hello,
I’m putting an estimate together for a potential client on a small bathroom remodel. The old clawfoot tub is going and being replaced by a new tub with a tiled wall surround. Being a small bathroom the only window in it is on the long side of the tub/shower. It sits at 4ft high and is a 2×3 window. The window is wood and in fine shape and the homeowner doesn’t want to replace it with a vinyl. I plan to remove the trim and re-trim it with PVC trim to take care of that portion but the window needs some protection. I must maintain access to the window and be able to operate it as normal (e.g. I can’t cover it with plexi-glass etc..
One idea I suggested in the original site visit is simply to install a shower curtain on the inside wall as well that can be pulled over the window during a shower. While certainly the most simple solution – not the most elegant.
I’m wondering if anyone out there has dealt with this in a successful way and is willing to share.
Thanks
Replies
Sand and then finish with some really good marine paint?
Edited 6/9/2009 10:06 am ET by darrel
instead of replacing could you raise the widow higher out of reach of water?
I see problems on the HO's horizon with this window.
I assume it is a double hung, know it is wood from what you said.
Have never dealt with this problem - not the window in the shower, the refusal to change to vinyl.
I would have a tendency to strip and paint the window and repaint with marine topside or hull paint as suggested by darrel.
The other problem which I see is that a DH window is not designed to shed / drain water on the interior face. It is designed to do exactly the opposite.
This will lead to the window retaining water on the inside with no place to go. Which will lead to swelling and ultimately rotting.
I think to have any chance of success you will need to shield the window from getting wet in the first place.
Would perhaps a hinged glass panel / door be acceptable? Same function as a curtain, just prettier (and more expensive). Could be installed as a frosted / patterned glass - window in shower - the Mrs. at least is gonna want something!
Jim
i had a similar one for many years, and we just put a vinyl window curtain on a basic rod with curved ends over it. it was long and wide enough to cover the trim. we never had a problem.
BTW, you don't have to use vynal there. There are cloth shower curtains you could use instead. When they get dirty, just toss in the laundry. A dry cleaner would be able to cut and hem it to the correct dimmensions.
Tu stultus es
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Also a CRX fanatic!
Look, just send me to my drawer. This whole talking-to-you thing is like double punishment.
I have the same situation. The window in my shower is an awning type that cranks out at the bottom. Vinyl outside but wood inside. We trimmed around the interior with decorative tiles. I finished the wood with Epifanes marine varnish. Only used by 2 adults and we keep a sponge in the shower and are scrupulous about drying off the window after every shower. Good exhaust fan. So far it has held up well for about 1-1/2 years. The Epifanes varnish is great but I think it's longevity is ultimately dependent upon the habit of sponging the water off the wood every time. I plan to sand and add a coat of varnish about every 2 years, before it starts to deteriorate.
Remind them that a window in a tub/shower or within reach of that tub should be safety or tempered glass.
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Excellent point Calvin.
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The PVC trim is the way to fly. The "interior" shower curtain is also. Compression rod, curtain cut just below the window trim and hemmed. Keep it simple, if over time client does not care for simple, just keep maintaining the wood. PS. Curtain pulled to the side after showering, clears the open window, for the view.
why do people put windows in showers?
if ya find out....
the real reason that is....
let the rest of us know...
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In many instances, these are older homes, before the day of every bathroom having an exhaust fan. Also it's the only exterior wall, in which case, I'd also have a window, by choice. Personally I don't like ANY bathroom to be windowless.
Our '27 house didn't have a window in the shower, but did have a full-height double hung.So if you had it open for ventilation, the neighbors 10' away would get a great view of your mid-section.When we remodeled, I thought of taking the window out but ended up putting in a frosted awning at head-height. Definitely glad I did. It's great having natural light in a bath, not to mention an openable window when it comes to cleaning time (to vent the nasty smells).
"why do people put windows in showers?"
I was in this bathroom under construction in Brentwood (near Beverly Hills). The bathroom, toilet, bidet, etc. was up against 20' of picture windows facing the backyards of other homes across a canyon.
I asked the general if the lady of the house was worried about privacy. He said "Naw, she walks around us naked all the time".
Later, I saw what he was referring to. But it does not compare to being at Hugh Hefner's place.
i would venture a guess that any house built here in wichita before 1970 there is a 90% chance of a window in that wall. i don't know if they did it for code reasons or what but they are everywhere.
i own probably 15 houses with them that are 40 years old + and to tell you the truth i have never seen one rotten,some get mildew on them but thats all. i don't understand why they don't rot out in the first 10 years,all i can guess is the get wet easy and dry out the same way.
i did just last week have a tenant that was concerned about someone seeing in, so i bought a pc of obscure plastic for a suspended ceiling light and made a indoor storm window out of it. it worked out really well.
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If replacement with glass block is not an option the best solution is to do what you already said in your post and install a rod with a curtain.
It does not look the best but it will keep the wood in good shape. Don't forget that the interior of the window is not meant to shed water so even if it is painted with a waterproof paint there will still be other issues.
sully
west system epoxy
just remember to rinse with water before painting to get rid of amine blush
The bathroom windows preceded showers, so not a problem then. The best idea now is glass block.
Only if you can open it......