custom window for bathroom

[whateg01]

I am remodeling the bathroom in the house. It is a '50s model with a window in the bathtub alcove. Somewhere along the way, vinyl shower surround was added an plastic trim was installed around the window. I am installing a walk-in shower, but I like the light that the window provides. The window is a 30" rough in and I'm not finding a 30x12 window to be a standard size. I don't want it to open, so my thought is to buy a double pane and build a custom frame for it. Since it'll be exposed to the shower on the inside, I want it to be water proof, so PVC seems the ideal material for it. However, I read that PVC expansion is bad enough to cause sealing issues with the glass. Of course, the places I have read that all seem to be websites for window companies advertising their fiberglass frames or other composite materials. I've not heard that from anybody I know who has vinyl windows in their house. Is that a significant issue? Is there a better solution that doesn't cost a fortune?

 

[johnre]

Is there a better solution that doesn't cost a fortune?

Since it doesn't have to open, I'd look into these - they will also take care of the needed opaqueness:

 

[whateg01]

Since it doesn't have to open, I'd look into these - they will also take care of the needed opaqueness:

I thought about glass blocks, but I really don't like the look of them.

 

[PCustoms]

Go to a lumberyard or building supply and order the size window you need. Might add $50 for the custom size.

 

[The Cobbler]

custom sized windows are readily available

 

[Hank11]

Build the frame with wood and marine epoxy. Its not that hard and you get just what you want and will remain waterproof on both sides.

 

[whateg01]

Build the frame with wood and marine epoxy. Its not that hard and you get just what you want and will remain waterproof on both sides.

What's maintenance like on the epoxy?

 

[CraigStu]

Read a lot of the info here.

Home | WEST SYSTEM Epoxy

The home of WEST SYSTEM marine-grade epoxy resins and hardeners for boat building, boat repair, home repair, and restoration.

www.westsystem.com

Look at all of the additives for various uses. This is not inexpensive but it is one of the best.

 

[wssix99]

Look for Ultrex windows. It's a type of fiberglass and doesn't have the issues of PVC. For non-operable windows, all the major companies will make them to order.

 

[Viper98912]

I have vinyl windows in my home and just finished installing a couple windows.

Find a local building supply store who sells vinyl windows (Plygem, Moss, etc). These companies will make any window size you want, since every window is somewhat custom made anyway. 30x12 will probably cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $250 or so. If this is a bathroom window, you may want to consider a tempered glass window and frosted glass if it's at body height.

 

[whateg01]

I have vinyl windows in my home and just finished installing a couple windows.

Find a local building supply store who sells vinyl windows (Plygem, Moss, etc). These companies will make any window size you want, since every window is somewhat custom made anyway. 30x12 will probably cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $250 or so. If this is a bathroom window, you may want to consider a tempered glass window and frosted glass if it's at body height.

The reason for the smaller size is so I can place it at the top of the existing rough in. I do still want frosted glass though. I'm going to stop by the place I buy my glass this afternoon and see what it will cost for a ready to drop in window vs just the glass.

 

[Steve W.]

Vinyl windows have problems? How long does it take for them to show up?

I had vinyl-framed windows installed 15-20 years ago (one side of the house each year) and have not experienced any problems yet.

.

 

[whateg01]

Vinyl windows have problems? How long does it take for them to show up?

I had vinyl-framed windows installed 15-20 years ago (one side of the house each year) and have not experienced any problems yet.

.

Yeah it seemed a little sus that the only place I really found anything about it was on sites selling other window frame materials.

 

[65ranchero]

What about a hopper style window
or something like this

Transom Window White 30" X 12" Double Pane Standard Glass Clear

Everything you need to build any sheds, playhouses, treehouses, chicken coops, or any outdoor structure besides wood

shop.shedwindowsandmore.com

 

[wssix99]

Yeah it seemed a little sus that the only place I really found anything about it was on sites selling other window frame materials.

Vinyl windows are 1980/1990 technology. Fiberglass/Ultrex is the state of the art for composite windows. They will not shrink or fade like vinyl. (Although today's vinyl is better than the material used years ago.)

When you order custom windows, you can get them delivered with a privacy glass option. https://www.pella.com/ideas/windows/features-options/window-glass-options/

 

[wssix99]

Here's a good article that doesn't come from a window dealer: https://www.usatoday.com/money/homefront/windows/window-frame-materials/

 

[dcg9381]

I think you also need to make sure that it's tempered glass if it's in a shower location... I biffed this up by installing an outdoor shower near an exterior window and got called out on it as a code violation.

But yea, most window manufacturers do custom sizes all day long.

Personally, I'd use a "picture window" (non-slider). Picture windows are actually a good deal less expensive last time I bought. Clear glass, so the neighbors know what they are missing when I'm taking a shower.

 

[whateg01]

I've been putting this decision off because I wasn't really sure whether I wanted a window. But I have a couple weeks of not traveling so a window opened up (pun intended) for me to with on this and i made the snap decision that I do want a window. If I order something, I'm afraid it's probably going to be months before I have another chance to work on this.

 

[PoorUB]

I am remodeling the bathroom in the house. It is a '50s model with a window in the bathtub alcove. Somewhere along the way, vinyl shower surround was added an plastic trim was installed around the window. I am installing a walk-in shower, but I like the light that the window provides. The window is a 30" rough in and I'm not finding a 30x12 window to be a standard size. I don't want it to open, so my thought is to buy a double pane and build a custom frame for it. Since it'll be exposed to the shower on the inside, I want it to be water proof, so PVC seems the ideal material for it. However, I read that PVC expansion is bad enough to cause sealing issues with the glass. Of course, the places I have read that all seem to be websites for window companies advertising their fiberglass frames or other composite materials. I've not heard that from anybody I know who has vinyl windows in their house. Is that a significant issue? Is there a better solution that doesn't cost a fortune?

Any decent lumber yard can order what every you want. 30" wide is not a stock size for most any where, but can be ordered. I just ordered a vinyl 30x18 hopper for my garage, it was about $300. A fixed window should be less money.

I replaced all the windows in my house a couple years ago and went with a higher end vinyl. No regrets so far. My neighbor put in the same brand of vinyl windows in his house about 15 years ago. They still look great.

 

[Hank11]

What's maintenance like on the epoxy?

You'll coat the wood parts before assembly, then assemble with epoxy. Sand a bit to make fair and prime and paint. Will last a long long time.

 

[whateg01]

I stopped in at the glass place today and it's 2 weeks to get the glass only. I didn't get a price. Also stopped and priced assembled windows both vinyl and composite. 3 brand, ranging from about $200 to almost $400. Lead times are 3-6 weeks depending on which one I go with. Interestingly, the one that I think looks best is the least expensive and has the shortest lead time. So this project isn't going anywhere this week or next. I'm on the road again after that so I'm not sure when it'll progress.

But, I also was trying to decide on some plumbing fixtures and couldn't find exactly what I was after so I was holding off on buying some of that. There's stuff I could use and if push comes to shove I will, only about a 2 or 3 day wait on that stuff. But I stopped in at Ferguson to clear up a couple questions and left with more catalogs and less certainty than I had going in. This bathroom is never going to get finished!

 

[nadogail]

I use a professional glazier who makes his own windows.

The AHJ here wants either a window that opens or an exhaust fan in a Bathroom. Obscured Glass is commonly used in Bathroom Windows, it allows light but not vision, an opaque window would block all light.

 

[larry4406]

Be mindful of temper glass requirements that may apply in bathrooms...

 

[Sumboodie]

Window in a shower sounds like a terrible idea. Even just in the bathroom is tough with it icing up, even with a decent fart fan

Cold and good luck keeping it sealed and clean.

 

[mrbill55]

I am remodeling the bathroom in the house. It is a '50s model with a window in the bathtub alcove. Somewhere along the way, vinyl shower surround was added an plastic trim was installed around the window. I am installing a walk-in shower, but I like the light that the window provides. The window is a 30" rough in and I'm not finding a 30x12 window to be a standard size. I don't want it to open, so my thought is to buy a double pane and build a custom frame for it. Since it'll be exposed to the shower on the inside, I want it to be water proof, so PVC seems the ideal material for it. However, I read that PVC expansion is bad enough to cause sealing issues with the glass. Of course, the places I have read that all seem to be websites for window companies advertising their fiberglass frames or other composite materials. I've not heard that from anybody I know who has vinyl windows in their house. Is that a significant issue? Is there a better solution that doesn't cost a fortune?

Not that you asked, and you may already know this, but you'll need tempered glass for your application


Bill S.

 

[PoorUB]

Not that you asked, and you may already know this, but you'll need tempered glass for your application


Bill S.

Doesn't that depend on how low or high the window is framed in? My understanding is, in most areas if the bottom of the window is over five feet is does not need to be tempered. Some places all glass in a bathroom need to be tempered.

 

[PCustoms]

Doesn't that depend on how low or high the window is framed in? My understanding is, in most areas if the bottom of the window is over five feet is does not need to be tempered. Some places all glass in a bathroom need to be tempered.

Depends on the sqft of glass too I think

 

[mrbill55]

Doesn't that depend on how low or high the window is framed in? My understanding is, in most areas if the bottom of the window is over five feet is does not need to be tempered. Some places all glass in a bathroom need to be tempered.

In some areas it will depend on the area size of the glass. Me personally, I would never put anything buy tempered glass in a shower/tub area for safety purposes. One of those better to have it and not need it, then to need it and not have it type of things. Safety first.


Bill S.

 

[Viper98912]

I stopped in at the glass place today and it's 2 weeks to get the glass only. I didn't get a price. Also stopped and priced assembled windows both vinyl and composite. 3 brand, ranging from about $200 to almost $400. Lead times are 3-6 weeks depending on which one I go with. Interestingly, the one that I think looks best is the least expensive and has the shortest lead time. So this project isn't going anywhere this week or next. I'm on the road again after that so I'm not sure when it'll progress.

But, I also was trying to decide on some plumbing fixtures and couldn't find exactly what I was after so I was holding off on buying some of that. There's stuff I could use and if push comes to shove I will, only about a 2 or 3 day wait on that stuff. But I stopped in at Ferguson to clear up a couple questions and left with more catalogs and less certainty than I had going in. This bathroom is never going to get finished!

Sounds about right. Just gotta do it!

Also, in terms of vinyl vs fiberglass, I do think that my vinyl windows feel "kinda cheap". They work just fine, etc, but if you're a stickler for fine finishes, a vinyl window isn't it. In a regular house (especially anything that wasn't built by a custom home builder) then it's fine.

Window in a shower sounds like a terrible idea. Even just in the bathroom is tough with it icing up, even with a decent fart fan

Cold and good luck keeping it sealed and clean.

Going to disagree on this one. Perhaps it may be an Alaska thing, but I've never had a window ice up inside a home. Seals on the glass itself? Sure, these go bad, but they can go bad regardless if it's in a bathroom or not. Nonetheless, I personally like having at least one window in EVERY room in a house, as natural light makes SUCH a huge difference. The two windows I recently put in were purposely because of a lack of natural light in a couple of spaces. A huge PITA overall with the framing, re-finishing, and re-siding, but totally worth it. Every outside-facing bathroom, closet (large ones), etc, should have a window for natural light, in my opinion.

 

[Sumboodie]

Sounds about right. Just gotta do it!

Also, in terms of vinyl vs fiberglass, I do think that my vinyl windows feel "kinda cheap". They work just fine, etc, but if you're a stickler for fine finishes, a vinyl window isn't it. In a regular house (especially anything that wasn't built by a custom home builder) then it's fine.



Going to disagree on this one. Perhaps it may be an Alaska thing, but I've never had a window ice up inside a home. Seals on the glass itself? Sure, these go bad, but they can go bad regardless if it's in a bathroom or not. Nonetheless, I personally like having at least one window in EVERY room in a house, as natural light makes SUCH a huge difference. The two windows I recently put in were purposely because of a lack of natural light in a couple of spaces. A huge PITA overall with the framing, re-finishing, and re-siding, but totally worth it. Every outside-facing bathroom, closet (large ones), etc, should have a window for natural light, in my opinion.

Even 30% humidity ices up a window when it's cold. And a bathroom is like 100% at times

 

[whateg01]

I will be using double pane. How much does that help with the window getting ice on it in a bathroom setting?

I have read, as has been mentioned several times, that tempered glass is required for Windows below 50" but I also read somewhere about there being a distance from the bath/shower. Of course, this being in the shower, it'll be within that distance. Oddly, the place I got quotes from did not quote tempered glass, even Knowing it is going in a shower.

 

[bb29510]

just go to a local window company, they can make what ever you want

 

[dcg9381]

Window in a shower sounds like a terrible idea.

Depends on how hot the neighbors wife is. Could be a great idea.

 

[whateg01]

just go to a local window company, they can make what ever you want

I stopped at a glass place yesterday, but they only do glass, not windows. Stopped at Star Lumber, as the glass place recommended them, and got quotes for 3 different brands, but I'm not in love with any they showed me.

This is why I end up making stuff myself. I can't find anybody to make a "xyz" that I like.

I find it amusing and slightly annoying that when people ask a question here, the answer from so many is "just go pay somebody else to do it".

 

[Hank11]

When you get this going, be sure to build a pan at the interior window opening that is at least equal to what you would usually do on the outside. Try to place the window out of the splash zone as possible.

 

[whateg01]

When you get this going, be sure to build a pan at the interior window opening that is at least equal to what you would usually do on the outside. Try to place the window out of the splash zone as possible.

Yeah I was thinking the inside could be a mirror of the outside. It'll be in the middle of a 30x60 shower, on the long side. Bottom of the glass will end up about shoulder height, so it'll get wet. I guess I could put up a shower curtain like the window there now has but I think I'd rather go without a window.

 

[PCustoms]

This is why I end up making stuff myself. I can't find anybody to make a "xyz" that I like.

I find it amusing and slightly annoying that when people ask a question here, the answer from so many is "just go pay somebody else to do it".

In many cases certain questions aren't feasible to do it yourself. For example, if I ask some questions about the most capable off-road EV, I would not expect answers telling me how I should go build my own vehicle.

Your question is similar. You posted that you can't find the right size window, so you considered making your own, but then listed several concerns. The responses you received pointing you to buy a customer window are mitigating your size issue and all other concerns around fabbing your own frame.

 

[Viper98912]

I find it amusing and slightly annoying that when people ask a question here, the answer from so many is "just go pay somebody else to do it".

I don't think anyone here mentioned that? What a majority of ppl are trying to tell you is that you don't need to re-frame your wall because you can't find a 30x12 off the shelf, what we're all saying is that having a window company make you a "custom" window is easy, since all windows are made individually to whatever each customer wants.

If anything, the folks on this forum are FAR from "somebody elsers"

 

[whateg01]

I don't think anyone here mentioned that? What a majority of ppl are trying to tell you is that you don't need to re-frame your wall because you can't find a 30x12 off the shelf, what we're all saying is that having a window company make you a "custom" window is easy, since all windows are made individually to whatever each customer wants.

If anything, the folks on this forum are FAR from "somebody elsers"

How is having a custom window made, that so far I've not found, vs building the window myself not having somebody else make the window? I never said anything about reframing the wall other than blocking in the bottom of the existing window, did I?

 

[PCustoms]

How is having a custom window made, that so far I've not found

This doesn't add up...should be easy to find