I am putting in a bath tub (drop in) in front of an existing window. The room was not originally a bathroom so the window is a 5 ft double-hung 12 inches from floor.
I expected to replace the dh with a fixed or casement window and butt the tub platform to the window with approximately 8 inches of the window below the platform level. I can’t replace the window as the house has symetrical windows w/ shutters from exterior.
Problem is the windows guy at Lowe’s says that I will not be able to get a seal of the platform to the window, moisture will get below platform level and mold/mildew will ensue.
Next idea is to have two windows, one that is 8 inches and then the other that sits at platform level. Has anyone ever tried this? Do you have any ideas or suggestions?
I think it is a matter of stacking windows, without dramatically altering the exterior view.
thanks in advance.
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I don't think I would try to seal directly to the window either. In your scenario I think the best you can do is either make the window smaller or turn the back side of the tub platform down flush with the wall and seal it against the window sills on both sides creating and 8" deep pocket between the tub and the window. In fill the pocket with a shelf or just leave it open and use it as a convenient place to put plants in 8" tall vases or something.
Kevin Halliburton
"I believe that architecture is a pragmatic art. To become art it must be built on a foundation of necessity." - I.M. Pei -
I won't try to address the potential for gunk to grow in a trapped or inaccessible area, but if you need to look like window outside and hopefully can seal up the area inside, you might be able to run a row of glass block or two, set a sill (perhaps stone) on that, window above. You're not using this as shower too are you?
Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
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That's what I am worried about with leaving the gap. The glass block sounds interesting but can I get glass block cut to a specific height? If I understand, the sill will have to be what the tub platform butts to and that is at 18.5 inches.
No showering, but small kids will splash.
thx
You can probably get glass block cut to size, but you also probably can't afford it. Run the glass block to a level higher than the tub, the seal the tub flange to the glass.
Do it right, or do it twice.
That's what I don't get. I can seal to the Glass block but not a window? Seems like the same problem to me.
The glass block actually has a little structural strngth, whereas the glass window esentially does not. The difference is minor, but it's enough. As mentioned by someone else, you can get block in 8x8, 6x8, 4x8 and one or two other sizes if you look hard enough. Check the PPG website.
Do it right, or do it twice.
Well there are different configurations of (and sizes) glass block. I've got some I salvaged that lay 6x8"or 8x6"if you turn them. You might be able to come up with a closure for the tub edge to sill above the block that flashes down over the tub lip. The sill would cap over that. One thing that is important is that you have tempered glass in that sash you set on top.Remodeling Contractor just outside the Glass City.
Quittin' Time