Posted by: glassblockblogger | March 12, 2013

Consider Installation Methods When Installing Glass Block

In a previous post about installing Glass Block, we covered height, load support, and anchoring guidelines for your project. In this post, we will cover the more general issue of whether to choose an installation method that uses mortar or to do a mortar-less glass block installation; and the options within these choices.

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

Mortar I and Mortar II

Mortar I:Mortar GlassBlock Installation
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):Eastern Glass Block ProVantage
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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To learn more about installing ProVantage, see this Installation Video.

If you are considering remodeling or building a new home and want to better understand what Glass Block can offer, please call us at 800-635-1226. WeContact Us at Eastern Glass Block have been designing and installing Glass Block for over 20 years in the New York and New Jersey area. We love to share our experience.

RELATED POSTS:

Installing Glass Block is Easier Than You May Think

Installing a Glass Block Basement Window

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Posted by: glassblockblogger | March 5, 2013

Compare Glass Pane Windows to Glass Block Windows

Glass Block Foyer

When planning a remodel or new construction project, the question is often asked about the difference between Glass Pane windows when compared to Glass Block windows. As stated in the Do It Yourself article discussing basement windows, “Glass block basement windows not only discourage burglars from entering your house but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your basement. Glass block windows are also famous for their good insulation capabilities.”

These are some additional comparisons followed by a chart for easy viewing.

BEAUTY AND VERSATILITY

Glass Block offers virtually limitless design possibilities. Glass block walls, partitions and windows combine the delicate beauty and light transmission of glass with the strength of glass block.

VISIBILITY/LIGHT TRANSMISSION

Crystal clear Glass Block provides exceptional visibility in compliance with ADA guidelines for enclosed areas. It is also scratch-resistant and transmits up to 80% of available light in both directions without any yellowing, clouding or weathering.

SECURITY

When added security is needed in their projects — architects, designers and home builders have chosen Glass Block which offers enhanced resistance to impact, fire, sound transmission and weather.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Glass Block can provide more than double the thermal resistance (R-Value) of single-glaze 1/8″ thick plate glass. The differences between the shading coefficient of glass block and flat sheet glass is also significant.

If you are considering remodeling or building a new home and want to better understand what Glass Block can offer, please call us at 800-635-1226. WeContact Us at Eastern Glass Block have been designing and installing Glass Block for over 20 years in the New York and New Jersey area. We love to share our experience.

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Posted by: glassblockblogger | February 20, 2013

How to Keep Your Home Secure Without Shutting Out The Light

Let The Light In and Still Be Safe

Glass helps beautify your home by allowing rooms to be filled with light. However, using pane glass can be an invitation to a burglar because it can easily be compromised. No occupation is more calculating of ‘Risk Versus Reward’ as the criminal occupation. The professional criminal will always take the easiest and safest route to meet their objective. To keep our homes safe, we need to make sure the point of entry is difficult.

Eastern Glass Block Basement WindowIf 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.

As Mike McClintock states in the Chicago Tribune Real Estate section on how glass block systems stack up, “Sturdy building block and fragile glass make an unlikely combination. But that’s what you get with glass block — the strength of masonry and the light of a window.”

Glass Block provides an excellent solution to demonstrating that our home is not an easy target for the criminal, while still maintaining beauty and elegance in the home. Glass Block provides the security that we need without sacrificing the beauty that glass provides.

And with an 80% light transmittance, Glass Block increases the amount of natural daylighting and creates an appealing indoor environment. In short, no other comparable building material provides the beauty, strength, and security needs of Glass Block.

If you are considering remodeling or building a new home and want to better understand what Glass Block can offer, please call us at 800-635-1226. WeContact Us at Eastern Glass Block have been designing and installing Glass Block for over 20 years in the New York and New Jersey area. We love to share our experience.

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