Posted by: glassblockblogger | July 21, 2011

Glass Block Accent to Mortar Construction

New 4″x4″x4″ Glass Block

New York New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia

Pittsburgh Corning announced a new size of glass block that provides flexibility when building with glass block. An excellent use for the 4″x4″x4″ Glass Block would be for integration with traditional mortar construction.

Design Considerations

Eastern Glass Block 4"x4"x4"

Brockman Hall at Rice University

The 4″x4″x4″ is an accent piece used with other sizes of glass block to add a new dimension to your design. Here we see an example. The new 4″x4″x4″ glass block was used extensively in Brockman Hall at Rice University to provide the needed security, privacy and aesthetic design to complement the masonry building.

The new 4″x4″x4″ Premiere Series glass block can be used with the 4″x8″x4″ glass block to create a running bond design which provides a new look for glass block installations.

Available Patterns

Eastern Glass Block 4"x4"x4" Design options

DECORA - IceScapes - VUE

The 4″x4″x4″ glass block is available in three classic glass block patterns: DECORA, IceScapes® and VUE®, each provides a different level of privacy.

Premiere Series Glass Block is Pittsburgh Corning’s best series for architects and designers. This series has a variety of sizes, shapes and patterns for the ultimate in design flexibility.

This product is made in the USA with visual brilliance quality and consistency.

  • Compliant with building codes in all states
  • Engineers on staff to advise proper installation and fabrication techniques
Design Assistance
We at have been installing Glass Block in residential and commercial buildings for over twenty years nationwide. Call us at Eastern Glass Block and we will discuss your needs and how this product may fulfill your requirements.

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Posted by: glassblockblogger | July 15, 2011

Glass Block Solar Tubes for Multi-Wyth Walls

Solar Tubes for Multi-Wyth Walls

New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia

Solar Wall Tubes are an easy and aesthetically pleasing way to let lightEastern Glass Block Philadelphia, Boston, New York, New Jersey
into a building that is built with multi-wythe walls. A wythe is a continuous vertical section of masonry one unit in thickness.

The Solar Wall Tubes replace standard masonry units and allows light transmission for LEED contribution.

Block Solar Wall Tubes mirror-like finish magnifies and reflects the light and solves many design issues related to single or double glass block installations. Daylighting is increasingly important in buildings today. The more daylight that enters a room, the less energy needed by the electrical systems in the building. Daylighting also has a positive effect on mood, atmosphere, and productivity.

Superior Thermal Performance

Solar Wall Tubes from Eastern Glass Block are available in various sizes with your choice of privacy levels. Pittsburgh Corning Solar Wall Tubes are composed of one or two, hollow or solid, glass blocks assembled at each end of a stainless steel tube with a mirror-like finish to create a heavily reflective inner surface to maximize daylighting. The tubes are assembled in two pieces with a non thermal-conducting material connecting them and wrapped with a rubberized asphalting material. The stainless steel tubes are non-corrosive and provide long-term durability.

Solar Wall Tube Installation

The Glass Block Solar Wall Tubes come in two standard sizes with various privacy options. Custom sizes are available.They are thermally broken and thus provide improved thermal performance. In addition, they are easy to install and are self-supporting when installed in a running bond wall.

Do not install in stack bond CMU walls unless a lintel is provided. Solar Wall Tubes are available in 8″and 16″ modules in various depths to meet wall thickness requirements. It allows the architectural look of a single or double glass blocks on both sides of a thick wall. It provides a visually aesthetic look in the hollow area between the glass blocks.

The sturdiness of the metal tube prevents any loading from above the opening being transferred to the glass block.

Guidance and Information

Contact us for further information. We would be pleased to answer any questions. We have over 20 years of experience designing and installing Glass Block nationwide.


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Posted by: glassblockblogger | July 11, 2011

Tornado and Hurricane Resistant Glass Block

Tornado and Hurricane Home Building Considerations

New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philadelphia

Tornadoes and Hurricanes are an ongoing threat in New England. As we remodel our current home or consider building a new home, we have to take extreme weather possibilities into consideration. However, we want to create a beautiful home for our family. That is why Glass Block is an excellent alternative.

In our previous post The Role Glass Block Plays Concerning Climate Change, we discuss the uncertainty in the climate debate today.

For peace of mind, we must plan our living spaces with security and safety at the forefront. Then comes the task of incorporating beauty with safety and security.

Glass Block from Eastern Glass BlockGlass Block has become an excellent solution by its ability to provide an aesthetically pleasing space with the security we demand. As an example, LightWise Hurricane and Tornado Resistant glass block windows from Eastern Glass Block meet the large missile impact tests referenced in the International Building Code and Dade County Approval Protocols. Plus, they are attractive and easy to install. You get privacy and light aesthetics that you can only get with Glass Block.

Some of the features of LightWise Glass Block vinyl windows are:

  • Visually stunning, pre-fabricated panels that are easy to install
  • No need for shutters
  • Protects against flying debris and hurricane force winds
  • Available with a range of visibility and privacy options
  • Greater security than conventional windows
  • Possibilities are limited only by your imagination

Pittsburgh Corning’s new LightWise Architectural Tornado and Hurricane Resistant window has successfully passed the highest standards of performance for FEMA 361 “Design and Construction Guidance for Community Safe Rooms”. The window provides effective protection against air pressure and flying debris caused by tornado-force winds.

For more information on LightWise Glass Block, contact us. We can go over the specifications and answer any questions you have.

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