Window in shower area - bad idea or ok!

[Kitsune]

We have a 50's house that had a separate toilet from the bathroom. We have knocked this into one larger bathroom and a shower is going where the toilet was, there is a small window in the space which will be within the shower area.

The plumber who also does tiling has recommended we board it up and tile over, he says windows often cause issues with water getting in between tiles, sitting in the grouting joints and he is yet to see one done well. I can see his logic for boarding over but I really like the natural light that we get through the window, this window is on the side wall (north east facing) and brightens up the room in the morning. There is another window on the back wall (North west) so it would still get light if boarded up but does look dull.

What does everyone think, do windows in showers cause problems or can they work ok. The shower we are putting in is a drench one so shouldn't kick up too much spray and we are going to be doing the tiling ourselves.

Thanks

 

[Paul C.]

Sorry to be blunt but your plumber is talking crap. You can make a nice feature of tiling round it and providing he fits it correctly, there will be no issue with water.

Way to do it is to prime that whole wall and the recesses of the window with an acryllic primer and coat it with a waterproofing membrane such as BAL WP1 or the Ardex WPC. This is called tanking and is essential on any wall that is coming into direct contact with water. Most grouts are water resistant so water can pass through them. But the correct preperation to the surface will prevent future problems.

Have a look at BAL's website and have a read on the WP1. Its great stuff. Even if your walls were made from cardboard, you could use this and it would be completely watertight.

 

[Kitsune]

Thanks I think as he is a plumber he gets called to bad examples where they are leaking which is why he dislikes them so much.