Steve, well answered! Although there are also fiberglass windows as an alternative to solid vinyl.

Thanks for the answer.
The window is vinyl actually, but not specially made for wet places. I'll have to check if the lfashing is done per your description.
Do we need no tiling and such exterior measures if the waterproofing is done properly, then?

Hi acaba,

Its unlikely that the window is flashed for an internal wet area, unless it was in a wet zone previously. If it wasn't (and you're relocating the shower to the window area for example) it is often possible to add the interior flashing if there's enough room around the window. (In the shim space) For this to work correctly, there does need to be flashing on the rough sill and trimmers (the side framing of the window) Some builders do not add this flashing, as code doesn't require it, so there may only be flashing on the actual window fins. (Unless its in a block or brick wall)

If you don't have the correct flashing in place, the best solution is to remove the window and install it. This isn't so critical if the water from the shower will not be spraying on the window.

Once the flashing has been addressed, the tile around the window is mostly cosmetic but does act as an additional physical barrier. Because of this, you have many options for how you install the tile around it . Most people want to hide as much of the window jamb as possible, and how you do that will depend on whether the window face is flush with the interior wall, or recessed. If you can post a close-up photo of what you have, I can give you some specific ideas.

Steve

This is so helpful. I want to put vinyl plantation shutters in my shower. Similar to photo below. My contractor says he needs to tile into the recessed area to protect it from moisture, but my shutter guy does not want to risk drilling holes in the tile to mount the shutters as he is afraid of cracking the tile. I have these all over my home and really wanted this look. Can you advise any way to protect the recessed area for the shutters to still be installed? The shutters are vinyl and waterproof. Thank you!!!

@ Ableschapin:

Ignoring the potential maintenance headache of having a shutter inside the shower, :) tile (and the waterproofing underneath it) would be the best inside the window well. As an alternative to that you could have the shutter company make a "jamb" framed around the entire shutter that would sit inside the window frame in place of the tile. The window and framing would still need waterproofing prior to the install of the shutter and its jamb, in case water gets behind it. Btw, as long as the shutter installer uses the correct drill bits, there is almost no risk of cracking the tile as long as they stay away from the edges. For porcelain, we start with an 1/8" mirror/glass bit and finish with a 1/4" mini core drill made for porcelain. Both need to be sprayed with water as you're drilling to keep the bits cool.

- Steve

Hi Julie Chaplin,
Have identical situation in my bathroom: would like to build large enclosed shower which my bathroom window will be inside of. Also want to do plantation shutter as I too have them on many of my interior windows. Can you share how you resolved this window water proofing problem? Did you get to have your shutters?

I LOVE the way it came out! I highly recommend going this route if you like it too!

Julie, what did you have to do to achieve this beautiful result? Replace windows, flashing, etc?

Hi Julie Chaplin, Your bathroom windows came out GREAT, and exactly what I am also hoping for. Could you give me info on the shutters, and exactly what you did to the walls, tiling up to the windows, etc?? I would be very grateful!! My project is starting in 2 weeks,

Love it

yes, julie, what did you end up doing to achieve this? thank you!