Glass Block Blogger

When you need a building material that allows for daylight to come in, but, can stand up to severe weather, consider Glass Block. Glass Block provides transparency with the durability of a strong building material.

Vistabrick from Pittsburgh Corning is an excellent example of a glass building material solution. Vistabrik is a versatile building material that comes in useful shapes and sizes to match your building’s needs. This glass brick is durable, impact, vandal and bullet resistant, low maintenance and aesthetically attractive with good light transition and medium privacy.

One example of a unique Vistabrik alternative is the Solar Wall Tube. Solar Wall Tubes are an easy and aesthetically pleasing way to let light into a building that is built with multi-wythe walls.

The Solar Wall Tubes can replace standard masonry units and allow light transmission for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) contribution and improved thermal performance. Available in various sizes with choice of privacy levels, you can get 90% visible light transmission. Depth ranges from 8in – 16in.

Solar Wall Tubes mirror-like finish magnifies and reflects the light and solves many design issues related to single or double glass block installations. They allow the architectural look of single or double glass blocks on both sides of a thick wall, while providing a visually aesthetic look in the hollow area between the glass blocks. They are thermally broken and thus provide improved thermal performance.

The sturdiness of the metal tube prevents any loading from above the opening being transferred to the glass block. The tubes are assembled in two pieces with a non thermal-conducting material connecting them and wrapped with a rubberized asphalted material. The stainless steel tubes are non-corrosive and provide long-term durability. Installation in a stack bond CMU walls requires specific considerations.

Do not hesitate to contact us here at Eastern Glass Block. We have over 20 years of experience designing and installing Glass Block nationwide. We have completed some of the most creative residential and commercial glass block designs ever done. Call us at 800-635-1226. We love to share our experience and knowledge.