Waterproof window installation inside a shower

[Eieio]

Window Wash
Waterproof window installation inside a shower

By: Nina Patel

Christopher Wright installed a sloped slate jamb to allow for water drainage away from the glass block.

Christopher Wright installed a sloped slate jamb to allow for water drainage away from the glass block.

Credit: courtesy WrightWorks

There’s no doubt: Water is invasive. And when it comes to windows in the shower, remodeler Christopher Wright says, the most vulnerable areas are where two materials meet. Fortunately, he adds, improved substrate technology makes it easier to create a water- and vapor-tight envelope under tiles and around windows — but how you combine those materials is important.

Wright, the owner of WrightWorks, in Indianapolis, says that his first choice for a shower window is glass block. “With glass block you can make a waterproofed opening, set the glass block, and apply materials to the perimeter where the tiles meet [the block] to create a watertight opening,” he says.

He primarily uses Georgia-Pacific’s DensShield Tile Backer — installing the material over the framing. Once the mortar on the seams of the DensShield boards is dry, he applies a surface waterproof barrier (Custom Building Products’ RedGard or Laticrete’s Hydro Ban) on the seams and on the screw heads. “If, over time, water penetrates the grout, it has nowhere to go,” Wright points out.


Check out the full article with Pics: http://www.remodeling.hw.net/shower/window-wash.aspx

[orson]

Anyone use that Wedi shower system that the next guy in the article obliquely insinuated Chris is a hack for not using? :laugh3:

I spent about 20 minutes reading about it. It looks interesting but I'm not impressed with the drain assembly.

[SLS-Construction]

Anyone use that Wedi shower system that the next guy in the article obliquely insinuated Chris is a hack for not using? :laugh3:

I spent about 20 minutes reading about it. It looks interesting but I'm not impressed with the drain assembly.

I don't think he was insinuating anything & he probably would have said Redguard, etc... was fine if installed properly - it appears to be how the article was written

I see some major issues with the Wedi as it is described on their site...
the seams rely on mastic (WTF? - I hope that means something different over there than it does here)
I hope that tape for the seams is meant to be the waterproofing item as neither mastic, thinset, or grout is qualified
Just use a screwdriver to punch a whole through to start your cutouts - that sounds like a real solid surface to mount tile to

Personally I like the Schluter systems the best, but if Redguard, etc... is installed properly like Chris does, there should be no issues

Congrats Chris for getting your name out there some more :2thumbsup:

[ChrWright]

I doubt the other guy was even aware of what I had talked about with Nina during our interview, but who knows.

I don't trust the WEDI stuff either. I looked at it in detail at the Coverings show. I don't trust anything that relies on a sealant joint for it's integrity. Schluter's products beat it hands down, and once they start selling Kerdi board they'll have a tough time competing I'd wager.

[Silvertree]

I like using the membranes, never used Redgard.

I do a window with Denshield and use thinset and tape after using silicone in the corners.
I doubt if I'll get a callback.

I'm OK with vinyl windows in a shower, it all depends on your prep work.

Anything but wood.

[orson]

I don't think he was insinuating anything & he probably would have said Redguard, etc... was fine if installed properly - it appears to be how the article was written



I doubt the other guy was even aware of what I had talked about with Nina during our interview, but who knows.


I was only joking about the hack thing. I just thought it was kinda funny he was kinda saying "I do it the right way" and using Wedi.

I have used Redguard for certain applications but I prefer HPG or WaterDefense for no good reason.

I don't think there's any one size fits all solution. Personally I use a marine caulk from backer to window and then use WaterDefense which is basically RedGuard that's green(literally). It's a lot lower odor too.

I steer clear of silicone because I'm using what is basically a glorified paint and I don't trust it'll stick to the silicone.

[ChrWright]

What I told her, at the beginning of the conversation, is that my first strategy is to talk the client OUT of using a window in the shower. It's never a good idea long-term, IMO--no matter what you use. Glass block is about the best solution as it's the easiest to make water-tight. Anything else is just inviting nasty build-up and mold growth at best, and at the worst a guaranteed future leak inside the wall.

[Winchester]

Great article and congrats Chris, I read it when it was posted on facebook.

I always use kerdi over densshield, I'm totally sold on the schluter stuff. :2thumbsup:

[Allrounder]

I've used Redgaurd with good results (it would seem--time will tell I suppose). Windows in showers suck, sometimes you are stuck with them though.

[tomstruble]

i just happened to read this in Remodeling today,i thought ''hey i know that guy''

congrats Chris

[ChrWright]

Slideshow added to online article:
http://www.remodeling.hw.net/shower/window-wash.aspx

[Eieio]

Slideshow added to online article:
http://www.remodeling.hw.net/shower/window-wash.aspx

Nice job on the slide show.. Makes viewing 1000 times more pleasurable