Replies

1. 
   gdavis62 | Nov 20, 2004 12:38am | #1

   Sure, you can get a solid surface fabricator to make you a shower wall panel with a window opening in it, and include in the assembly the side and top returns, plus a sill.

   It just takes careful measuring, templating, and at installation time, good silicone sealant installation at the interface between the returns and the sill and the window frame.

   It will also take a healthy checking account balance, a big chunk of which will get eaten up by the check you'll write to the solid surface outfit.

1. 
   lisakk | Nov 20, 2004 01:47am | #3

   I have this same problem in a new house that I'm going to owner-build. We are going to have a 4/0 x 1/0 window over a shower tub unit that will be used by my three sons.  The window header will be 7' 2", so the bottom of the window will be at 6' 2".  I had planned on installing a 72" high Lasco shower/tub, but now I'm worried that it's going to be too close to the window.  Should we put tile around the window frame instead of wood trim?  Do you think this will look strange with the fiberglass below.  I'm a practical person and can't see myself spending money on Corian, and I really don't want a tile surround (our current house had some grout that chipped away and water leaked through). 

2. 
   CapnMac | Nov 20, 2004 01:42am | #2

   Well, welcome to BT, first off.

   Some of the answer depends on where we are going to define " the window" to be.  The window comes (usually) as soem sort of sash mounted in a frame.  Do we want to butt the surround to the frame or, maybe, the sash.

   There are some problems doing that.  Any water that gets on the surround then wants to travel to the frame or sash.  If there is any gap at all in the joint there, water will find it.  When it does, the result will not be good (worst of all, the bad may not be found for years and years).

   Now, I am speculating, but I think what you want is a window framed in a way that you can seal it to the surround.  Find a way to do that easily and we'll both be rich beyond dreams of avarice.

   Now, back to the substance of your question--the solid surface people also make 1/4" sheets of their material.  A good installer might just could seal some 1/4" to your window frame (this would be much easier if the window were not in the wall, but in the ss guy's shop), over-laying the existing trim.  After installing the window, the solid surface man could then trim the surround to match.  This would likely be a nice, sturdy, and long lasting installation.  But woe betide anybody wanting to take either the window or the surround out.

   Please do not take that as any sort of rain on your parade.  I've just done enough remodeling to tend to think a bit farther down the road than some.

   Hmm, how about tile?  Might could find a slim glass block to set flush with a tile surround.  No ventilation, but you do get the light.  (And you'll never have damp surtains or wet miniblinds, either . . . )

   Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)
1. 
   Prancer | Nov 20, 2004 03:11am | #4

   Thanks for all the feedback. I know that the water infiltratin is the big issue and that's the big questoin. I do want to keep the windows as there is a view of mountains and water.
   You've given me food for thought and since I am in the thinking process this is the best time to consider all options.
   Thanks

1. 
   DThompson | Nov 20, 2004 05:01am | #5

   To tell you the truth any chance I get I remove a window from a shower area and on new construction I make sure it never happens. I do not know why people have built like that. If you can, remove the window, patch the drywall, window opening, siding etc. Install the new shower and make sure you have good lighting and ventilation.

1. 
   biscuit02 | Nov 20, 2004 07:55am | #6

   Hi, I'm new to the forums, but I had to chime in here right away! I am about to purchase my first house, and there is a window in the tub/shower.  I have lived in apts. with this feature before, and I love it-- but then I wasn't worried about it like I will be in my own house.  Any modifications to it will be down the road awhile, so I am wondering how much of a problem this will be if I am careful to wipe off the frame and sill after every shower? Shouldn't that prevent the problems? If I do replace the window with glass block down the road, is there such a thing as glass block with a little operable window in it?  I seem to recall some such thing in some house/apartment in my past.

1. 
   CapnMac | Nov 22, 2004 09:15pm | #8

   how much of a problem this will be if I am careful to wipe off the frame and sill after every shower?

   The problem will not be what you do, but what people before did.

   A friend bought a former rental with a 20 x 20 in the tub/shower.  Went to go reset some tile, and the backer (might have been greenboard) was shot.  Probing kept going and going and going.  Bathroom turned into a gut rehab.  Studs had rotted away enitre to the level of the tub.  Wish I had the pics, 'cause it was a tad scary looking.  Sheathing was gone--you could see the backs of the veneer face brick.  In this case, it was lucky to be a slab-on-grade, so that actually limited the floor damage. 

   Right shame that the $500 re-tile job was a $4500 rehab.

   If I had no real opionion either way on windows & showers before--I do now.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

2. 
   biscuit02 | Nov 23, 2004 04:55am | #12

   Okay! I won't retile! Seriously though, that's a really good point, but no feasible way to check it out.  I'll hope for the best (the current homeowner, at least, seems like a neat and take-care-of-things type, and it has never been a rental) and I'll take comfort in the fact that this house also is a slab-on-grade, if worse comes to worst.

    

2. 
   CapnMac | Nov 22, 2004 09:09pm | #7

   given me food for thought

   As we say in these parts, de nada, it's my pleasure to help (I can suggest ideas all day--you want them drawn, that requires cash <G>).

   If you have a view, the clear glass tile might be just the thing.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Nov 22, 2004 09:20pm | #9

   Hey Cap, what about using an all-vinyl window?

   One other option is to use a factory built glass block unit.  I have done it twice and it works well, althjough it can get heavy depending on the size.

    Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell'em "Certainly, I can!"  Then get busy and find out how to do it.  T. Roosevelt

1. 
   CapnMac | Nov 23, 2004 02:58am | #10

   what about using an all-vinyl window

   I suppose it would work--it would depend on the joint from window frame to surround.  It would be the one case where I would not want a thermally broken window.

   I'd rather use a clerestory or a solotube to get light in the shower--but that's personal preference.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

2. 
   JTJohnson | Nov 23, 2004 04:31am | #11

   We just completed a job that involved replacement vinyl windows all the way around the house, including the window that was covered over by the shower surround installed by the HO's Ex-husband. Using the ever popular Roto-zip, we trimmed the surround to match the dimensions of the window, replaced all the rotten drywall, and the covered everything with Aluminium. All corners were sealed with Solar Seal. So far no problems. Jeremy