the shower curtain will usually be hanging on the outside of the tub. Even I even keep it hanging; I may just have the contractor install the rod and skip the curtain for now. Can anyone who showers with a rain shower help me??? Does the water splash less towards the back wall???
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Wow, that is quite a window. Keep in mind that with your dimensions, that will be one very heavy window. Is there going to be a sill? If so, a person falling would probably hit the sill and maybe not even touch glass. I'm not a fan a glass block anyway, I think it may be a little outdated, and I'm no glass expert, but before deciding, I would call a glass company and see what they say regarding strength and what would happen to tempered glass should body hit it on the way down to the floor. I think it just breaks into harmless pebbles. Also my understanding is that shower window glass has to be tempered to be in code, but maybe glass block is an exception.
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Replace the window with a vinyl window. Make sure the rough-in stool is sloped toward the tub 3-4 degrees is enough. Wrap Kerdi backer cloth into the window opening to seal any possible leaks. Tile up to the window over the Kerdi cloth.. Your contractor should know the detail of how this is done. We do it all the time. What are you going to do with the floor register? Why move the tuba at all? It looks nicely at home where it is. Moving it would be more work and expense than it is worth.
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I currently have a casement window in my shower, and yes, it has a screen, and we do use it to vent after a shower. It is a vinyl casement and we trimmed it out (inside and out) with exterior composite trim material. My husband is a building contractor, and always mindful of issues. We towel down the trim EVERYTIME we shower, not so much for water rot worries, but for soap scum and water stains. Soap residue will show on any surface, whether or not the water air dries. It's great to have natural light in the shower, not to mention fresh air. Enjoy your shower window.
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PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
3 years ago
If there is nothing wrong with the window, prep it and put a good coat of paint on it. Should do fine being that it is located up and out of the way of direct spray. That said, it will definitely get wet so a good coat of latex is a must.
plan2remodel
3 years ago
Attaching a photo of the window in my master bathroom, which was remodeled 5 years ago. This is a vinyl, tempered glass, awning window. The edging is Caesarstone. Also, attaching a "before" photo. During the remodel, the tub and shower traded places and the window shrunk to 1/3 of its original height. To make up for the loss of natural light from the smaller window, I added a round solar tube -- you can see the reflection from the solar tube on the square rain shower head.
Deanie Jo
3 years ago
We did the exact thing and replaced the wood window that was there with two Anderson 100 series vinyl windows which they say are meant to stand up to shower spray. It is not up high and does get hit with some spray. After each shower I do wipe it down. We made it a clear awning style on top and below fixed obscure glass. After each shower we open the awning and have air circulating in there helping to dry it out. I absolutely LOVE it and we have no problems so far. I would not leave your original window if it is a wood window.

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