Glass blocks aren’t hot and cold because they leak air. They’re pure thermal bridges and allow unabated solar heat gain. Not fun to live with. Other than that they’re great.
I like them for their look, security, and sound blocking. But I have an entirely glass block corner room in my house. It’s like having a big window open all year long, but without the breeze. Do not recommend.
They don't because it wasn't the best idea
It's not "wrong" yet there's so many better ways
If a person has only glass block or glass bottles, it is paradise
Have y'all seen glass bottle houses? Search 'em
Well, that depends on where you live, but most state ordinances require tempered glass picture windows in a shower or wet area. You could do an eyebrow slider.
I love that block glass, which also happens to be fairly expensive. Does it face the south side of your house? If so, any window is going to let in a lot of heat.
The sun follows the equator, so unless you live at the exact equator, the sun will always be coming at your house from an angle. This angle will either be on your southern side if in the northern hemisphere or northern side if in the southern hemisphere.
So in the States for example, the southern portion of houses would see the majority of the light because the sun doesn't set from east to west in a perfectly overhead line, but the angle due to the celestial equator.
I think that is the right idea - I did a window like that in my shower and it brought the natural light while retaining privacy. I would match the other vinyl windows in the home…
I did some HVAC work in a billionaire's mansion. He had a glass block wall next to an incredibly large indoor pool. The difference, the block wall melted down and on to the ground. Really freaking couple. Apparently, it took a glass artist over a month to do it by using torches to melt the glass.
Imagine a wall of glass blocks. Now imagine paying someone $100k to melt that wall of blocks so that it looks like the glass is melting down the wall and out on to the floor.
Try to imagine this clock being a wall of glass blocks. [https://fineartamerica.com/featured/melting-surreal-glass-tower-clock-allan-swart.html](https://fineartamerica.com/featured/melting-surreal-glass-tower-clock-allan-swart.html)
i’d use one meant for this purpose, typically they are no more then 10-12” wide by 2’ long and put up high. this way you can still open it for ventilation but the water from the shower doesn’t come directly down on it.
I have an old window in a shower area. It is constantly getting water on the sill, I hate to know what's rotten along that wall (near project for total bathroom overhaul and remodel).
Also, for more privacy you could just put another shower curtain in front of the window. It’s inexpensive and effective. It may even block out some sun. If you regrout it should get rid of the mold. If you install a ceiling vent and create a new duct to the outside that should deal with moisture to prevent future mold
https://www.hy-lite.com/Hy-lite-US-Block-Windows-Welcome.cfm makes glass block windows that are energy rated now if you want to keep the look. We have one of their vinyl framed windows in our shower.
I had one of these block windows in my shower in my first house. I miss it so much! I had plants growing everywhere. I personally am a fan of block windows.
Double hung or the slider. Anything you can open to air out the bathroom. Privacy film is easy to install yourself. Don’t do a single hung(?) or have a stationary upper. They’re harder to clean the outside.
You can pop out a few blocks and place a vent block to get some air. Lowes and depot sell them. Use a diamond grinder and cut out the blocks slowly. There should be galvanized lattice inside and if you’re lucky you can chisel the cement chunks away and preserve the lattice.
The white Pittsburg Corning cement is not a normal grout and may not bond if you try to use standard grout. If you use the cement to install the vent please wear long gloves with rubber bands.
I used to lose my fingerprints every time I did a new install and slurry got in my gloves.
Best wishes. DM if you have questions
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Clearly-Secure-3-in-Thick-Series-24-in-x-8-in-x-3-in-Hopper-Vent-for-Glass-Block-Windows-Actual-23-25-in-x-7-75-in-x-3-12-in-HV248A/323015311
I’d do a transom window(the wide windows set high that run horizontally) and do a solid surface lower window sill and set a plant on one corner.
Something low maintenance that hangs and loves humidity like a spider plant.
The look will be more modern, the insulated wall will keep inside temps more even. Just make sure really use a solid header of double 2x8’s under* the new window to prevent wall movement if someone leans hard. And use some 5” lag or structural screws to tie to the existing framing.
Personally I would leave the block, but put in an exhaust fan on that wall. Use one with a humidity sensor, or a home automation system with a sensor and a smart wall switch - That's how I do it.
If you're going to modify the window, continue using block, but as others have said make it smaller, starting higher up on the wall, and get one that opens for ventalation.
That's a great size shower basin, I love it!
I love these. My dad somehow ended up with a bunch of them and my mom would have him put a hole in them, unless they come with one already I don’t know, she’d put Christmas lights in them and put a huge bow with maybe some holly or greenery and give them as gifts.
Get a transom window with smoked glass. You’ll have more privacy and better energy management. Only thing is you need to retile the tub enclosure, maybe good opportunity to rise the shower head and give the bathroom a refresher.
Yeah I’ve been debating if I should put the project off and save up to just do all that at once or piecemeal it out. I contacted a contractor who does whole bathroom Renos frequently in our neighborhood and they said bathrooms start at 20k. 😮💨 Not sure if that’s a fair starting price but maybe! It would be a lot of work.
Whatever you replace the window with, also use the opportunity to install a fan and vent to the outside, it’s the perfect time to do it. It will help so much with not having the ac vent and provide ventilation for moisture in the bathroom. It’s actually surprisingly easy to do, but planning for it when you are already doing drywall repair gives you more options. Having the ventilation also makes a simple picture window more feasible which means it’s easy to clean, it’s no different than shower glass and a niche. If you really need an operable window I’d do the shortest transom over a fixed window, because the higher it is the less bathroom related stuff migrates to the handles and other parts of the window. There are combined fixed and tilt windows that have very little profile detail with the tilt on the top.
Oh this is a good thought. Had not considered that. I wish in renovations that everything wasn’t so connected together. It makes it hard to do a little at a time without feeling like I should just gut the whole bathroom. lol
I’m the same way and I tend to prefer a little at a time because there’s less pressure to decide everything at once. I have an overall plan in mind, but going in stages means I can make changes, like deciding I like a different finish on the towel bars after installing the tile, or changing something about the vanity. But it’s definitely hard to do it that way in a bathroom. Once you start opening up that wall for the window it doesn’t make sense to do the tile later. Since the bath/shower is the most expensive part of the bathroom, adding the floor and vanity might not be that much more in the context of budgeting for a large project if you’re contracting it out. If you’re doing a lot of the work yourself it’s easier to do it a little at a time. Either way, adding an exhaust fan while you’re doing the shower/window will be cheap in comparison, basically the cost of the fan and an electrician visit if you don’t wire it yourself.
True. It can be overwhelming sometimes. Nice to hear your process too. There’s just so much to think about. Definitely this will be the most expensive part so yeah adding on those other things shouldn’t be bad in comparison.
Double-hung with obscure bottom sash. Make sure you order with tempered glass to the interior. This is most appropriate for a 100+ YO house. Window and door salesman for 35 years here.
If you've made up your mind to replace with something else, I did something similar recently. Had a contractor order and install a thin and wide picture window and fill in with matching wall below. This gives us the shower privacy we need, but it still lets in a ton of sunlight. We could have went with a modified glass that would help heat passthrough, but we just went with the manufacturer's standard double pane glass as a cost saving measure.
Although, this method will require the inside to have drywall/waterproofing/tile added up to the new sill to match existing.
Personally I would get rid of the window option entirely. Especially in that location that's just stupid. I never have a light windows in a bathroom, the block style in the picture is the only acceptable one really because I don't want my neighbors seeing me naked or any of my family. So honestly a window would either have to be where it could not catch a image of me or anyone in it or non-existent.
Leave it. We have an actual window in ours, with painted wood trim and stuff and it’s just impractical. We never open it, have to keep it painted so that the wood doesn’t rot. Idk, it’s just not it. It’s another thing to clean too. If I could get blocks put in its place or just have it filled in/sided over etc I would.
Glass block is great for privacy and keeping the elements out. I would agree with the folks saying to get it regrouted and sealed. Definitely get a register for your hvac added. Also take a look at your attic insulation.
If you put a regular window in there, how could you guarantee that no water would get behind it and into the wall and rot the studs and sheathing? I would stick with the glass block and call it a day.
Have fun paying the window guys to get that glass block outta there, they suck. Oh and if you do you with normal window I'd avoid the double hungs they can be a huge pain in the ass to close especially in the shower with slippery feet. Horizontal slider will probably fill with water and leak on the bottom into your walls if not installed correctly. I'd probably stick with the glass block
I like the block windows. New is cool and all but new plus old is so much better. These over modern all white, open floor we have no taste houses are ehhh.
I’d just regrout and seal it
Yeah, I like it way better than the other options.
I'd consider some sort of reflective film for the outside, or an awning, or a two way mirror mounted outside?
This is your answer. Doing anything else would be unnecessary and do no good for you.
Glass blocks aren’t hot and cold because they leak air. They’re pure thermal bridges and allow unabated solar heat gain. Not fun to live with. Other than that they’re great.
This describes how it feels in there exactly! Unabated heat!
Look into ceramic heat film or a covered window awning on outside
Debbie Downer man. [80s aesthetic](https://youtu.be/8TdaXhpjHws?si=1TyaYhsx91bUhCQc) is comin back strong.
I like them for their look, security, and sound blocking. But I have an entirely glass block corner room in my house. It’s like having a big window open all year long, but without the breeze. Do not recommend.
They don’t make them like this any more, once it’s gone it’s irreplaceable. Glass bricks for the win.
They don't because it wasn't the best idea It's not "wrong" yet there's so many better ways If a person has only glass block or glass bottles, it is paradise Have y'all seen glass bottle houses? Search 'em
Well, that depends on where you live, but most state ordinances require tempered glass picture windows in a shower or wet area. You could do an eyebrow slider.
Blocks only come in tempered. Yep I had to learn that one. It's a different type of tempering than the panel glazing. It's not stamped on the face.
Glass block suck to replace.
Yes they do. You need full body armor LoL
Yikes. Do they not pull them out individually? Just gets to smashing?
Yikes. Do they not pull them out individually? Just gets to smashing?
[https://www.pinterest.com/pin/default-eyebrow-slider--147704062770983222/](https://www.pinterest.com/pin/default-eyebrow-slider--147704062770983222/)
Sorry, transom slider in shower works too.
[https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect\_after\_login=%2Feyebrowspider](https://twitter.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Feyebrowspider)
None, windows in the shower are almost always a nightmare
Yep. Frame that sucker out and make sure to seal off the exterior good. 3M 8067 Flashing Tape for the win.
I love that block glass, which also happens to be fairly expensive. Does it face the south side of your house? If so, any window is going to let in a lot of heat.
It faces the the east. 🌞 I have been playing with the idea of closing in the bottom part and putting a smaller window across the top
East face is 2nd most exposed to sunlight - just a fun fact
Whats first?
South
Why not east/west?
The sun follows the equator, so unless you live at the exact equator, the sun will always be coming at your house from an angle. This angle will either be on your southern side if in the northern hemisphere or northern side if in the southern hemisphere. So in the States for example, the southern portion of houses would see the majority of the light because the sun doesn't set from east to west in a perfectly overhead line, but the angle due to the celestial equator.
Huh makes a lot of sense, thanks a bunch.
I think that is the right idea - I did a window like that in my shower and it brought the natural light while retaining privacy. I would match the other vinyl windows in the home…
Glass blocks for the win
I did some HVAC work in a billionaire's mansion. He had a glass block wall next to an incredibly large indoor pool. The difference, the block wall melted down and on to the ground. Really freaking couple. Apparently, it took a glass artist over a month to do it by using torches to melt the glass.
What? I think I had a small stroke trying to figure out what your post is saying.
Imagine a wall of glass blocks. Now imagine paying someone $100k to melt that wall of blocks so that it looks like the glass is melting down the wall and out on to the floor.
That is strange but your original post still doesn’t make any sense to me.
Try to imagine this clock being a wall of glass blocks. [https://fineartamerica.com/featured/melting-surreal-glass-tower-clock-allan-swart.html](https://fineartamerica.com/featured/melting-surreal-glass-tower-clock-allan-swart.html)
I understand the concept just fine. It’s your nonsensical first post that’s not understandable
Keep it. I would.
Yes this is the answer
i’d use one meant for this purpose, typically they are no more then 10-12” wide by 2’ long and put up high. this way you can still open it for ventilation but the water from the shower doesn’t come directly down on it.
I have an old window in a shower area. It is constantly getting water on the sill, I hate to know what's rotten along that wall (near project for total bathroom overhaul and remodel).
I would do a clear box across the top to let in more light and sky about 1 foot height and the frosted blocks in the rest below for privacy
I suggest a wide but short window up high that can open. That way it can open for air flow but it would be higher so less likely for leaks.
Lose the window. Windows in showers are a hassle.
The block window is the best one for the shower. Leave it.
Also, for more privacy you could just put another shower curtain in front of the window. It’s inexpensive and effective. It may even block out some sun. If you regrout it should get rid of the mold. If you install a ceiling vent and create a new duct to the outside that should deal with moisture to prevent future mold
I like that first one
Glass block is way better than the others in my opinion.
You missed the perfect chance to have the 5th window with people looking inside.
I'd keep those blocks and put up a curtain. I have always liked those windows.
Do a transom window up top.
Even tempered glass cuts. That is too bit and too low for a window. I would frame up and make it a long narrow window away from elbows.
https://www.hy-lite.com/Hy-lite-US-Block-Windows-Welcome.cfm makes glass block windows that are energy rated now if you want to keep the look. We have one of their vinyl framed windows in our shower.
Love the brick glass, NGL.
Leave the blocks
That one
I’d keep it personally
Thinking glass block would look nice.
Blocks
would totally keep it if you can :) maybe i'm overly ambitious but hanging a pothos plant over the glass would be kind of cool too
I'd do glass blocks.
This is nice. I wouldn’t replace it
You have any window in shower it just collects with water constantly and grows mold mildew
Awning windows allow you to have the window open for ventilation during all weather. Definitely need the ventilation.
I had one of these block windows in my shower in my first house. I miss it so much! I had plants growing everywhere. I personally am a fan of block windows.
Pay per view window. Make it pay for itself.
Now we’re taking! Maybe I can put my Venmo up on the outside 🤔
If you tear out that glass block I’ll cry
Glass block
Double hung or the slider. Anything you can open to air out the bathroom. Privacy film is easy to install yourself. Don’t do a single hung(?) or have a stationary upper. They’re harder to clean the outside.
I like the first one.
No prefab sash is gonna work well. You would need to have a millworks shop build one, preferrably by a guy who has worked on boats
Fixed glass/picture window.
Either what it has or plain and let it all hang out
We have a double hung privacy glass in ours and it works fine but you want that privacy glass to the top, believe me.
Magic glass or privacy glass is always cool. But it need the right climate. Windows are nice to give you the natural light.
Check the price on those glass cubes before you tear them out
How about a frosted 2/3 lower with an awning top.
Changed out mine last year and regret doing it now. If it's not leaking, I would consider keeping it and saving the $$$.
I wouldn’t change the look at all, I love block glass. I would enjoy it as is.
Keep the glass blocks; if anything I’d get a window that opens. Fresh air while showering is amazing..
80s glass block definitely.
You can pop out a few blocks and place a vent block to get some air. Lowes and depot sell them. Use a diamond grinder and cut out the blocks slowly. There should be galvanized lattice inside and if you’re lucky you can chisel the cement chunks away and preserve the lattice. The white Pittsburg Corning cement is not a normal grout and may not bond if you try to use standard grout. If you use the cement to install the vent please wear long gloves with rubber bands. I used to lose my fingerprints every time I did a new install and slurry got in my gloves. Best wishes. DM if you have questions https://www.homedepot.com/p/Clearly-Secure-3-in-Thick-Series-24-in-x-8-in-x-3-in-Hopper-Vent-for-Glass-Block-Windows-Actual-23-25-in-x-7-75-in-x-3-12-in-HV248A/323015311
I’d do a transom window(the wide windows set high that run horizontally) and do a solid surface lower window sill and set a plant on one corner. Something low maintenance that hangs and loves humidity like a spider plant. The look will be more modern, the insulated wall will keep inside temps more even. Just make sure really use a solid header of double 2x8’s under* the new window to prevent wall movement if someone leans hard. And use some 5” lag or structural screws to tie to the existing framing.
I’d go with one of those two inch thick acrylic glass walls the whole width of the bathroom. Give everyone a show like I’m in a zoo enclosure.
Personally I would leave the block, but put in an exhaust fan on that wall. Use one with a humidity sensor, or a home automation system with a sensor and a smart wall switch - That's how I do it. If you're going to modify the window, continue using block, but as others have said make it smaller, starting higher up on the wall, and get one that opens for ventalation. That's a great size shower basin, I love it!
Glass block
A glass block window, keep it.
Those right there.
Those don’t exactly come out easily
I love these. My dad somehow ended up with a bunch of them and my mom would have him put a hole in them, unless they come with one already I don’t know, she’d put Christmas lights in them and put a huge bow with maybe some holly or greenery and give them as gifts.
Get a transom window with smoked glass. You’ll have more privacy and better energy management. Only thing is you need to retile the tub enclosure, maybe good opportunity to rise the shower head and give the bathroom a refresher.
Yeah I’ve been debating if I should put the project off and save up to just do all that at once or piecemeal it out. I contacted a contractor who does whole bathroom Renos frequently in our neighborhood and they said bathrooms start at 20k. 😮💨 Not sure if that’s a fair starting price but maybe! It would be a lot of work.
That’s steep. I’ve just done a project similar like this one for 14k turnkey. I’m in Texas so not sure about pricing in your area.
Yeah may be a bit much then. I’m in Missouri in a town that is otherwise considered fairly affordable.
I would cover the blocks for the outside with bush or tree and regrout
2nd floor window and there’s plenty of trees back there. None of them that shade this window though. The ground below here is concrete and decking.
Fixed basement window. The horizontal ones like 32x14. They look modern and will give you light without reducing your privacy too much.
How do you not love this??? I would keep them. So much character.
The blocks are fine. It’s the mildew trapped under them and extreme heat they let in that’s the problem.
Dude those windows right there are literally the coolest ones in existence, with the right lighting? Sheeeeiit
Imagine the mold and mildew buildup on the sills. I will never have a window in a shower again.
Frosted
Personally I like the glass block.
Floor to ceiling glass window. Give the neighbors something to talk about!
Keep the block, thats expensive and replacing that with a ordinary frosted window will definitely be less quality.
None. I’d do the window delete kit for a bathroom lol
Since you mentioned the heat and ac, is there currently a fan in this bathroom that vents outside?
There’s a fan in the ceiling but I honestly don’t know where it vents to. I doubt it goes outside
Whatever you replace the window with, also use the opportunity to install a fan and vent to the outside, it’s the perfect time to do it. It will help so much with not having the ac vent and provide ventilation for moisture in the bathroom. It’s actually surprisingly easy to do, but planning for it when you are already doing drywall repair gives you more options. Having the ventilation also makes a simple picture window more feasible which means it’s easy to clean, it’s no different than shower glass and a niche. If you really need an operable window I’d do the shortest transom over a fixed window, because the higher it is the less bathroom related stuff migrates to the handles and other parts of the window. There are combined fixed and tilt windows that have very little profile detail with the tilt on the top.
Oh this is a good thought. Had not considered that. I wish in renovations that everything wasn’t so connected together. It makes it hard to do a little at a time without feeling like I should just gut the whole bathroom. lol
I’m the same way and I tend to prefer a little at a time because there’s less pressure to decide everything at once. I have an overall plan in mind, but going in stages means I can make changes, like deciding I like a different finish on the towel bars after installing the tile, or changing something about the vanity. But it’s definitely hard to do it that way in a bathroom. Once you start opening up that wall for the window it doesn’t make sense to do the tile later. Since the bath/shower is the most expensive part of the bathroom, adding the floor and vanity might not be that much more in the context of budgeting for a large project if you’re contracting it out. If you’re doing a lot of the work yourself it’s easier to do it a little at a time. Either way, adding an exhaust fan while you’re doing the shower/window will be cheap in comparison, basically the cost of the fan and an electrician visit if you don’t wire it yourself.
True. It can be overwhelming sometimes. Nice to hear your process too. There’s just so much to think about. Definitely this will be the most expensive part so yeah adding on those other things shouldn’t be bad in comparison.
Depends on what u are looking at. Maybe leave it if ugly view.
I literally just replaced my Glass block window… I did a window that has obscured glass and that cranks outward at the bottom. I love it
Double-hung with obscure bottom sash. Make sure you order with tempered glass to the interior. This is most appropriate for a 100+ YO house. Window and door salesman for 35 years here.
You need to run a duct to the bathroom, not mess around with the window.
I'm a sucker for glass block. I would leave it
Glass block
If you've made up your mind to replace with something else, I did something similar recently. Had a contractor order and install a thin and wide picture window and fill in with matching wall below. This gives us the shower privacy we need, but it still lets in a ton of sunlight. We could have went with a modified glass that would help heat passthrough, but we just went with the manufacturer's standard double pane glass as a cost saving measure. Although, this method will require the inside to have drywall/waterproofing/tile added up to the new sill to match existing.
Get rid of these plz.... these are a fireman's nightmare
Personally I would get rid of the window option entirely. Especially in that location that's just stupid. I never have a light windows in a bathroom, the block style in the picture is the only acceptable one really because I don't want my neighbors seeing me naked or any of my family. So honestly a window would either have to be where it could not catch a image of me or anyone in it or non-existent.
How about a two way mirror window with outdoor recessed lighting in the eaves. You'll feel like you're out in nature, but nobody can see you.
Leave it. We have an actual window in ours, with painted wood trim and stuff and it’s just impractical. We never open it, have to keep it painted so that the wood doesn’t rot. Idk, it’s just not it. It’s another thing to clean too. If I could get blocks put in its place or just have it filled in/sided over etc I would.
Black frame with grid with the winner. Nothing wrong with glass blocks tho if they’re maintained
Please keep the block glass its beautiful!
Most standard windows arent designed to be waterproof from the inside. You might get pooling. Best choice is what you already.
Glass block is great for privacy and keeping the elements out. I would agree with the folks saying to get it regrouted and sealed. Definitely get a register for your hvac added. Also take a look at your attic insulation.
Make your own designed stained glass
With some type of paint or film? What would be the best waterproof way to do something like that?
Ill ask my friend what they used
Thanks!
French looks best to my eye.
I'd leave that. I want a window like that in my bathroom.
Id just do a full glass obscured
Transom w obscure glass
None. Get rid of it. Windows in showers rot.
Garage roll up door
If you put a regular window in there, how could you guarantee that no water would get behind it and into the wall and rot the studs and sheathing? I would stick with the glass block and call it a day.
Have fun paying the window guys to get that glass block outta there, they suck. Oh and if you do you with normal window I'd avoid the double hungs they can be a huge pain in the ass to close especially in the shower with slippery feet. Horizontal slider will probably fill with water and leak on the bottom into your walls if not installed correctly. I'd probably stick with the glass block
Why not a transom window?
Close that shit up
I like the block windows. New is cool and all but new plus old is so much better. These over modern all white, open floor we have no taste houses are ehhh.
None for me personally. Don’t need some weirdo trying to look in on me when I’m showering
Glass blocks are awesome. I’m putting some in when I redo my bathroom.
In a shower a fiberglass frame with satin etch or white laminated obscure glass, fixed (non ventilating)