wrapping a window in a shower w/dap

[Mike from NH]

I planning on wrapping a expension jamb and sill of a window with Dens Armor Plus and using vinyl bead. Anyone do this? Or would cement board be better? Thoughts?

[Shawn Prentice]

If it's in a shower exposed to water, then you need something waterproof. I am not 100% sure if dap is waterproof, but I'm guessing it's not, just water resistant. What is the wall finish in the shower? Where is this window in the shower-what height? If it's higher up, then you might be able to do what you propose.

[Manny Davis]

How about trimming the whole thing out with pvc trim and ss trim screws?

[Kgphoto]

I use Kerdi under tile.

[Mike from NH]

DAP is water proof, as a test it when I submerged a piece in water Aug 2007, still in the jar now and it solid. The window is a double hung, I mentioned changing to a awning style and raise it up 24" they weren't interested. I suggested tile but they may put it a chaper drop in wall system. The I said drywall the sides and use Sill Rite www.sill-rite.com for the sill area. The Sill Rite system is real nice! Used in in my rental, drywalled the window boxes and dressed them up with the Sill Rite standard.

[Shawn Prentice]

Now I see that the window is "in the shower." If you're talking about the densarmor plus high performance interior panel, http://www.gp.com/build/product.aspx?pid=4659, then it does not say it is waterproof, only that it is moisture resistant. Waterproof means that the material will keep out water completely, water will not penetrate. A water-resistant material will only repel water for a short time and is not thoroughly waterproof. Your test shows that it may not disintegrate in water, but I doubt that it would keep water from going through it to the framing behind. If you trim it out in pvc, as Manny suggests, you would still want a waterproof barrier under the pvc. If you rely on caulked joints and/or a water-resistant material in a shower area to keep the framing and everything else under/behind the finish material dry, then you will eventually have problems when the caulk fails or the water-resistant material saturates and allows water through it. Or you could trim it out as you suggest with dap and the sill rite and have the client put up a customized waterproof "shower curtain" to be kept closed during all showers. Here is a bathroom I did where we kept the window, trimmed it in pvc, caulked it, then put up the "shower curtain." It is not waterproof, so to speak, but it'll keep out incidental moisture and the client understands the consequences of not having the curtain closed during showers. If you look closely, you can see the shorter, waterproof curtain for the window in the background.

[Mike from NH]

I agree with you Shawn, I'm going to put up the dap in the extension jamb area, sill rite if they want to pay extra for it and recommend a clear curtain.

[TracyMc]

DensGuard is a better product for this application, or DenShield

[Mike from NH]

can it be beaded and coated with easy sand and ready mix?

[Shawn Prentice]

I would contact GP on that one.

[dgbldr]

Originally Posted by Mike from NH

can it be beaded and coated with easy sand and ready mix?

No, that's the whole point. DensShield has fiberglass mat facing to make it waterproof. You also need to seal the screw heads and seams to keep it waterproof. No paper tape, no ready mix, no ES. Those are not waterproof at all.

Anything in a shower needs to be done just like you prep for tile. If you choose not to put tile on it, fine. If you want to paint it, you can skim with hot mud OVER the properly taped and sealed wall.

[Mike from NH]

OK, What would the least complicated and costly way that I could wrap the inside window box and sill, while making the area waterproof / water resistant? Its unknown if they are going with tile or cheap drop in right now. Regardless I'm installing 1/2" Perma-Base around the tub and coating with 2 coats of Redgard. Would it make more sense to install the Perma-Base and run Azak (type product) long to finish that edge? This way that could trim / case the window with Azak and run the tile or drop in to it.

[DSJOHN NH]

that method sounds the best Mike,DSJOHN