Posted by: glassblockblogger | March 24, 2012

Architects Looking for a Versatile Glass Product for Commercial Projects

Architects in search of a building material that provides ample light transmission, while at the same time stands up to severe conditions created by nature and man, will find glass block to be the solution.

The comprehensive variety of glass block systems, patterns, styles, and sizes all work together to produce a total industrial strength solution for any commercial project.PNC Park Glass Block

Glass Block is impact and ballistic resistant. Pittsburgh Corning solid 3″VISTABRIK® glass block resists penetration from high-impact ballistics, including 9mm and .357 magnum bullets. VISTABRIK® glass blocks are UL® tested and component recognized for ballistic levels 1, 2, and 6.

In addition, energy conservation is critical in any building project being designed today. Glass block can provide more than double the thermal resistance (R-Value) of single-glaze 1/8″ thick plate glass.

Then there is the need to implement a sustainable design. Glass block, made largely from sand and limestone, is 100 percent recyclable, inert, low maintenance, and highly durable.

When a building is set in an urban setting, protecting the occupants from the city’s noise without placing them in a dungeon-like environment filled with artificial light is a requirement. Three inches of solid glass makes VISTABRIK® a dense barrier to sounds from trains, traffic, crowds, sirens, and machinery with a 53 STC level. THICKSET® Series Block STC ranges between 48-50, and Premiere Series Glass Block 35 to 40. The result is a room void of city noise and filled with Daylighting.

An important feature of glass block, critical to safe building design, is the product’s inherent fire-resistance property. By varying the face thickness of the product and conforming to installation specifications, Pittsburgh Corning is able to offer a family of fire rated products approved and rated according to Underwriters Laboratory (UL®)‚ standards.

As their further dedication to the architectural community, Pittsburgh Corning provides free online education course through AEC Daily that are AIA and USGBC approved and also meets AIA Sustainable Design and HSW requirements. Visit their website at PittsburghCorning.com

Contact Us at Eastern Glass BlockServices and products are available through Eastern Glass Block. We will arrange for drawing review and technical guidance, full sample selection, professional installation, on-site assistance, and provide technical support after the job is completed, if needed. Call us. We are ready to help.

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Posted by: glassblockblogger | March 16, 2012

Light Transmission in Commercial Building Design

Commercial Building Design
New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia

When designing a commercial building, light transmission does not have to be sacrificed to obtain the industrial-strength characteristics required in commercial building materials.

THICKSET glass block from Pittsburgh Corning is ideal for use in schools, airports, transit stations and government buildings. THICKSET is also a great building material for residential applications such as multi-family housing areas.

Benefits of THICKSET Glass Block include;Commercial Glass Block

  • superior sound transmissions ratings,
  • a range of visibility options from clear to opaque depending on your privacy needs,
  • graffiti resistant with easy to clean and durable glass surface,
  • weather resistant including impact resistant to projectile objects during high winds,
  • Fire Rated by Underwriters Laboratories.

The Fire Rated Glass Block products from Pittsburgh Corning include the Thickset 60 and the Thickset 90. All THICKSET 90 (thick-faced) and solid glass blocks have fire ratings of up to 90 minutes, and the THICKSET® 60 glass blocks have fire ratings up to 60 minutes, when used as window assemblies and when permitted by code. All Pittsburgh Corning fire rated glass block products can be viewed on Underwriters Laboratories’ Website.

Glass Block contributes to 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.

Installation Considerations

Installation is easier than one would expect. The framing, anchoring and installation details for the fire resistant windows are the same as installing any non-fire rated glass block panel. The one distinct difference for fire resistance is that the sealant used at the jamb and head locations must be a fire-retardant type sealant.

All 90 minute rated glass back window assemblies may only be installed within masonry or concrete walls, may only be framed and anchored with 1/4 inch thick steel channels or angles that form channels; and the expansion material within the channels must be doubled (or 3/4 inches thick). Finally their Universal Mortar Spacers are listed by Underwriters Laboratories under Classification Number R 18572 and can be used to construct fire rated glass block window assemblies.

Contact Us at Eastern Glass BlockGive us a call for further information. We would be pleased to answer any questions. We have over 20 years of experience designing and installing commercial and residential Glass Block nationwide and would love to hear from you.


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Posted by: glassblockblogger | March 9, 2012

5 Great Projects for Glass Block in Your Home

Five Projects for Real Glass Block
New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia

Real glass block has a wide variety of applications in your home. Don’t be fooled by alternative plastic/acrylic block. Only real glass block offers the large selection of patterns, sizes, and shapes. This flexibility in product choice allows the designer to achieve the specific goals for the project.

Glass block provides not just beauty, but also security and privacy. It is also environmentally friendly, as demonstrated by its contribution to LEED ratings and Daylighting.

Some great applications are;

Windows

Glass block windows need almost no maintenance while providing your home superior insulation, security, and lighting. Glass block can used for basement windows providing resistance to flooding and burglary break-ins. It can be used to increase the curb appeal of your home while allowing light to fill the inside spaces.

ShowersEastern Glass Block Shower

Showers represent the second highest use of Glass Block in homes, after windows. A glass block shower can make any bathroom appear larger. To eliminate the hassle of a custom design, glass block shower kits provide an easy way to create the shower of your dreams. These kits include glass block, base and door for most applications.

Kitchen Islands and Bars

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 or bar adds an additional artistic flare.

Foyers and HallsGlass Block providing Security and Beauty to Front Door

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 let’s light in but still provides a sturdy barrier against severe weather, as well as, individuals with ill intentions.

Walls and Partitions

Don’t think that a partition needs to block light or close in an area. Using glass block for walls and partitions opens up the area and makes it appear larger. You can make a wall a work of art. Whether you are looking for a sturdy, washable surface that can withstand the activities in a rec room or you want a room divider that makes a statement, glass block can fulfill your requirements.

Eastern Glass Block Installs

Contact us at Eastern Glass Block. We design and install glass block projects. We have over 20 years of experience and would love to provide you assistance with your project plans.

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