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Posted by: glassblockblogger | September 5, 2013

Explore the Design Possibilities and Installation Alternatives for Glass Block

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.

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Posted in Glass Block, Glass Block Design, Glass Block Installation | Tags: architecture, basement windows, colored glass block, DIY, do it yourself, glass block installation, Glass Block Windows, installation, kitchen island, New Jersey, New York, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh Corning Glass, renovation, Residential

Posted by: glassblockblogger | August 6, 2013

Using Glass Block in Universal Design

If you are remodeling your home or building new, you should consider Universal Design. Universal Design is when all spaces of your home are accessible to all people, regardless of their age, size, or ability. As we, our friends and our relatives, are all living longer, accessibility and lighting become incredibly important in our homes.

The NAHB says “Some universal design features just make good sense. Once you bring them into your home, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. For example:”

Floors and bathtubs with non-slip surfaces help everyone stay on their feet. They’re not just for people who are frail. The same goes for handrails on steps and grab bars in bathrooms.
Thresholds that are flush with the floor make it easy for a wheelchair to get through a doorway. They also keep others from tripping.
Good lighting helps people with poor vision. And it helps everyone else see better, too.
Lever door handles and rocker light switches are great for people with poor hand strength. But others like them too. Try using these devices when your arms are full of packages. You’ll never go back to knobs or standard switches.

Universal Design Living Laboratory is a project started by Rosemarie Rossetti Ph. D to help people better understand how to create a more comfortable living environment that will enhance the quality of life.

The Universal Design Living Laboratory, approached Pittsburgh Corning for ideas. Pittsburgh Corning not only thought their products could help shine light into rooms, but also on a remarkable style of architecture. Specifically designed to enhance quality of life for a wide-range of needs, the Universal Design Living Laboratory seemed to be the perfect fit to utilize and showcase Pittsburgh Corning’s equally wide range of products for performance, sustainability and artistic value.

Rosemarie Rossetti & Mark Leder in Universal Design Master Bathroom

Rosemarie said “When we saw the glass block and the mural at the International Builders Show, we immediately knew we wanted to use it in the design,”. “We eventually decided on three forms of windows for the basement and home office. They are a very big element of the southern wall and provide remarkable light virtually eliminating the need for any artificial light in the daytime. On sunny days they really make the whole room sparkle.” Rosemarie went on to say “My husband and I are grateful that Mike Foti, President of Columbus Glass Block, recommended early in the home design phase that we look for areas in our home to incorporate glass block.

Glass Block can enhance quality of life while shining light into rooms and providing a remarkable style of architecture. At Eastern Glass Block, we have been designing and installing glass block for 20 years in the New York and New Jersey area. Call us at 800-635-1226 and we will share our experience in designing a cost-effective and sustainable design for your next remodel or build.

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Posted in Glass Block, Glass Block Design | Tags: basement windows, Bathroom, Bathroom remodel, bathroom shower, decorative glass block, Modern Design, New Jersey, New York, Pittsburgh Corning, Pittsburgh Corning Glass, rosemarie rossetti, style of architecture, universal design

Posted by: glassblockblogger | July 25, 2013

Where Do Glass Block Windows Work Best in a Home?

Where, in your home, you choose to install a Glass Block window is really a decision of which of the many capabilities of Glass Block you want for your project.

Glass Block has a wide variety of applications in your home. Glass block provides not just beauty, but also security and privacy without sacrificing lighting. It is also environmentally friendly, as demonstrated by its contribution to LEED ratings and Daylighting. This broad selection of benefits provides you the ability to achieve your specific goals.

Water Proof Glass Block Basement Windows

Glass Block is a great choice for basement windows or windows that may be susceptible to flooding because Glass Block Windows have the characteristics of a solid concrete block wall. This can be especially important if the home is built-in an area that, even occasionally, experiences flooding.

Foyers and Halls

Glass block makes a great first impression that lasts. Using glass block in a foyer allows light to open up the area and creates a statement of welcome. However, you are not sacrificing security for beauty. Glass block lets light in but still provides a sturdy barrier against severe weather, as well as, burglars.

Accenting Modern Home Design

Glass Block brightens modern architecture with soft, natural light. They’re ideal for use in applications where beauty, light transmission, and protection against hurricane force winds and debris is also desired. This incredibly practical material will enhance any modern design.

Windows in an Above Ground Shelter

Windows would be an appropriate and functional element in an above ground shelter. However, you cannot install just any type of window. You will want to make sure any windows you put into a storm shelter or safe room are tornado-resistant. Tornado-resistant Windows provide the needed protection from the elements while letting people see what is happening outside of the shelter. It also allows for daylighting, which is a benefit both when using the space as a shelter and also as a multipurpose area during other non-critical times.

Glass Block Window Choices

With the different product choices, the architect has the flexibility to mix-and-match to produce an aesthetically pleasing result. Each product choice uses light in a unique way. No other glass product can use light with the energy efficiency and security of the Glass Brick.

Give us a call or email us if you are planning new construction or a rebuild. At Eastern Glass Block, we have over 20 years of experience in commercial and residential design in the New York and New Jersey area and love to share our expertise. (800.635.1226)

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