I am currently in the process of replacing the upstairs windows on the back side of my house. Two of the windows open into a bathroom shower stall. We’ve been using a shower curtain to protect the windows from shower water, but this looks pretty lousy and pretty much negates the benefits of the window (ie, they’re covered up almost all of the time).
I’m thinking of replacing these windows with glass block so that I won’t need a shower curtain against the window/wall side, but am concerned that I’ll end up with a freezing cold bathroom in the winter (I live in New Hampshire). Does anyone have experience with glass block or other window configurations for a bathroom/outside wall situation?
Replies
That is becoming common in my area in older houses. I don't have any direct experiecne, but the glass block has got to have better thermal performance than sny older window....
From Pittsburgh Corning: "The R-value for the Premiere glass block is 1.96, which is equivalent to a double pane thermal window. Thinline glass block has a R-value of 1.75."
http://www.apmdirect.com/cgi-local/SoftCart.exe/glassblock/glassblock.html?E+scstore
A few thoughts: 1) I don't see how the glass block window would be anymore water resistant since I assume that the actual issue is in the window jamb area and how water affects it. Also, glass block is still going to give you an obscured view so I'm not sure how it is much better than your current situation other than the fact that the curtains do sound a bit unsightly unless there is a privacy issue too, 2) simulated glass block windows are available as a unit and are a quicker, easier, cheaper installs, and 3) Just as an FYI, I don't know what codes are in place where you live but here any glass that is within 60" of the tub/shower drain needs to be tempered, although admittedly I don't know how this pertains to real glass block since I've only used the faux glass block.
Edited 11/12/2005 9:40 am ET by Matt
The windows on our showers are vinal framed, mabey you just need to update the window or install a retrofitted one?
Rebuilding my home in Cypress, CA
Also a CRX fanatic!
I have a similar situation in an older house, & I handled it by installing a vinyl-framed casement with a 6-pane grill, so it would blend in with the six-over-six windows. It blends in with the look of the house from the street.
I managed the privacy issue by applying some frosted contac paper from the Big Orange Box.
I know some of our participants will be by to saythat this lacks class, but it works for me!
Best Wishes,
Kate
I had a house with a window in the shower wall. I took out the window, framed the opening with PT lumber and painted it with asphalt (someone told me that would help the mortar stick to the wood). I put in the glass block and then tiled so the tile went right up to and was flush with the glass block (with just a mortar line between). My glass block had a diamond pattern and you couldn't see through it, but it let lots of light in. It was not cold (in fact, much warmer than the previous window!). The way I did it, I could keep the old storm window on the outside, so it didn't change the outside appearance at all.
Vinyl window, spec'd with privacy glas.
Trim the inside with Azek or Koma.
Some good detailed caulking with some good rubber caulk or Lexel and your good to go.
Eric
It's Never Too Late To Become What You Might Have Been
[email protected]
I've never seen an opening window in a shower that I'd have on my own house. A mildewy mess either now or later...too many nooks and cranies. I do like the light they bring to a shower, however.
I've put fixed windows in three different showers, two with with good success, the other, my first, I got an education, (read, it failed). Made the frame and detailed it just like one would treat a shower nook. Sloped sill, membrane, backer, thinset, tile, sealer. Meticulous detailing is the name of the game. Think like water, and imagine the whole thing has to be waterproof without the tile installed.
I wish I had taken pics of the last one. Had a custom tempered glazing done with obscure glass that matched the med cab. 3" sill on inside that even with 10 or 12 degree slope was handy for shampoo and such. Removable stops on exterior in case of glass failure. I'm sure that former GF is still enjoying it.
Michael Byrne book gives a great insight and sequence on detailing the install. I wouldn't hesitate to do it again, although the current house is all brick veneer, which adds a whole new aspect if I'm cuttng in a new window. I might consider a Sun Tunnel if it turns out to be on interior wall.
It can be done well, but I don't think I'd offer to do it for a client, unless they gave me free rein... too much time involved.
PJ
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
Installed glass block window in my shower in Chicago. In dead of winter, if you feel the glass, it is room temprature. Wife likes it for privacy and lets lots of light in. I have a brick house, removed all framing for old window and mortared glass block right to the brick opening. Had a window sill cut out of marble and tiled up to the window on sides and top, with a drip edge groove cut into the bottom of the sill. It's bullet proof and you can put wet shampoo bottles on the sill.
I love windows in showers and often wonder why more people don't have them. If they are going to be there, they need to be done well.
A fixed window fit into an opening prepared as part of the tile install is the only way I would install a window in a shower and feel comfortable that it wouldn't fail.
This approach should not be confused with simply tiling up to the window and caulking the junction.
For a window to survive what would essentially be rainforest conditions with direct water spray, it needs to be included in a very good water barrier system so that when the caulk fails, and it will, water will not damage the framing below the window opening.
Using any window with metal hardware, or other parts that either collect water or grow mold does not seem to be a good fix unless, and this is a big unless, the owners keep a spick and span house, love cleaning and wouldn't mind replacing the metal hardware as it corrodes. Having said that, a window that looks bad down the road reflects poorly on the person who installs it so even if the owners kept a clean bathroom I would still pass the job to someone else.
Cheers,
Don
I have that problem in the house i'm working on now. I took the double hung window out and installed a awning style window.
This way you can still open the window but its up high enough that the water wont hit it.
I've replaced a casement in a small bedroom that we converted to the masterbath. US Glass block makes a "frosted glass" for the shower application. It's great for letting light in, has superior r-value, and seals much better than a regular window. If it's replacing a large window, I recommend buying the window in two pieces, otherwise it'll be too heavy for easy installation....
Here's a glass block window in a shower. It works fine. The sill is sloped so it won't hold water (or shampoo bottles). The casing and jambs are glued, and I used polyurethane caulk between the casing and the tile. You could also do the jamb and casings using tile, with waterproofing underneath, or use a Corian sill with a slight slope.
Think waterproof. The window at the end of the tub doesn't get much direct spray. I wouldn't use wood closer to the showerhead.
The light is great and the window doesn't feel cold (in Maryland).
Billy