Glass Block Blogger

If you have been considering using glass block as a building material in a wall, installing glass block is easier than you may think. Here are some facts and ideas to help you get started.

Considerations, Myths and Facts about building a Glass Block Wall

You usually do not need a special support under the wall, unless there is a problem with the floor already standard subfloor framing is usually enough to support the block wall.

The walls can be prefabricated. Straight prefabricated walls make the project easier and less costly to perform. Rounded walls are generally built at the job site.

The walls are sturdy. Most block walls are tied into surrounding wall(s) using panel anchors or vinyl stack anchors every 3rd course (or 24″). Panel reinforcing or horizontal vinyl stack pieces provide additional stability.

With the development of glass blocks with angles, corners, and finished ends there is usually no need to use dissimilar materials to finish the sides and tops of your project.

There are solid and 60 and 90 minute fire rated glass blocks with thicker faces providing increased resistance to bullets, noise reduction, improved protection against vandalism & graffiti, and better fire ratings.

Considerations When Building  Glass Block Wall

Determine the type of glass block that you want to use on your project.

• Rectangular or straight blocks are used to build straight walls.
• Finishing units are rounded on one or two sides and are used to complete open edges and corners of projects.
• Shaped blocks are used to turn corners or create curves.

At this point in the design, you can also consider the use of decorative glass block to add a splash of color. Or, utilize the many different options of colored glass block as the focal point of your project. So, feel free to be creative in your design and expectations. Glass Block is extremely versatile.

There are mortar or mortar-less options. Having made the determination of the type of glass block you will be using, you will then be able to determine the product series that best fits your needs.

• Thinline or Premiere Series glass block using panel anchors.
• Mortar-less installation system for Premiere Series glass block straight panels using perimeter channels.
• Mortar-less installation system for Premiere Series glass block includes straight, curved or angled panels using wall anchors.

The 4″x 4″x 4″ Alternative

When designing a glass block wall using 4″x 8″x 4″, the situation may arise that you will need a  4″x 4″x 4″  to create a running bond design.

The 4″ x 4″ x 4″ Premiere Series glass block from Pittsburgh Corning can be used with the 4″ x 8″ x 4″ glass block which provides a new look for glass block installations. The new 4″x 4″x 4″ glass block provides the needed security, privacy and aesthetic design to complement a masonry building.

More About Premiere Series Glass Block

• Pittsburgh Corning’s best series for architects and designers.
• The widest variety of sizes, shapes and patterns for the ultimate in design flexibility.
• Highest color, visual brilliance quality and consistency.
• Compliant with building codes in all states
• Made in the U.S.A.

With our weekend DIY project modules, we can help you to choose the right materials and provide you with assistance on the design and installation to bring your ideas to life.

If you would like to talk more about the options that are available to you with Glass Block, or, if you want to work out an installation or design issue that you have come up against, call us at Eastern Glass Block. (800-635-1226) We have been designing and installing Glass Block for over 20 years. We love to share our ideas and experience.