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Window help

-CarlHungus-

Platinum Buffalo
Feb 9, 2007
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We have an old house with original windows. I want to keep the original windows (we have custom storms on top of them that help).

With that said, in our Jack and Jill bathroom the window is not ideal for where it is in relationship to the shower. This wasn’t a big deal when the kids were tiny and only did baths but the windows aren’t made for exposure to showers/water. Right now my make shift solution is to run a shower curtain over it when we need it for showers but that’s not a real option long term.

So what are my options here? Can I get some custom glass that encapsulates that window or what?

Any help is appreciated.

 
I had a similar bathroom issue, albeit not in the shower, so that's a little odd, unless you purchased the home from a stripper. Assuming you have no neighbors that can peek from above, go to Lowe's and buy a roll of window frost for the lower window. Light can still show through, but perverts like rifle won't be able to get free tit shots.
 
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I had a similar bathroom issue, albeit not in the shower, so that's a little odd, unless you purchased the home from a stripper. Assuming you have no neighbors that can peek from above, go to Lowe's and but a roll of window frost for the lower window. Light can still show through, but perverts like rifle won't be able to get free tit shots.
That’s not an issue (no one can see in) but I hear you.

I am more worried about the wood trim and wood on the windows rotting than the actual visual issue.

The home was a 1920s home, only a bath was in there before. Hadn’t been updated since around the 1960s. We did major work on it move in a decade ago but made a million mistakes like this one…
 
That’s not an issue (no one can see in) but I hear you.

I am more worried about the wood trim and wood on the windows rotting than the actual visual issue.

The home was a 1920s home, only a bath was in there before. Hadn’t been updated since around the 1960s. We did major work on it move in a decade ago but made a million mistakes like this one…
Oh, easy fix, if it's not too late. Waterproof caulk to ensure it's sealed well. Wood sealant every three months. May have to strip the paint and start all over again, but that's what I would do. I realize I'm easing into greeds territory, but if he wasn't on perma-ban, he would either agree with me or have better ideas. Basically, wood.
 
Oh, easy fix, if it's not too late. Waterproof caulk to ensure it's sealed well. Wood sealant every three months. May have to strip the paint and start all over again, but that's what I would do. I realize I'm easing into greeds territory, but if he wasn't on perma-ban, he would either agree with me or have better ideas. Basically, wood.
Im
Good at mowing grass but I barely can remember to change an air filter in the hvac every three months. No way I remember to apply sealant unless that’s super easy (?maybe it is?)

I don’t think it’s too late, this is rarely used for showers as is, so I don’t think any softening or water damage exists yet.

Paging @extragreen

What should I do?
 
Im
Good at mowing grass but I barely can remember to change an air filter in the hvac every three months. No way I remember to apply sealant unless that’s super easy (?maybe it is?)

I don’t think it’s too late, this is rarely used for showers as is, so I don’t think any softening or water damage exists yet.

Paging @extragreen

What should I do?
You have a wife, right? If not, see if rifle will share the cellphone of that old lady that does his household repairs.
 
Indeed, I guess @extragreen would have finally made himself useful in this situation and could tell you the best solution.

If only he hadn't made that finish bet, choosing Biden as his horse 🐴 of choice.
 
Im
Good at mowing grass but I barely can remember to change an air filter in the hvac every three months. No way I remember to apply sealant unless that’s super easy (?maybe it is?)

I don’t think it’s too late, this is rarely used for showers as is, so I don’t think any softening or water damage exists yet.

Paging @extragreen

What should I do?
Yeah, seems like the sealant wouldn't hold either unless you lightly resurfaced the trim to remove soap buildup each time. In other words, a pain in the ace.

The only thing I can see happening that wouldn't look like total shite is to remove the wood and replace with some type of composite material, but even then, I don't like that solution either.
 
You have a wife, right? If not, see if rifle will share the cellphone of that old lady that does his household repairs.
That number was in the Taz phone not saved on the cloud. Long gone.

I do have a wife but she’s too busy with laundry and gardening and shuttling my spawn to activities and her part time job to mess with this one.
 
Yeah feared that

Ugh. Maybe I just need to replace it. I guess they make water proof shower windows?
Just sit tight, Greed will eventually slither in and see his notifications.

He's a dumb piece of shit with everything else in life, but he actually is really good with woodworking.
 
but perverts like rifle won't be able to get free tit shots.

They don't have to be free. I am willing to pay. If she is between 14-22 years old, I am willing to be generous. The next tier down is 23-28. Over 30, I want a free preview before I start getting charged.
 
Could someone custom cut like a glass box and make it encapsulate the window?
You might be on to something here. Have a framed piece of tempered glass attached to the window with hinges like a shower door only smaller. You can then swing it out for any cleaning and it should protect the original window.
 
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You might be on to something here. Have a framed piece of tempered glass attached to the window with hinges like a shower door only smaller. You can then swing it out for any cleaning and it should protect the original window.
That’s exactly what I envisioned.

Maybe do good caulking and water sealant on the trim /window first then install that .
 
That’s exactly what I envisioned.

Maybe do good caulking and water sealant on the trim /window first then install that .
A slim frame could attach to the original window. A seal or gasket could make it watertight. The glass “door” could be hinged, slide, or possibly a French door style with double doors. I would say you are in an area where a glass company or glass fabricator could build and install that for you.
 
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A slim frame could attach to the original window. A seal or gasket could make it watertight. The glass “door” could be hinged, slide, or possibly a French door style with double doors. I would say you are in an area where a glass company or glass fabricator could build and install that for you.
Take these pics and go to the store and ask them for a site visit?
 
That’s exactly what I envisioned.

Maybe do good caulking and water sealant on the trim /window first then install that .
And then let the water from the shower head spray the edge of this custom built structure you two are dreaming about and ricochet all of the place.

If you want to take the original sill and wood trim off, then you might be able to install a solid pane of glass with a frame that doesn't stick out too far. Only issue is you'll need to scab in tile.

Did you have any leftovers from the install or the previous owner perhaps kept it and left with the house?
 
A slim frame could attach to the original window. A seal or gasket could make it watertight. The glass “door” could be hinged, slide, or possibly a French door style with double doors. I would say you are in an area where a glass company or glass fabricator could build and install that for you.
He still has the issue of preventing the wood from getting damaged, Geez. Unless I'm not completely following what you're suggesting.
 
He still has the issue of preventing the wood from getting damaged, Geez. Unless I'm not completely following what you're suggesting.
The original window would have a metal( aluminum) frame around it that would be sealed. A hinged glass would attach to that frame. The glass could be opened for access to the window or for cleaning. The whole structure shouldn’t stick out more than a few inches. Might have to shave down or remove that bottom window sill.
 
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I think you can cover it from direct spray but steam and moisture may be an issue
If the unit is sealed, only the side toward the shower should get much moisture. I am thinking of my own glass shower door. The inside gets steam covered, but the other side always remains completely dry. I assume your bath is vented.
 
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There is a lot of time and energy being spent on something that has a very simple solution: get rid of your children.

Then, nobody will use that shower, and it can stay as it is.
 
There is a lot of time and energy being spent on something that has a very simple solution: get rid of your children.

Then, nobody will use that shower, and it can stay as it is.
I’ll send them to CA to hang out with you for the week.

All you’ll need is some books, an Xbox, access to Bluey reruns, an air fryer for chicken nuggets , and maybe a soccer field. You can take the girls to a concert and my son to a Mets game. It’ll be great practice for you when you wife one of the instagram thots and put some kids in her.
 
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I’ll show you my bath window problem solution. I decided to include a skylight over my shower when I built my house. Worked great even though the drywall crew hated me for designing a narrow shaft they had to work in. The opening Iet in plenty of light while still maintaining privacy. It wasn’t like someone would be up on the roof looking in.

I discovered the problem the first really cold spell after I moved in. Even though the skylight was insulated, cold air came down the shaft and made taking a shower uncomfortable.

I built a hinged wooden frame at ceiling level, added safety glass, and used foam door gaskets for seals. I shut the glass during very cold weather and opened it an other times (my bath vent is in the shaft). I only wish I had the mechanical skills to have made it open electronically. I have to use a small block to prop it open.

I thought about installing a transom window lever to open it, but my mind has moved on to other projects. The wood frame has been there for decades now and the steam and moisture have not hurt it a bit.

 
I’ll show you my bath window problem solution. I decided to include a skylight over my shower when I built my house. Worked great even though the drywall crew hated me for designing a narrow shaft they had to work in. The opening Iet in plenty of light while still maintaining privacy. It wasn’t like someone would be up on the roof looking in.

I discovered the problem the first really cold spell after I moved in. Even though the skylight was insulated, cold air came down the shaft and made taking a shower uncomfortable.

I built a hinged wooden frame at ceiling level, added safety glass, and used foam door gaskets for seals. I shut the glass during very cold weather and opened it an other times (my bath vent is in the shaft). I only wish I had the mechanical skills to have made it open electronically. I have to use a small block to prop it open.

I thought about installing a transom window lever to open it, but my mind has moved on to other projects. The wood frame has been there for decades now and the steam and moisture have not hurt it a bit.


You have handyman skills I could never have. sort of jealous. Good to hear it's holding up.
 
The house was built in 1920. They only had a bath. There was really no other way to fit a combo shower/bath in there other than how we have it configured.
I would have taken out the window and filled in that wall. Why? Because I am terrified of mold issues, and getting moisture around that wood would have kept me up at night.
 
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I would have taken out the window and filled in that wall. Why? Because I am terrified of mold issues, and getting moisture around that wood would have kept me up at night.


exactly why i'm worried and why we don't use it now but maybe once every few months for showers.

We had one window not well sealed from the outside. it got water damage and soft wood and had to be replaced.

I'm not a handyman but water issues scare the hell out of me. We had a hvac condensation line leak in the attic one time and got mold up there...nightmare.
 
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If money ever starts to run out, I am buying a van, throwing some tools in the back, and driving around the country doing handyman work. I could make a pretty good living just showing up at the homes of people on this board.
 
If money ever starts to run out, I am buying a van, throwing some tools in the back, and driving around the country doing handyman work. I could make a pretty good living just showing up at the homes of people on this board.

You really can.

There's a semi-retired engineer that does just that. He's hung some shelves for me, installed some blinds, put up wallpaper.

he's got a little sprinter van thing and just does little projects. He can name his price.
 
You really can.

There's a semi-retired engineer that does just that. He's hung some shelves for me, installed some blinds, put up wallpaper.

he's got a little sprinter van thing and just does little projects. He can name his price.
My father was a physician who enjoyed home improvement projects. He bought the best tools, but unfortunately, he had neither the time or the knowledge to use them. He would take his ideas to a contractor or fabricator and let them do all the work. Smart man.
 
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