Replacing shower window and skylight?
Hi everybody,
Has anybody replaced their sliding shower window with glass block? I don't like framed windows in showers -- it seems they're always a source of a water leak down the line, and are a bit of pain to keep clean. The simplicity of 4" glass block seems like a good alternative, except for the ventilation issue. To solve that, I'm considering replacing the domed skylight with one that opens. Our current skylight has problems with condensation for half the year. I understand the new ones don't have this problem and are much better insulated.
Anybody?
Dan
Check your local building codes: There should be at least one drain vent stack in that area and there might be as many as three (toilet, shower, vanity sink). If I recall correctly, in the city I live in you need six feet of horizontal separation between a vent pipe and an skylight that can open. That requirement kept us from installing skylights that can open in the bath adjacent bedrooms and I bet would make your proposed solution a code violation too.
Why not put in an exhaust fan?
I installed a new skylight in my bathroom a few years back due to condensation. The new one doesn't open but is double paned and has an extra panel over the part facing the floor that guarantees no more drips from any potential condensation. It used to drip whenever someone took a bath or shower onto their head when drying off! The new ones are great even if they don't open.
Well, I don't see anything in the building code which pertains to the the distance between an operable skylight and a vent. Would it be called something other than a skylight?
We're in Castro Valley, which is unincorporated, so I assume the governing building code is Alameda County's. Anybody know if that's right?
Dan
Check your local building codes: There should be at least one drain vent stack in that area and there might be as many as three (toilet, shower, vanity sink). If I recall correctly, in the city I live in you need six feet of horizontal separation between a vent pipe and an skylight that can open. That requirement kept us from installing skylights that can open in the bath adjacent bedrooms and I bet would make your proposed solution a code violation too.
Our code says that plumbing vents within 10 feet of operable skylights shall extend a minimum of 3 feet above the opening. So, it's not impossible, assuming we can extend the vent pipe.
Can you give me skylight makers who can supply skylights to replace the original ones with double pane and openable skylights? What are my options?
Eberhard
