Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - replacing exterior window for shower

Our bathroom is very small, and we are planning to change the layout next spring so that the shower will be along the exterior wall. The window will be in the opposite corner from the shower head. However, that window, which is single pane glass and very drafty, needs to be replaced now before winter.

I have two questions.

1. What kind of window would best withstand the constant moisture of being located in the shower stall? I was thinking of a double hung vinyl with privacy glass, but hubby thinks we should go with glass blocks. Is there a big difference? We would still need to be able to open the window for ventilation since there isn't a fan.

2. The current window opening is 28 x 45. How difficult would it be to install a smaller window that doesn't leave the shower so exposed? We do have some extra siding, and we are fairly adept at carpentry and drywall.

Thanks,
Gruen

Will you be tiling the shower stall? I would opt for a non opening window, and install a fan. Codes didn't require a fan in a bathroom with an opening window. Well zippity do da, I don't think those guys in the extreme north open their window everytime they take a shower or use the toilet in the winter! You are remodeling anyway, so why not install one? An opening window in a shower is an invitation to rot. You may get differing opinions, by using a vinyl window, etc., but I wouldn't use one. As far as the glass block go, it will allow ambient light in the room while giving privacy. But you will need a fan.

I had to look through my library, but here is a pix of a window we installed in a 36 sf shower (formerly a closet).http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j3/larrychandler/DSCF0486.jpg Thought a pix was worth a word or two.

Will you be tiling the shower stall? I would opt for a non opening window, and install a fan. Codes didn't require a fan in a bathroom with an opening window. Well zippity do da, I don't think those guys in the extreme north open their window everytime they take a shower or use the toilet in the winter!

Code says either window must open, or we must have a fan.
I'd prefer a fan, but there is no attic access in this house which would make installing a fan difficult. We'd have to cut an access hole in the ceiling, frame it, and worst of all, deal with whatever we find that has been sealed up there since it was built in 1941.

If you want to extend your tile to the ceiling, you can cut the ceiling out and vent to the outside wall, repair the ceiling and tile it. No one will ever know. Another pix to show a shower ceiling fan/light on this same install. http://i76.photobucket.com/albums/j3/larrychandler/DSCF0489.jpg

any vinyl double pane window will be fine but if you're thinking waaaaaay down the road, yes the glass block will outlast the vinyl window. the seal on any double pane window is going to break down eventually, especially when there is moisture. glass block doesn't have a seal so you don't have to worry about ever replacing it. another option is an acrylic block window. these look like glass block but come in a frame so they are easy to install. if you want ventilation they make an acylic block window that opens. i think the name of the company that makes it is u.s. block.

Presumably you would want any window to be be out of the line of fire ( oops water) from your shower head.

That being said, If you insist on a window, it is very likely that you will need to reduce the height of your current window. By doing so, the height will likely be too short for a double hung, but you could consider a casement or awning window. (Casements, swing out side to side and awning windows swing out from the bottom.) Regardless, I would use a vinyl window, if I used a window at all.

Personally, I would not concern myself with the seals of the glass "breaking", you already indicated that you would want to use obscure glass for privacy purposes, so it should not even be an issue.

As previously addressed, glass block would require a fan.

Well thats my two cents. Good luck

the seals don't "break" they break down (erode) and it really is a concern because water is what breaks it down.

Close in the bottom part of the window opening and install a vinyl awning window w/obscure glass, in the top part. But the best suggestion was the one above, install glass block and a new fan.