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Posted by: glassblockblogger | February 9, 2014

Glass Block Delivers Sustainable Benefits in Green Home Design

In an article by The Home Page called Do Green Homes Really Deliver? New Study Tells All, a study is referenced that was commissioned by the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) to uncover how green home owners feel after purchasing their home; primarily focusing on their overall satisfaction and whether they would recommend purchasing a green home to others.

Key findings of the study reveal:

94% would recommend a green home to a friend.
92% would purchase another green home.
71% of respondents believe that green homes are, overall, of higher quality.
55% knew their home may have cost more than a non-green home, but believed the benefits outweighed the cost.
90% were satisfied knowing they “did the right thing” in buying a green home.

On this Blog, we have written about the benefits of Glass Block in sustainable design. As a proven, natural material, glass block can add beauty and inspiration to a project while playing a significant role in sustainable design. Glass block, made largely from sand and limestone, is 100 percent recyclable, inert, low maintenance, and highly durable. Yet its dynamic relationship with light gives architects the opportunity to create both aesthetically pleasing and energy-efficient spaces.

Glass Block from Eastern Glass Block can be part of an overall strategy to earn points in several categories in LEED. Read more about how Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block and LEED complement each other.

Energy & Atmosphere

According to Architecture 2030, three-fourths of all electrical energy in the U.S. is used to operate buildings. Reducing energy use in buildings through improved energy performance and energy-saving strategies like daylighting helps reduce the impact buildings have on our atmosphere.

Materials & Resources

The production and transport of building materials can impact our environment in many ways. Conserving resources, using local materials and reducing construction waste reduces that impact.

Indoor Environmental Quality

The U.S. EPA estimates that the average American spends over 80 percent of his/her time indoors. It is important for our own wellbeing to create indoor spaces that are healthy and comfortable.

Innovation & Design

The LEED Rating System, while comprehensive, is not complete. Other aspects of sustainable design, not covered in LEED, are also important. These can be recognized in the Innovation in Design credit.

Call us at Eastern Glass Block (PH: 800-635-1226). We have over 20 years of experience in Glass Block design and installation. We can talk more with you about Glass Block’s value in sustainable designs.

RELATED POST: New Hospital Construction is Going Green

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Posted in Glass Block Design | Tags: Eastern Glass Block, energy efficient windows, environment friendly, Glass Block, LEED, Modern Design, Modern Home, sustainable construction, sustainable design

Posted by: glassblockblogger | January 29, 2014

Designing a Bathroom Shower Using Glass Block

Alternatives in a Bathroom Shower

Using glass pane in a bathroom for the shower wall is a great choice as compared to closed walls. Letting light into a bathroom opens the space and improves the look of the entire room. However, using regular glass pane has certain disadvantages. Mildew build-up creates a significant maintenance problem over time. Clear glass also eliminates privacy.

When designing a bathroom shower, Glass Block is an excellent alternative to using pane glass. As Mike Foti from Innovate Building Solutions states, “A Glass Block Shower really begins with designing the room – and the shower within that particular bathroom.” Glass Block is mildew-resistant, thereby reducing maintenance and preserving the beauty of the room. Glass Block also provides privacy without eliminating the light filling the room.

A glass block shower can be installed as a custom installation, or, a Glass Block Shower System can be chosen as a cost-effective alternative to get the beauty of a custom-built glass block shower with reduced installation requirements and labor.

Standard Fit Shower Kit Standard Fit Glass Block Shower is sized right to fit any bathroom. So, whether you’re replacing or adding a new shower to your home, the Standard Fit Glass Block Shower, available in three installation kits, is the perfect fit.

Walk-in Shower Kit For a truly astounding shower design, step out of the ordinary and step into the beautiful Glass Block Walk-In Shower. A dramatic addition to any bathroom, the Walk-In Shower adds a level of elegance and luxury that today’s discerning homeowner wants.

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.

Also, you can go to our post Installing Glass Block is Easier Than You May Think. This will help you with the material options. Give us a call at Eastern Glass Block. We would love to assist you in your design and installation.

What to Consider When Deciding on Mortar or Mortarless Glass Block Installation

The question on whether to use mortar or to use the alternative method of mortar-less installation is often asked when planning a glass block installation project.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mortar Glass Block Installation

Beyond the project flexibility afforded through the use of mortar installation, the advantage of mortar is that it binds the surfaces of the adjacent blocks together. This aids in stability. The mortar also conforms to the shape of each block. Because the mortar is in contact with the whole surface of each block, loads are spread evenly.

The disadvantages are that mortar is heavy and needs care when carrying; it requires a lot of work to mix unless you use mechanical methods; it must be mixed to the correct consistency; it cannot be used in extreme temperatures; and applying mortar requires skill achieved only through experience. Most of the disadvantages are overcome when a skilled individual is performing the installation with proper tools and materials.

Eastern Glass Block uses Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block offering a mortar and mortar-less alternative. The following can use the Premier Series glass block that comes in a range of sizes, shapes and optional finishing end blocks.

Mortar I and Mortar II

Mortar I:
The installation recommendations are for small residential panels of 25 sq. ft. or less. This method is not for use in constructing curved glass block walls. Interior and exterior panels must be framed on all four sides.

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Mortar II:
The installation recommendations are for interior or exterior residential panels larger than 25 sq. ft. This method may be used to install projects framed on two, three, or four sides. Using the Premiere Series – Panel size limitations – Interior (250 sq. ft. max) and Exterior (144 sq. ft. max.). Using the Thinline™ Series – Panel size limitations – Interior (150 sq. ft. max.) and Exterior (85 sq. ft. max.).

Mortar-less glass installation is an alternative to the mortar methods. Mortar-less panels uses tracks and a spacer between each of the glass blocks. The spacer ensures uniform spacing between the blocks. The troughs or grooves are filled with sealant which binds the blocks together and keeps out moisture. Mortar-less glass block installation is available for showers, windows, and more.

ProVantage I and Provantage II

ProVantage I
The ProVantage I method may be used to install projects framed on two, three, or four sides. This is a mortar-less installation system for Premiere Series glass block straight panels using perimeter channels. This method is used to install straight walls in 4-sided openings. In this method, glass block panels are installed in perimeter channel.

ProVantage II
The ProVantage II is a mortar-less installation system for Premiere Series glass block includes straight, curved or angled panels using wall anchors. This method is used to install straight and 90° angled walls and straight walls framed on at least two sides. In this method, glass block panels are secured to the wall using special wall anchors. The maximum opening size for exterior panels is 50 square feet, framed on all four sides. The maximum opening size for interior panels is 85 square feet, framed on at least two sides. The joints of these panels can be finished with ProVantage®Glass Block Surface Grout. Sealant finishing can only be used on straight walls in 4-sided openings, and it is not recommended for wet environments.

Eastern Glass Block is an expert at performing glass block installations Using an experienced installer can save you time and frustration while having the pride of designing and managing the project that results in a solution that fits your specific need. Call us at 800-635-1226; or email us at info@easternglassblock.com. We have been serving the New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia areas for over 20 years.

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Glass Block Delivers Sustainable Benefits in Green Home Design