Privacy
Windows in a
bathroom are part of the home's overall style,
but unlike other windows, these must generally provide privacy while
still admitting light and air. Even if the immediate area outside the
window is screened or fenced or you are living in the middle of 100
acres, you will likely seek sufficient privacy. This may be obtained in
several different ways:
- Specifying obscure glass in whatever window you choose.
- Using a long, horizontal window placed high on the wall.
- Selecting windows with built-in blinds.
- Hanging curtains or blinds over the windows.
When remodeling, your existing bathroom window can be changed without altering window opening size. This allows you to select an energy-efficient window in whatever new style you choose. But unless doing a major makeover of the entire exterior, select a window that fits into the house's current appearance.
To provide sufficient natural light in a room, a window's glass area should equal about 10% of the room's floor. If you need to light a deep room, place windows higher on the wall. Reduce glare by including windows on at least two sides of a room whenever possible.
When trying to decide on final window placement, plan from within the actual room — not on paper. Shifting a window a few inches horizontally or vertically can make a difference in the view it affords. This is especially important in areas you use every day.
When you shop, be sure to check the window rating system for insulating values, measured in "R" values, and weather seals, measured in "U" values. You want higher "R" values and lower "U" values. Another bonus is "Low-E" coatings, which reflect radiant heat back into the room in colder climates. In warm-winter areas, the coating should be on the outside to help resist heat gain in summer.
Wood windows remain the most desirable — albeit expensive — window choice. Exterior cladding over the wood sash, such as aluminum, fiberglass or factory-applied coating, keeps maintenance at a minimum.
Vinyl windows have replaced aluminum as the low-cost material of choice. Look for longer warranties on products from established companies. And remember: Vinyl is final. It's not practical to paint it, so be sure you like the color you choose.
Whether round or square, flush or bay, the types of windows you use will lend real impact to a bathroom. Here are the basic types:
Double-hung windows feature top and bottom windows that slide up and down to open and close. Yesterday's sash weights and cotton ropes have been replaced with compact spring-loaded cables. Reasonably priced double-hung windows feature vinyl or aluminum frames and dual pane glass. Although you will see any number and size of windows in a window store, these same windows can be made to fit your existing opening at about the same price.
Casement windows swing out on hinges mounted at the top and bottom. Casements are easy to operate and offer an excellent weatherseal.
Fixed-sash windows don't open. This can be a blessing, since they remain well sealed and cost far less than operable windows. They can be stacked and ganged with others to create larger units or architectural patterns.
Sliding windows are typically the least expensive operable window style. Horizontal sliders have either one or two movable vinyl or metal sashes in a fixed track.
Bay, box, and bow windows usually extend beyond the exterior wall for dramatic effect. Side panels on the extended windows provide added view and light. One excellent location for this type of window is adjoining a bathtub, with the full windowsill that extends out into the bay covered in material that matches the rest of the bathroom décor and is waterproof. The panes can be opaque or covered with attractive blinds that still admit natural light.
Greenhouse windows are normally intended for potted plants. Because these metal-framed windows with glass or metal shelves are impervious to moisture, they are a good choice for bathrooms. Be sure to get one with adjustable shelves and openings at the bottom and top for best air circulation.
Shower window requests are not uncommon, but many contractors argue against them on grounds that they will result in damaging water leaks behind the wall. In most cases they are right. There is, however, a type of window that is relatively easy to install and can be made watertight. This window looks like opaque glass blocks but in fact is made from acrylic blocks, about 70% lighter than a comparable amount of glass. The block window, set in a vinyl frame, can be inserted into the rough opening, then caulked and trimmed flush with the wall so water will not collect or penetrate. Some brands are operable, and others are not. One variation would be to have a small awning window just above the block window that could be opened for ventilation.
For bathrooms, skylights offer several great benefits:
- A skylight will flood a room with more light than a comparably sized window.
- If privacy is an issue and there is no view, a skylight is a welcome alternative.
- Operable skylights provide natural ventilation, allow moisture to escape and prolong the room's life.
- They can be as energy efficient as windows, with double panes and Low-E glazing.
- Some versions rotate so the exterior side can be cleaned from inside.
To provide sufficient light without overheating from the summer sun, the glass area of a skylight should be about 5% of the room's floor area. For even light and less glare all day, position skylights on the north or east side of sloped roofs. If you want to spread the light more widely in a room, ask your contractor about creating flared light wells.
A relatively new skylight variation is the tubular skylight, which conveys light evenly over considerable distances. These are often ideal for bathrooms that need more light. In this case, it is not necessary to cut a large light well in the ceiling for the skylight. Instead, a hole is cut in the roof, the skylight dropped in place with its accompanying flashing, and the flexible reflective tube brings natural light right where you want it.