I have a window in the bathroom above the tub - it's about 4x4' and the caulking (or whatever is in the seams between the individual blocks) is coming out. The caulking remains in basically one solid grid-like piece but it's coming off the block so that I can lift and see the individual blocks.

The window was installed with the house back in 2001.

Is this something that is just repaired (re-caulked? New pre-fab grid?) in place? Or do I replace the entire window with what seems to be new pre-fab set of blocks (in fixed sizes)?

How much would it typically cost for the recommend fix method (materials and labor if I have to hire someone)?

Personally, if it were my home and I planned to occupy it for some time, I'd remove it all and replace it with a single unit. If the current block install is in the condition you note, getting it properly sealed up and secure by simply trying to repair it is likely going to be futile.

consider replacing with glass and smart tint film
https://www.electronichouse.co...ronic-window-shades/

Thanks guys. Here's some pics if it helps.

Tagged to follow.

Just pull it all out then clean it then caulk it with Polyurethane window caulk/sealant.
I see no need to pull all of them out especially if the seal/caulk on the inside is fine.
Not a big deal to do but you need a clean dry surface for the caulk to cling.

I’d pooky up that cracked stucco at the window corner as well. You don’t want rain water to get in there and rot the substrate or rust the lath.

Huh. At first glance I thought it was glass block, but then I read it is plastic block. Is the plastic block really one large piece molded to look like individual blocks? Is the white material actually caulking or is it some sort of trim specifically for this plastic block?

If the whole window is one piece molded to look like individual blocks, I would guess that the white stuff is trim specifically for your window. If that's the case, I'd try to glue it back in place.

If the window is individual plastic blocks, I would think it's caulk. In which case, I'd clean out the old caulk and recaulk it.

If the blocks still feel solid, I would clean any residue off, and then redo it with a quality silicone sealant.

quote:

Originally posted by trapper189:
Huh. At first glance I thought it was glass block, but then I read it is plastic block. Is the plastic block really one large piece molded to look like individual blocks? Is the white material actually caulking or is it some sort of trim specifically for this plastic block?

If the whole window is one piece molded to look like individual blocks, I would guess that the white stuff is trim specifically for your window. If that's the case, I'd try to glue it back in place.

If the window is individual plastic blocks, I would think it's caulk. In which case, I'd clean out the old caulk and recaulk it.

Hmmm, if it is one piece plastic block then the trim is most likely cosmetic ? > then I'd just use some silicone adhesive to reapply the existing.

Are you in my neighborhood? That looks like my bathroom window as of a few years ago.. same color stucco, and everything.

mine got a hammer and replaced with a real window. with blinds, not films.

Then one good thing about those plastic blocks if you can get past all the ugly is that they insulate well. No problems with the window I replaced with, but at a previous house the high humidity makes lots of condensation on poorly insulated windows in cold winters and runs down and rots the sills.

Considering the simplicity of a picture window (tempered since bathroom?) but it seems like it would cost about $1000-$1500 (parts and labor). My concern is about double paned windows eventually fogging up inside and needing to be replaced. But would like this, especially if I could get a small rectangular window (1' x 4') at the top that I could open up for the whole house fan.

Still not sure what to do if I just stick with the existing style. Sounds like options include: 1) replacing with new blocks, 2) re-caulk with polyurethane/silicone.

I'll check again but I think it's a bunch of individual blocks - seems like there is a seam that goes all the way through to the inside between blocks.

I'm planning to have the house painted this summer as well - if they use elastomeric paint, they will fix cracks in the wall before painting.

It should be relatively easy to re-caulk. Tape along the edges after you clean the surface to be caulked, run a bead of caulk as smooth as you can caulk it (cut the tip at a 45 degree angle), and then run a wet finger along the wet caulk to smooth it as you go along. Carefully peel the painters tape before the caulk is completely dry but relatively stiff.

I'm not sure on the costs or types of windows up North, but a high quality single casement PGT impact window with 7/16" glass in that size would run around $700-800 installed her in South Florida, less if you went with single hung or horizontal rollar. Tempered so you can't see through it would add about $150. I would think a non impact window would cost less.

Re caulk it with silicone. Or a flexible, UV resistant paintable caulk. Your choice.

I don't see anything that warrants replacing the whole shebang.

Thanks guys. I'll find a window company to re-caulk. I'm guessing $150-300 for the job, inside and out?

I've caulked things around the house before. I absolutely suck at it and make a horrific mess of it. I've come to accept that I should not handle caulk and caulk guns.

quote:

Originally posted by konata88:
Thanks guys. I'll find a window company to re-caulk. I'm guessing $150-300 for the job, inside and out?

I've caulked things around the house before. I absolutely suck at it and make a horrific mess of it. I've come to accept that I should not handle caulk and caulk guns.

Yeah, in that price range.