Glass Block Blogger

Whether you’re redecorating a room or building your dream house, the applications for glass block are virtually endless.

First, consider the areas of your home that Glass Block can accent beauty and light while providing adding security and sustainability. The more popular residential glass block projects are Glass Block Showers, Bars, and Kitchen Islands. Whether you are looking to build a unique bar in the game room, a new shower, a kitchen island to enhance your open floor plan, or simply add a design element to your home, Glass Block makes it all possible.

If you are considering improving the security of your home, you might consider replacing the basement windows with an alternative that is more resistant to forced-entry. As we have discussed before on this blog, your basement window is the most vulnerable part of the house to flooding. It is also vulnerable to forced-entry by burglars. Do not forget to consider the your front entrance way. All too often we risk security for beauty by installing pane glass windows around the frame of our front door. The look of glass is surely desirable, but, regular glass can be an invitation to a burglar. Pane glass can easily be compromised providing ready access to the inside. Glass Block adds security while maintaining a beautiful look to your home entrance.

The next step would be to determine the type of glass block that you want to use on your project. Be aware that although glass block is relatively strong, it must be used as a non-load bearing material. All construction above glass block panels must be independently supported. Individual glass block panels must be isolated within their openings with expansion strip material at head and jamb locations with no loads imposed on the glass black panel.

• 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.

When installing Glass Block from Pittsburgh Corning, these are the four general installation methods and their specifications that you should consider.

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.).

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Note: The joints of the Mortar I and Mortar II Systems utilize a traditional installation method using a mortar finish for the classic “grid” look. Glass block sealant should be used to seal the perimeter on both sides of the panel.

ProVantage I and ProVantage II

ProVantage® II Installation System (Channel Construction):
This method is used to install straight walls in 4-sided openings. In this method, glass block panels are installed in a perimeter channel. The maximum opening size for exterior panels is 50 square feet. The maximum opening size for interior panels is 85 square feet.

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ProVantage® II Installation System (Anchor Construction):
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.

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Did you know that Eastern Glass Block is an expert at performing glass block installations? Having us do the installation of your glass block offers you the ability to be in total control of the design of your project without having to worry about the time and tools necessary to complete your glass block project. You save time and possible frustration while having the pride of designing and managing the project that results in a solution that fits your specific need.

At Eastern Glass Block, our installation crews are led by the most experienced glass block specialists in the industry.  Our installers pride themselves on high quality installation service. When we install your glass block, you are involved in the total project to the level that you choose. Having us do the installation of your glass block offers you the ability to be in total control of the design of your project without having to worry about the time and tools necessary to complete your glass block project. You save time and possible 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.