Posted by: glassblockblogger | October 17, 2011

Arts and Crafts Ideas for Thanksgiving Using Glass Block

Thanksgiving Crafters

New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia

A Glass Block craft is a fun project for holidays such as Thanksgiving. Glass block specialties can brighten up your table setting or be a great gift for your guests. And you can do it yourself.

Eastern Glass Block, New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia

The DecoBloc

A versatile product for Glass Block arts and crafts is DecoBloc. Since its introduction seventy years ago, Pittsburgh Corning’s genuine glass blocks have been used in innovative ways by artists and crafters to fashion beautiful and decorative creative expressions.

Proudly manufactured in Pennsylvania, U.S.A.. The product’s authenticity is rooted in the classic tradition of American craftsmanship. Its use in Deco-style architectural designs combined with its eye-pleasing dimensions and light-transmitting and light-diffusion characteristics makes it a wonderful foundation for a host of artistic uses.

No Drilling

When crafters look into using Glass Block for a DIY project, they are confronted with the need to drill into the glass to insert lights or decorations. Pittsburgh Corning’s DecoBloc eliminates this requirement.

Eastern Glass Block No drill craftsEach DecoBloc is designed with a molded opening that you can use to insert a teddy bear or any decorative item. In addition, DecoBloc contains a special multi-use insert that goes into that molded opening that has three custom cap options. These custom caps allow you to easily transform your glass block treasures into a bank, canister, or decorative light, without drilling or cutting into the block.

DecoBloc comes in two sizes; 8″x8″x3″ and 6″x6″x3″, and two patterns; wavy and ice, creating options limited only by your imagination.

Assistance

If you want to talk about ideas for Glass Block crafts, do not hesitate to call us here at Eastern Glass Block. We can do more to personalize your creation, such as specialized etchings. We love to share our ideas and experience.

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Posted by: glassblockblogger | September 30, 2011

The Role Glass Block Plays in Energy and Environmental Design

Glass Block’s Role in Sustainable Design
New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia

Glass block from Pittsburgh Corning Glass in commercial space supportsEastern Glass Block office building sustainable design and LEED certification

  • Natural light.
  • Natural material.
  • Naturally inspired.

LEED

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, is an internationally recognized green building certification system. Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) in March 2000, LEED provides building owners and operators with a framework for identifying and implementing practical and measurable green building design, construction, operations and maintenance solutions.

Eastern Glass BlockAs a proven, natural material, glass block can add beauty and inspiration to a project while playing a significant role in sustainable design. Glass block, made largely from sand and limestone, is 100 percent recyclable, inert, low maintenance, and highly durable. Yet its dynamic relationship with light gives architects the opportunity to create both aesthetically pleasing and energy-efficient spaces.

Pittsburgh Corning’s glass block can be part of an overall strategy to earn points in several categories in LEED. Read more about how Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block and LEED complement each other.

Energy & Atmosphere

According to Architecture 2030, three-fourths of all electrical energy in the U.S. is used to operate buildings. Reducing energy use in buildings through improved energy performance and energy-saving strategies like daylighting helps reduce the impact buildings have on our atmosphere.

Materials & Resources

The production and transport of building materials can impact our environment in many ways. Conserving resources, using local materials and reducing construction waste reduces that impact.

Indoor Environmental Quality

The U.S. EPA estimates that the average American spends over 80 percent of his/her time indoors. It is important for our own wellbeing to create indoor spaces that are healthy and comfortable.

Innovation & Design

The LEED Rating System, while comprehensive, is not complete. Other aspects of sustainable design, not covered in LEED, are also important. These can be recognized in the Innovation in Design credit.

Contact US

Call us at Eastern Glass Block. We have over 20 years of experience in Glass Block design and installation. We can talk more with you about Glass Block’s value in sustainable designs.

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Posted by: glassblockblogger | September 23, 2011

Consider Installation Alternatives for Your DIY Glass Block Project

DIY Glass Block Project
New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia

When planning that do-it-yourself Glass Block project, you want to considerEastern Glass Block the installation alternatives available to you and the limitations of each. Let’s just touch on the surface of a few general categories.

With Glass Block you have the choice of using mortar or installing in perimeter channels. Within these categories there are different choices depending on the project you are planning

Mortar I

This method is designed for use with Pittsburgh Corning Premiere Series Glass Block. The installation recommendations are for small residential panels of 25 sq. ft. or less. The interior and exterior panels must be framed on all four sides.

Mortar II

This method is designed for use with Pittsburgh Corning Premiere (4” thick) and Thinline™ (3” thick) Series Glass Block. The installation recommendations are for interior or exterior residential panels larger than 25 sq. ft. with variable maximums.

ProVantage I

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

This 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.

After Installation

When your installation is complete, you get the functional beauty of Glass Block products is that are virtually maintenance free. There’s nothing to rot, rust, peel or paint. All that is needed is an occasional wiping with a damp, soft cloth on interior panels or a hosing on exterior panels.

We should note that all glass panels discussed here are non-load bearing, so
adequate provisions must be made for support of construction around the panel.

Need Some Help?

To help your DIY project, you can use a Project Planner that guides you through the decisions you need to make to plan your glass block project.

We have over twenty years experience in designing and installing Glass BLock. Call us to discuss any questions you have. We can also provide a Free Estimate on materials or installation assistance you may need to get you project completed quickly.

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