Posted by: glassblockblogger | March 30, 2011

Environment Friendly Glass Block Vinyl Framed Windows

We pay attention to thinking and acting “green” these days more than ever before. This is especially evident when building a new home or remodeling. One reason is rising energy costs and another reason is our responsibility to protect our environment. Windows are one of those decisions that affect energy usage the most.

Up until recently, we may have thought twice before selecting Glass Block and, consequently, lost out on the beauty, security, and privacy Glass Block provides. But, that is now no longer the case, since Pittsburgh Corning’s recent announcement of the immediate availability of their new LightWise Low E Energy Efficient Glass Block vinyl window.

LightWise® still installs like a traditional window as we describe in our previous post Installing the New LightWise from Pittsburgh Corning. However, the new LightWise® Low E window is now ENERGY STARLightWise Vinyl Glass Block Window approved in all regions of the country including the eastern region such as New York and New Jersey. With a U-value of 0.30 and a Solar Heat Gain Coefficient of 0.25, LightWise® Low E Energy Efficient Windows are on par with traditional flat glass windows.

LightWise® Low E vinyl windows are the most energy efficient glass block windows on the market today. 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.

Now, you can protect the environment as well as your wallet without compromising on the beauty, safety and privacy of Glass Block.

For more detail information on the installation and design considerations of LightWise®, contact Eastern Glass Block, a specialist in Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block. Eastern Glass Block is a nationwide distributor of the new Lightwise Low E Glass Block window.

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Posted by: glassblockblogger | March 22, 2011

The Role Glass Block Plays Concerning Climate Change

We sometimes come in conflict with our fundamental needs. We are driven to create things that are beautiful, while at the same time maintaining safety and security.

This challenge is amplified when we hear the debate on climate change and the weather patterns that may be intensified. Mark Twain commented during a speech on the weather in the Northeast in 1876 saying that “One of the brightest gems in the New England weather is the dazzling uncertainty of it.”.

Uncertainty continues to play out in the climate debate today. In the paper Indicators of Climate Change in the Northeast, it states that over the past 100 years, and especially 1970 through 2000, climate change indicators for the region reveal a warming trend.

A Post from August of 2010 in the Northeast Weather Blog states that as the El Nino diminished, so did Earth’s temperatures resulting in  a decade of slightly cooler temperatures since 2000. In addition, the Northeast Quadrant adds that although the La Niña, which causes more hurricanes, will be turning to a more neutral phase for this Summer (2011) does not necessarily mean there is less of a threat of a major hurricane season. “During a La Niña phase there was an average of about 4 major storms formed during those seasons. Now here comes the shocker, there were actually more storms formed during a Neutral phase (which we are heading into this Summer), then were formed during the dreaded La Niña years…So although it is fun to read the preseason predictions when it comes to each Hurricane Season. Always remember that it is not an exact science.”

As the years go on, Mark Twain’s words become more poetic, and prophetic.

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 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 Hurricane Resistant glass block 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

Anyone who’s ever experienced a hurricane knows that hurricane force winds are powerful, but the real danger comes in the form of flying debris. That means, if you’re designing a building to withstand a hurricane, it needs to be able to stand up to flying debris as well. Glass Block, such as LightWise Hurricane Resistant glass block windows are an excellent choice.

For more information on hurricane resistant Glass Block, contact us. We can go over the specifications and answer any questions you have. Planning for uncertainty is as important today as it was in the day of Mark Twain.

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Posted by: glassblockblogger | March 14, 2011

A Brief History of Glass Block

A Brief History of Glass Block

We often recognize the beauty and functionality of Glass Block in homes and industrial settings. But, many are not aware of its beginnings.

As stated by Glass Block Technology of the United Kingdom, in the 1880’s, hexagonal bodies with arched exteriors which could be composed into honeycomb constructions, were mouthblown for partition and exterior walls. The hollow glass forms which were shaped like neckless bottles were initially worked with mortar. Great care was taken to place the open ends into the mortar in such a manner that the hollow area was hermetically sealed off against the outside air. Condensation could however seldom be prevented completely. These first mouth-blown blocks also suffered from such production deficiencies as differing wall thicknesses and thin corners.

Soon however, more robust machine-made blocks were offered by Luxfer-Prismen-Gesellschaft as well as Siemens in Dresden.

Glass block, also known as glass brick, became an effective architectural element in areas where privacy was desired while still admitting light. Areas that Glass Block was used were in underground parking garages, washrooms, and municipal swimming baths.

Their products consisted mainly of open hollow glass blocks which resembled the usual bricks in size and form. Albert Gerrer in Mulhouse was at the same time still manufacturing mouth-blown glass blocks using Falconnier process which however were sealed before the block cooled down with small glass plugs. Their form still resembled that of the hexagonal prototypes.

It was not until the 1930’s that the further development of machine production produced more satisfactory types which were easier to work. The Corning-Steuben block, consisting of two halves of heat-proof glass pressed together, as well as, the Owen-Illinois block became immediate precursors of the patented block of Pilkington Bros Ltd. (St Helens). Modernglass blocks are still being produced according to this principle, namely that two moulded-glass halves with a hollow interior are melted and fused together under high temperatures.

Today, the unique ambiance that Glass Block produces coupled with its functional privacy and security benefits make it incredibly popular in both residential and commercial settings.

Today, companies such as Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block produce a versatile material that can be used in a variety of ways. To see the beauty that Glass Block has evolved into, look at the popular Glass Blocks available today and their diverse designs.

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