Advantages and disadvantages of a porthole?

Hello Jenny,

Now to my question. I would like to have a porthole in our bathroom. It doesn’t have to be able to open, since we also have a balcony door (without a balcony) in the room for ventilation.

And how do you want to clean the window from the outside?

Now I would like to hear your concerns, suggestions, and experiences regarding a porthole, without revealing what our builder has advised us so far.

What should speak against it; except maybe the extra cost compared to usual windows? It is always a matter of personal taste; if it fits the look of the single-family house and you would like to have it, I would also have it installed if I were you. A good tiler should also be able to properly tile the half circle. ;)

Rhenish regards

Thanks first of all for your answers. I actually think the same. However, our house designer advised us against it. Putting aside the additional costs (from 1,000 euros more), he also said that such things are always problematic because of sealing. It may be that moisture penetrates due to the curve. Therefore, I wanted to ask you about your experiences :) to maybe be able to ease my husband’s fear that this doesn’t always have to be the case.

Good morning,

Our house designer advised us against it. Setting aside the additional costs (from 1,000 euros more), he also said that something like that is always problematic because of sealing. It could be that moisture gets in because of the curve.

By that logic, every fixed window element in the attic or upper floor would become a problem, which it is not. Of course, as always and everywhere in construction, workmanship must be done properly; but that’s all.

Drive around a bit and you will find many examples like the one in the attachment. This round window belongs to a construction project near Hennef; however, it can be opened. So far, I have not heard of any problems from our customers ;)

Rhenish greetings

Thank you! It is actually the case that many carpenters advise against it because it apparently cannot be sealed properly or at least there is a risk of that. But you do have a warranty on something like that, right? I wonder as a layperson how it works that so many people have it but it is still advised against.