Discovered a Window Next to Shower Head in Bathroom....?

Question

Hello again!

I am in the middle of a bathroom reno. I ripped out the drywall on the "exterior" wall in the bathroom, and I discovered a window!! However, this window is right next to the shower head. The window starts about a foot below the shower head. I definitely want to keep the window. What do I need to do to protect from water damage in/around the window or water splashing onto the window sill? A family member suggested putting up a small shower curtain infront of the window....but that is too cheesy! I was planning on putting in a tub wall kit....however, now that there is a window involved...it looks like I have to cut the tub wall kit to fit around the window . It is an old aluminum window and it will be replaced. Any suggestion on how to handle this situation and what type of window to replace it with?

Answer 1

Let's talk about the exterior of the house for a minute.  What is the material?  Would it be possible to put in a smaller window?  What style are the windows in the rest of the house?  I would suggest replacing the aluminum window with a vinyl window.  It won't rust or corrode.  It will last a long time and be more energy efficient.  Put in a smaller window above the shower head.  You may want to put frosted window in so your neighbors can't see in.

Dave

Answer 2

I've had a window in a shower before.  Be prepared for everyone who uses your bathroom to ask you if you're aware that you have a window in your shower, as if you'd never noticed it yourself.  It's rather odd.

But, like you, I wanted to keep it, privacy concerns not being an issue (hidden by a tree).  I put in a vinyl window, and painted the trim and the sill with white epoxy paint (the garage floor stuff).  The shower was tiled.  I don't recommend a plastic surround, because you'll have to cut it and it will be difficult to trim it out properly (for aesthetics and waterproofing).  

Never had a problem with it, other than I had to clean it quite often.

I wouldn't move the window.  As has been said, it is easy enough to do.  However, most windows in homes are placed as much for symmetry from the outside view as convenience from the inside.  So consider what your house would look like with that window in a different place.  

Putting in glass block in place of the window is another great option.  The "grout" between the block is waterproof, as is the block itself of course.  And this option provides privacy without the need for a curtain.  Similarly to a regular window, just paint the heck out of the trim with epoxy garage paint, and it will be waterproof enough for showering purposes.

Answer 3

Cover it up and cut a new window that isn't in the shower, its not all that hard to cut in a new window.