Locating Window in Shower

I'm trying to decide on new master bath addition window, I wish to have some advice. Current plans are to place a 24x36" rough opening twin vinyl insulated window in the eastern wall where a ceramic tile shower is to be built. The bottom of the window would end up about 5 1/2' from the shower floor. Does anyone have a similar situation and can provide some input?

 

DIY James --

This may be knitpicky, but let's make sure we are on the same page. You say a 24" by 36" window, with the sill 5-1/2' above the shower floor. I think what you mean (and I am assuming that you are talking an 8' ceiling height) is a window that is (rough opening) 36" wide and 24" tall. Window and door sizes are always given in terms of width by height, not vica versa.

Having gotten that out of the way, what is your question? I've seen literally thousands of windows placed in this application. What is typically (at least 95% of the time) done is that the window is centered (horizontally) in the shower or the tub.

You are talking ceramic tile and a vinyl window. Frame the opening, install the window, tile the walls and the sill and window casing, gout the tile -- that is about as water tight and moisture resistant as you are going to get. (Set the tile in the sill so that they have about 1/16" to 1/8" slope towards the tub to eliminate standing water)

 

Considering the volumes of posts at old house web sites about how to deal with the problems of a window near, or in a shower, my question is, why? If this is a top floor shower and natural light is desired, a skylight would provide a better source, without all of the wet window problems.

 

bungalow jeff

I have thought of skylights or an awning windows in a 24x18 configuration instead of the 36x24 twin single hung window.

What are the most common problems with windows in a shower?

 

Most of the problems were with wood windows over a tub that was later converted to a tub with shower......water from the shower is NOT a good idea on a wood window that wasn't intended for that purpose.....

Putting a vinyl window in CORRECTLY, using cement board and tile up to it on the inside and sealing the joining point with silcone should prevent any problems.....other than maybe the view you're giving the neighbors ......and obscure glass can even cure that, unless the view is worth it ....

But I'm sorta like Jeff, I'd go with a skylite personally

 

I have one of those old houses with the tub to shower conversion and an old window right in the middle of the fiberglass surround the previous owners put in. I'm thinking of removing and putting in glass blocks to eliminate the wood. Since I have a ceiling fan, would I need to install a vent in the glass block section?