Making a bathtub window maintenance-free

House Doctor | Gary Dymski

March 18, 2004

Q. I live in an old house in which the bathroom window is over the tub. The woodwork on the window eventually peels off. I have tried painting the wood with boat enamel, but I still have the problem. -- Marie Johnson, Floral Park

A. Perhaps after all these years, the wood just can't absorb any more paint. I assume the main problem is the wood frame and molding around the window. Two solutions: The first is to have a new vinyl window installed. This weatherproof window, with vinyl molding and sill, won't need paint -- ever. A friend of mine did this recently, and the cost, including installation, was about $500. I think this is the best way to go. Pulling out the old window will allow the installer to check behind the window frame for mold or rotted wood. In the long run, you'll be better off.

Another alternative is to frame the window with a new PVC trimboard made by Azek or KOMA. These trimboards are made from the same material as plastic pipe, and they don't rot, chip or crack. It's a neat product that can be milled to look like wood. It comes in a flat white finish, and you don't have to paint it.

Check with a lumberyard to see whether it can recommend a carpenter to install new molding around the window.