Window interiors aren’t the best at resisting water penetration, if you have a window in your shower it is vital that you properly waterproof it to avoid the water damage that will definitely happen sooner or later.
Below are 5 ways you can waterproof a window in a shower:
1. Hang A Shower Curtains Over The Window
Waterproofing a shower window doesn’t have to be complicated, sometimes the simple methods work the best.
A shower curtain that can be pulled over the window when the shower is in use is one of the cheapest, easiest and most effective methods possible.
To do this you will need:
- A tape measure
- A shower curtain.
- 2 x standard curtain brackets.
- An aluminum curtain rail (avoid a tension rail).
- A drill.
- Screws.
- Wall plugs.
To hang a shower curtain over your shower window follow these steps:
- Measure the window.
- Make sure your buy a shower curtain that is sufficiently wide and long to cover it with room to spare, it should extend at least 5 inches/13cm into the bath.
- Add 4 inches/10cm to the curtain length (to account for the rod and curtain hooks) and use this figure to mark up where the curtain rod will be fixed.
- Place the brackets on the wall and mark up where the holes need to be drilled for the screws.
- Drill the holes.
- Push the wall plugs into the holes and screw the brackets into place.
- Fit the curtain hooks over the rod.
- Put the rod in place on the brackets.
- Attach the curtain.
2. Build a Sloping Sill So Water Doesn’t Collect
Windows by default are of course waterproof, however, one of the big problems with having a window in your shower is that water collects on the windowsill and can cause mold to grow there, over time it can also damage brick or woodwork.
One way of combatting this is to tile a small slope into your windowsill, this will cause all water to immediately run off it.
- Remove the existing window sill.
- Use mortar to build a slope onto the sill. The slope should drop 3 inches for every 12 inches of sill depth. If your sill is 6” deep then the slope should drop 1.5 inches.
- Once the mortar has dried tile over the mortar…alternatively use a UPVC window board to cover the sill, this is actually the better option as fewer seams create fewer weak points for water penetration.
3. Use Waterproof Blinds
Waterproof blinds are a smart alternative to using a shower curtain to waterproof your shower window.
You will need:
- A tape measure
- A waterproof blind.
- A drill.
- Screws.
- Wall plugs.
To install waterproof blinds follow these steps:
- Measure the window, measure the outside of the window frame as the blind will need to cover the entire frame rather than sit inside the frame as some blinds do.
- Buy waterproof blinds that will fit your window.
- Mark up where the headrail will go.
- Place the brackets on the wall and mark up where the holes need to be drilled for the screws.
- Drill the holes.
- Push the wall plugs into the holes and screw the brackets into place.
- Fit the headrail into the brackets.
4. Use A Vinyl Tarpaulin Cover
A vinyl cover is a cheap and simpler alternative to a shower curtain or waterproof blinds which will take only a few minutes to set up.
Follow these steps:
- Buy a vinyl tarpaulin that has grommets in it.
- Hold the tarpaulin up to the wall so that it covers the window and mark where the hooks need to go.
- Drill guide holes.
- Screw the hooks in – use a screw eye attachment on the drill if needed.
- Hang the tarpaulin up.
5. Replace The Window With Glass Blocks
Switching your window for glass blocks is an effective way to make your shower waterproof.
Glass blocks also allow in natural diffused light which gives privacy while letting in the morning sunshine.
Crucially using glass blocks provides better water resistance than a window as using blocks minimizes seams which are a weak point for water penetration.
To swap your window for a glass block window follow the steps in the video below:
