Posted by: glassblockblogger | May 13, 2011

Water Proof Glass Block for Flood Protection

Water Proof Glass Block

Glass Block has many advantages. But none may be overlooked more than its resistance to water penetration. This quality provides several opportunities during the design stage of a new building project or a remodel.

Eastern Glass Block, New York, New Jersey, Boston, PhiladelphiaGlass Block is a great choice for basement windows or windows that may be below a flood stage level. Glass Block Windows 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.

Glass Block windows, such as those from Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block, are available preassembled. You can choose standard or custom sizes, with or without ventilation.

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

You can also forget about painting, caulking and puttying. There’s nothing to peel, rot or rust. To clean, simply hose the outside and wipe the inside lightly with a damp cloth.

We can help answer any of your design or installation questions and offer professional assistance for quick and easy installation. Do not hesitate to contact us 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.

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Posted by: glassblockblogger | May 5, 2011

Installing Glass Block is Easier Than You May Think

So, you have been considering using glass block for your next remodeling project, but you’re concerned about the difficulty of installing it yourself. Actually, installing Glass Block is easier than you may think.

First, identify the project. It can be a shower wall, a bar base, kitchen island, windows wherever glass would be used, including vinyl frame window, outdoor walls such as around the pool, and many more. The simultaneous beauty and security of glass block provides unique opportunities.

Eastern Glass Block showing Pittsburgh Corning Premier Series

Premier Series Finishing Units

The next step would be to determine the type of glass block that you want to use on your project.

  • Rectangular or straight blocks are used to build straight walls.
  • Finishing units are rounded on one or two sides and are used to complete open edges and corners of projects.
  • Shaped blocks are used to turn corners or create curves.

At this point in the design, you can also consider the use of decorative glass block to add a splash of color. Or, utilize the many different options of colored glass block as the focal point of your project. So, feel free to be creative in your design and expectations. Glass Block is extremely versatile.

With Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block, there are mortar or mortar-less options. Having made the determination of the type of glass block you will be using in the first step, you will then be able to determine the product series that best fits your needs.

  • Premiere Series glass block using perimeter channels.
  • Thinline or Premiere Series glass block using panel anchors.
  • Mortar-less installation system for Premiere Series glass block straight panels using perimeter channels.
  • Mortar-less installation system for Premiere Series glass block includes straight, curved or angled panels using wall anchors.

For complete instructions and specifications on these options, go to Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block Installation Instructions.

Pittsburgh Corning also provides an excellent Project Planner to help you better understand the steps and decision points.

But, do not hesitate to contact us here at Eastern Glass Block. We have offices in New York and New Jersey and over 20 years of experience designing and installing Glass Block nationwide. We have completed some of the most creative residential and commercial glass block designs ever done. Call us. We love to share our experience and knowledge.

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Posted by: glassblockblogger | April 28, 2011

Using Decorative Glass Block in Remodels and New Construction

Decorative Glass Block may be one of the best kept secrets, ever. So, you do not want to overlook this option during a remodel or a build. Not only are the design choices nearly endless, the material itself provides so much value.colored glass block wall Eastern Glass Block

In previous posts, we’ve talked about the fire-resistant characteristic of glass block, its energy saving capabilities, the privacy it offers without blocking light, and more. Even during a tornado, glass block provides protection against airborne projectiles – and that comes in really handy.

What we have seen, though, is when Glass Block is chosen during the Colonial Style Glass Block Eastern Glass Blockdesign stage, white is usually the color thought of first. But, when you add color and design 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.

So, consider adding a splash of color to your glass block design by randomly putting some color blocks into a wall, adding a stripe of color, or make the whole wall with our brilliant color options.

News from the Block gives an example of five ways to use colored Glass Block;
  • 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 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 BlockDecorative 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 glass block, or you just want to throw around ideas with someone, you can give us a call at Eastern Glass Block. We have been designing and installing Glass Block designs for over twenty years serving New York and New Jersey. We would love to share our experience with you.

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