Window in Shower - Issue!
Hi everybody. I need some advice here. I’m a first-time buyer. My unit is in an older building that was re-divided into condos. I’ve owned since last September. In the bathroom, I have a window in the shower – this is the only unit in the building with this, due to my unit being the…
Hi everybody. I need some advice here. I’m a first-time buyer.
My unit is in an older building that was re-divided into condos. I’ve owned since last September.
In the bathroom, I have a window in the shower – this is the only unit in the building with this, due to my unit being the smallest and having been divided differently from the rest. I think that because my unit is the only one like this, the contractors didn’t think about what they were doing very carefully and made my window out of wood, like all the other windows in the building.
Within a couple of months of living there, taking showers, etc, the paint had started to crackle and peel. I got a hold of the contractor and he came and re-painted using an oil-based paint, then a layer of varnish.
This seemed okay for a few more months, but now the same thing is happening again. The paint is peeling and I’m worried about mold etc.
Our Offering Plan states states that: “For two years, the plumbing, electrical, heating, cooling and ventilation systems must be free from defects caused by unskillful installation.” But I’m not sure about issues like this.
Here’s what I want to know… do you think I have a leg to stand on as far as getting some more permanent fix to this? I see this being a big potential problem, and honestly, it’s bad construction. If I had been a more experienced buyer when I got the place I would have noticed, but of course I didn’t. I think the window needs to be tiled or something…
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A friend of mine has a shower with a window. He painted it with exterior paint and has had good results. The window is on the side of the shower so it doesn’t get a direct stream of water.
I have a window in my shower in a pre-war building, as does everyone else in the building. I like it. It allows in light and steam can escape through it. Mine is covered up to the wood in the same marble that the rest of the shower is. I have absolutely no problem with it, but perhaps your window is not as recessed as mine is. You can use a varnish on the wood as used in wood boats. Or you can simply replace it with a vinyl window, and work your tile or stone up to its perimeter and make sure its sealed well.
I don’t see an issue here. This was very common in old buildings, and don’t think it’s worth looking for someone to blame. Old construction is not new construction.
Installing a wood window without adequate protection or concern for moisture in a moist area is totally the fault of the owner/contractor. While you can install a wood window at a shower, obviously the window should be prepared such that the paint doesn’t come off. the window itself isn’t defective but the finish was poorly applied.
Aluminum is the way to go here since it won’t rust or decay and the windows are generally cheap. Some are nicer than others, but unless it’s a landmark issue, the building shouldn’t have a problem. The installation here is really important though. Ideally, you’d have a stone sill that slopes away from the window towards the shower so that any water that gets on the flat area near the window doesn’t hang around or get into any little cracks around the window. Also, make sure that the jamb/return is tiled properly and have the contractor put a nice bead of matching silicone around the jamb where the tile and sill meet the window.
What about replacing the entire window, something with a metal frame? If the contractor grumbles, offer to pay for the actual window (small expense) if he does the work.
at least be thankful you have a window….
We had a window in the tub for over 30 years in moms house, semi gloss paint for the trim around the window, never had a problem. You also must open the window a lot as to avoid mold.
The plastic curtain like the others say, will also help….
there are several different soultions …
vinyl window for bathroom cost ~$100. I do not see much problem here.
go with a fiberglass window, that’s what i did
We have a big window in our shower and have marble surround and a metal window. (It was like that when we bought the place.) Although we have had to reseal around the window, it works well.