Posted by: glassblockblogger | February 12, 2013

See how Housing and Remodeling Market Indices are Trending up.

Housing and Remodeling Trends

At Eastern Glass Block, we always watch the trends in the Housing and Remodeling markets. The NAHB, National Association of Home Builders, provides useful quarterly indices for insight into current market conditions and future expectations for both of these markets.

What we are seeing is that the outlook is steadily improving in both Housing and the Remodeling.

Regarding the Remodeling Market Index (RMI), below the 50 mark indicates that more remodelers say market activity is lower compared to the prior quarter than those that report it is higher. The RMI was running below 50 from the final quarter of 2005 until the 3rd quarter of 2012. We then see the RMI exceed the 50 mark in the 4th quarter of 2012 showing a very positive move.

Touch of Glass Idea from Eastern Glass Block

F. Harlan Hambright & Assoc from the “Touch of Glass” Idea Brochure

The NAHB , in its Post about its Housing Market Indices (HMI) stated that “Builder confidence in the 55+ housing market improved the fourth quarter of 2012 compared to the same period a year ago… Although both 55+ HMIs remain below 50, both have improved significantly from a year ago.  The single-family index increased 10 points to a level of 28, the fifth consecutive quarter of year over year improvements.” The HMI indicators are trending up, while challenges still remain for the home buyer, such as tight credit conditions and rising costs.

These trends seem to be saying that the American homeowner is increasingly considering and beginning a new home purchase or a remodel of their present home. During these times, we have recognized that there are consistencies in choice, whether a remodel or new construction is chosen. Homeowners want an aesthetically pleasing warm environment that is energy efficient and secure.

Glass Block in modern home design should be considered, because it ticks all of those boxes. Glass Block fills a room with light accommodating open floor plans while not sacrificing security or aesthetics.

You can download our Touch of Glass Idea Book. And, let us know how we can help. Eastern Glass Block has been doing Glass Block installation for more than 20 years from our offices in New York and New Jersey. Do not hesitate to call us at 800.635.1226 We love to share our experience and expertise.

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Posted by: glassblockblogger | January 25, 2013

Add Color to Your Rooms by Using Colored Glass Block

Decorative Glass Block

When Glass Block is chosen during the design stage for new construction or a remodeling project, color is often not considered. But, when you add color to Glass Block, you can expand the scope of the room’s decor. Colored glass block adds interest without losing a quiet sense of elegance.

Add a splash of color to your glass block design. Consider randomly putting some color glass blocks into a wall, adding a stripe of color or make the whole wall with our brilliant color options. You can use our 8 standard colors or develop a custom color especially for your décor.

Colored Glass Block by Eastern Glass Block

Colored and Designer Glass Block

These are some examples:

  • Bathroom Shower, Tub Wall or Window– Whether you’re creating a standard shower or a luxurious steam room a glass block shower wall with colored glass tile blocks can create a one of a kind look for your bathroom remodeling project.
  • Kitchen Backsplash, Bar or Window – Create a light transmitting backsplash with a glass block tile backsplash. Also consider using these glass tile accents in a bar or kitchen transom window.
  • Sidelites and Transoms at the Front Door – Make a unique design statement and add security and privacy to your front door with a color glass block sidelite with decorative art tile blocks.
  • Den or Study – Design a productive work space combining the “openness” with “privacy.”
  • Conference room or commercial partition walls – Make it unique with a curved wall design or randomly placing some decorative accent blocks within the wall.
Eastern Glass BlockBring art and color to your glass block designs with these artistically decorated glass blocks.
Decorative Glass Block is made by using an exclusive glass fusion process, these designs are not decals or paintings – they use specialized color glass that is fused to a glass block. Whether you use a standard color or mural design, using this process does not change the original specifications of the glass blocks!
  • Virtually any custom design can be put on the glass blocks.
  • 40 standard colors, 120 single block designs, and over 55 multiple block wall-art murals available.
  • Glass on glass fusion for durability (cannot be scraped off!)
If you have questions about what the options are using color glass blocks, or you just want to throw around ideas with someone, youContact Us at Eastern Glass Block can give us a call at Eastern Glass Block. We have been designing and installing Glass Block for over twenty years serving New York and New Jersey. We would love to share our experience with you.

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Posted by: glassblockblogger | January 21, 2013

Glass Block Basement Windows Do More Than Help With Flood Protection

Water Proof Glass Block Basement Windows

Glass Block is a great choice for basement windows or windows that may be below a flood stage level because they have the characteristics of a solid concrete block wall. This can be especially important if the home is built in an area that is even remotely susceptible to a flood.Basement Window maintenance

While glass block windows provide protection against water penetration, they also provide a higher level of security against burglary compared to a traditional pane glass window. They eliminate the need for storm windows and reduce the energy required for heating and air conditioning. Some of the benefits of Glass block are:

Security – It is very difficult to break glass blocks. Some products offer additional security features.

Energy Efficiency – 10 times more energy efficient than most basement or bathroom windows in older homes. Standard glass block have the energy efficiency approximately equal to most thermal pane windows.

Cost Effective – Installed cost is usually the same or less than other window replacement options. Reduce the risk of lawsuits by adding exhaust fans to provide more environmentally friendly lower floor living space.

Maintenance Free – There is no need to caulk these windows after they are installed.

More Light – In many cases the old frame is removed which allows more light through the glass block window than your old window.

Privacy – Glass block is often used to increase privacy of window openings while not sacrificing light transmission.

We can help answer any of your design or installation questions and offer professional assistance for quick and easy installation. Do not hesitate toContact Us at Eastern Glass Block contact us at Eastern Glass Block or leave a comment on this post. We have offices in New York and New Jersey with over twenty years of experience  designing and installing commercial and residential glass block nationwide. We love to share our experience.

Other Related Posts:

Flooding Follows Snow Storms-What’s the Best Basement Window

The Most Vulnerable Part of the House to Flooding

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