bathroom windows

[MikeT]

In my VC project, I have scrounged almost all of my windows from Craigslist.  Most of them are new but they came from contractors who ended up with the wrong sizes and are just trying to reduce their losses.  But in the bathroom setup, the plans currently show the 8 x 5 bathroom with a tub along the back (5 foot) wall.  The code says that the window has to be tempered glass.  None of my windows are tempered as far as I can tell (I looked real hard for the small stamp and found none).  

Is it real hard to replace glass in a vinyl window with tempered glass?  Is it worth it?

Also, I have an option of going with glass block in the bathroom window.  That does not need to be tempered, but then I do not have way to open the window...or do I?  Anyone have any ideas of how I can use glass block and integrate a screened opening that can close?

I really appreciate all the good advice I get from this forum.

Best,
mt

[glenn kangiser]

The tempered glass cannot be cut to size so you will probably have to get the proper one.

The glass block is usually set in clear silicone - at least what I did was.  It would require some other area - that was openable I think.

Most BR windows I bought to fit as they are hard to substitute.

[PEG688]

Is it real hard to replace glass in a vinyl window with tempered glass?  Is it worth it?

No.  Theres a plastic strip that trims the exterior , slip a puddy knife under it and it will peel right out , should be 4 piecs . Once it's out use the puddy knife / sharp utility knife to cut the dbl. sided tape (glazers tape ) that will be on the inside of the window between the glass/ glazingand the window frame itself, once you start it coming loose it goes pretty easy.
 This might be best done by your local glass shop they could order your new glazing / glass remove the old / install the new . The glazers tape is quite spendy and you'd MTL have to buy a full roll so it my be cheaper in this case to have it done .


   Yes. It will save you a few bucks over buying a new unit .

[PEG688]

The tempered glass cannot be cut to size so you will probably have to get the proper one.

.

Thats why he'll need to order a new pice of glass. A replacement piece

[JRR]

Pittsburgh Corning makes basement windows that include ventilation sections.  Could be used for baths.

I tried to find a good picture, this is the best I could come up with:
.
http://www.pittsburghcorning.com/includes/basewin/basewin.pdf
.
They have a very good website showing off the glass block systems.

[Amanda_931]

Acrylic block instead of glass block?

I noticed that a lawyer's office next to the coffee shop on the square has acrylic blocks instead of windows.  Saw an article recently--where I haven't a clue--that mentioned that one might have to reinforce the foundation for the glass ones, not the much lighter weight acrylic.  But they can scratch more easily.

And they don't shatter, so is more or less equivalent to the tempered glass.

Doesn't help as a fire escape though.  Or ventilation.

That window that JRR posted looks nice.

[MountainDon]

I've done acrylic blocks. Very easy install, glued in place with a special silicone. This one's been in place about 15 -16 years now. No problem with scratches; not being see thru clear a little dirt is not noticeable. This is part of a half octagon bath bumpout wall. To the right on the corresponding diagonal wall is a same size pella casement window, whirlpool tub in between.

[nitesurfer]

I am doing up my bathroom eventually and plan on using glass blocks...(or glass bricks a s they are referred to loclally)...
I live in Australia and there is a variety of glass block that is a little thinner than the standard size and can be mounted in frames for opening windows....
Owing to their weight they have a few restrictions...eg hopper windows can only open up about 6 inches...but this is plenty for a bathroom....they are made/distributed by blokup here in my locale
    http://www.blokup.com.au/
and there is a list of other plsaces and distributors available...
I think they are a good idea....

[Amanda_931]

Nice idea--those blocks/bricks, whatever!

[Sassy]

That bathroom DOES look nice, MtnDon.  Very nice work  8-)

[desdawg]

That bathroom DOES look nice, MtnDon.  Very nice work  8-)

I agree. The duck is a nice touch too.

[glenn kangiser]

Does the duck float and quack? :-?

[desdawg]

Looks like ceramic but it is a nice touch.

[glenn kangiser]

Funny -- I would think a guy with green face paint would have a rubber duck.

But I mustn't pick on Don until he is here to protect himself.

[desdawg]

If he is digging those footing holes by hand he may not be back for a while.

[glenn kangiser]

He should go into withdrawals soon and have to sneak off to some mountain internet cafe or something.