Posted by: glassblockblogger | April 29, 2012

Put in a Kitchen Island to Develop an Open Floor Plan

Kitchen Island with Glass Block
New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia

The evolution to Open Floor Plans began in the 1980s for homes, according to Freshome Magazine. Before then, homes were designed with distinct and specialized rooms. The living room, dining room, and kitchen were all distinct areas.

As our desire to mingle socially while cooking, eating, and watching TV, we needed the utilities and furniture to complement each other aesthetically. We also needed light to flow through this open, multi-use, space.

Kitchen Island Bar, Eastern Glass Block

The challenge in our home then became the need for a seemless integration of the different types of furniture and utilities. The look of the stove and dishwasher needed to flow through to the style of the couch and entertainment center. The need for the food preparation and serving  counter tops needed to be placed with access from both the cooking area and the eating area.

Among other things, this gave birth to the concept of the kitchen island.

Whether you are looking to build a unique kitchen island to enhance your open floor plan,Open Plan Kitchen Eastern Glass Block or simply add a design element to your home, Glass Block is an excellent building material choice. The clarity of glass block allows light to flow through, making the room appear larger and more open. Lights added behind the glass block in a kitchen island can also add an additional artistic flare. With the development of glass blocks with angles, corners, and finished ends there is usually no need to use dissimilar materials to finish the sides and tops of your project.

Glass Block is a versatile material that can be used in a variety of ways to brighten your home. 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. For instance, with Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block, there is mortar or mortar-less options to make your DIY weekend even easier.

Contact Us at Eastern Glass BlockHaving an experienced professional 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. At Eastern Glass Block, our installation crews are led by the most experienced glass block specialists in the industry. When we install your glass block, you are involved in the total project to the level that you choose. Give us a call at Eastern Glass Block. We love to share our experience. (800-635-1226)

Posted by: glassblockblogger | April 22, 2012

Mortar-less Glass Block Installation with ProVantage

Easy Way to Install Glass Block
New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia

With Glass Block you have the ability to install without mortar. The ProVantage® Glass Block Installation System is a Mortar-less system that uses spacers to precisely align each glass block for you. The blocks are held in place by horizontal and vertical spacers and are bonded together with silicone.

ProVantage IDecora Bath by Eastern Glass Block

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.

Here is a video so you can see the installation steps of a typical ProVantage project.


For details regarding required materials and tools, refer to the ProVantage Assembly Instructions

Call us at Eastern Glass Block to discuss your project. Contact Us at Eastern Glass BlockHaving 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 while having the pride of designing and managing the project that results in a solution that fits your specific need.

Posted by: glassblockblogger | April 16, 2012

DIY Project that Saves on Your Air Conditioning Costs

An Energy Saving DYI Weekend
New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia

The Month of March in 2012 was the hottest Month in the United States in years. It was not just a little warmer, but over 8 degrees above the 20th century average for March. According to the Bostonglobe.com, this Summer-like weather sent the East Coast residents running to the beach.

The debate of whether Green House Gases, regular weather cycles, or randomness was the reason for this unusual occurrence continues on. The Earth System Research Library of the NOAA provides observations that could help shed light on the subject in their paper Meteorological March Madness 2012.

Looking at 1910, the year that had last hottest March, there may be a chance that we may be “Gifted thereby to a wonderful late winter of unprecedented balmy weather”, according to the Earth System Research Library of NOAA.

To prepare for a long Summer, coupled with high energy costs, a DIY project may be the perfect solution. For the Do-It-Yourself’ers, nothing is better than doing a gratifying weekend project. And no project is more gratifying than a project that will save money.

Air conditioning costs have a significant impact on our household budget every month. In our previous Post on Tip for a DIY Project that Saves on Your Heating Costs, we discuss how the Department of Energy recommends a Do-It-Yourself Home Energy Audit.

Eastern Glass Block LightWise Unique FeaturesSo, where does our money seem to disappear to, month after month? We could say it literally flies out the window. Your windows are a good place to start looking for lowering your air conditioning costs. The Glass Block window is an excellent consideration because of its energy efficiency, its ability to provide an aesthetically pleasing space, and the added security it provides.

The LightWise Glass Block window from Eastern Glass Block is a good example of an energy efficient window. The window is attractive and easy to install. The LightWise® Low E Energy  Efficient Vinyl Window meets ENERGY STAR requirements across the United States. The patented design uses SOLARBAN® 70 to reduce the flow of radiant energy through the block.  And since it meets ENERGY STAR requirements, you can be assured that your interior will be more comfortable and will require less energy to heat and cool your home, which is good for the environment as well as your wallet.

Call us at Eastern Glass Block to discuss your project. We have over 20 years of experience and love to share our Contact Us at Eastern Glass Blockknowledge. 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 while having the pride of designing and managing the project that results in a solution that fits your specific need.

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