Glass Block Blogger

Posted by: glassblockblogger | July 10, 2015

If You Read One Article About Color Glass Blocks, Read This One

It can be difficult at times to make your home stand out. This can be frustrating for a new homeowner who has to choose a predetermined home from a group suggested to them by their builder. Not only does this limit creativity, in the eyes of the homeowner it can leave something to be desired. There are materials available which are not only decorative in nature, but also equally as useful in architectural designs. One specific product that meets both qualities is colored glass blocks. Below I will highlight this product.

Your run of the mill house looks like all of the rest. This may be a problem depending on how much you want to “decorate” your place. Colored glass blocks can turn your typical home into one that stands out. Additionally, glass blocks can be used inside and outside. Like clear glass blocks, which are also commonly used in residential applications, colored glass blocks come in a variety of sizes to fit your needs. Color glass blocks are more aesthetic and can really boost the look of your home décor, something regular glass, bricks, tiles or granite can’t do. If you think color glass blocks are only good being used for strictly decorative purposes then here is something you should know: Glass blocks are great for being used architecturally as well.

Basic clear and colored glass blocks are the same in terms of strength and safety which means they both can be used for building without fear of using a weaker product. These blocks are frequently used to build showers, partitions, windows, kitchen islands and backsplashes and even as the sidelight for the entry of a house. You can use these colored blocks in an existing wall to match your décor or make an entire colored wall. If you are considering an exterior color wall, but are concerned about privacy, fear not. Glass blocks are available in high privacy patterns. Whether you are remodeling the interior or designing a new home from scratch, color glass blocks can be a great addition, setting the stage for the color scheme you choose.

Some customer expressed concerns about the color fading. There are ample amount of color choices to choose from for any application you have in mind. You can even mix and match two or more colors if you want to create a beautiful color collage. A recent customer was worried that their new exterior wall of color glass blocks would fade from continued exposure to the sun. Color glass blocks do not fade, but remain as bright and colorful like the first day they arrived.

Most importantly is the size flexibility. A few customers worried that their openings were too small for colored blocks and that they would be forced to go with clear blocks. We relieved that worry by explaining that color glass blocks come in many sizes including 8”x 8”, 6”x 8”, 4”x 8” and 6”x 6”. An additional benefit they offer is that they are extremely energy efficient. So not only will they brighten up and enhance the home décor, they will also brighten up your face when your energy bill becomes lower.

If you have any questions on color glass blocks do not hesitate contact us or comment below. We would love to hear your opinions! To learn more about Color Glass Blocks and how you can use them in your home, please visit our website at http://easternglassblock.com/color-glass-blocks/. Call us at 800-635-1226 or email at egboffice@easternglassblock.com. We have over 26 years of experience and we will be happy to help you in designing or material supply.

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Posted in Color, Color Glass Block, Color Glass Block Ideas, Colored Glass Block, Glass Block, Glass Block Design, Glass Block Ideas, Glass Block Installation, Glass Block Showers, Glass Blocks | Tags: Architectural Design, bar, Bathroom, Bathroom remodel, bathroom shower, Building material, color glass block, colored glass block, decorative glass block, Eastern Glass Block, Glass Block, glass block ideas, glass block shower, Glass Block Windows, Glass Blocks

Posted by: glassblockblogger | July 2, 2015

Glass Block In The Outdoors – Signs + Walls

Glass blocks are most commonly used in shower or bath applications and basement windows. You can also use glass blocks in other ways like partitions, counters, desks and even as a backsplash in a kitchen. One place glass block is used but not often thought of is outdoors. The blocks can be used as a decorative piece adding style and elegance, or as an architectural piece serving a building purpose. Glass blocks are not limited in where they can be used, only limited by the imagination of the user. Here are some outdoor applications of glass blocks.

Glass Block Sign

A sign company in Las Vegas, Nevada had inquired about color glass blocks for a sign they were renovating. The sign was for an apartment complex that was getting touched up and to make it stand out in the Las Vegas market, the company decided on purchasing color blocks to enhance the person at the entrance. The new and improved sign is a step up from its predecessor and the addition of the different color glass blocks looks great.

Here is the before picture of the sign: And here is the after picture of the sign:

From bland and boring to eye-catching and striking.

Glass Block Shower

Although glass block showers are usually inside of a bathroom, there are plenty of glass block showers in the outdoors. We have gotten inquiries from people wanting them installed in their backyards to shower after a day at the beach or to have for their pool house. Having a glass block shower outdoors offers you the usefulness of a shower without dirtying up the inside of your house but also provides privacy without needing a tub or curtains. The glass block showers below, which are installed down in Point Pleasant, New Jersey, were installed years ago and are still going strong. These showers stood strong against the harsh wind and water abuse from Hurricane Sandy a few years ago and look almost the same as the day we installed them. They are a great addition to have at a beach to not only get the annoying sand off before getting into your car or walking the boardwalk, but also to add a little style.

Glass Block As Decoration

Another way you can use glass block outdoor is in a fountain. Glass blocks can border the fountain creating a nice, unique looking design. For those who want to add a little something extra to the appearance of their home, a fountain is a popular choice. If a fountain isn’t your thing, you can also make a free standing glass block wall in your backyard. A glass block wall adds style not commonly found elsewhere.

Have any ideas of your own on what you can do with glass blocks outdoors? Let us know! We would love to hear some of your ideas. Do you have any questions or comments regarding glass blocks? Feel free to comment or send us an email and we will be happy to get back to you. To learn more about Glass Blocks please visit our website at http://easternglassblock.com . Call us now at 800-635-1226 or email at egboffice@easternglassblock.com. We have over 26 years of experience and we will be happy to help you in designing or material supply.

4 Benefits Glass Block Windows Give Your Home

Single pane windows are a nuisance to homeowners. They require frequent maintenance, seasonal changes for insulation, changing curtains and shades and often need repair. Although they are commonly used, they are not the most beneficial to you or your home. Single pane windows are used when designing and building a new home primarily because they are cheap and can be bought at any home improvement store. Glass blocks can provide many upgrades and benefits that regular windows cannot. In the article below, I will go over a few of the ways that glass block windows will benefit your home.

Glass Block Window

Benefit #1 – Energy Efficiency

Single pane windows are not known for their energy efficiency. In the winter months, it is common for homeowners to essentially “wrap” their windows with plastic or covering to limit the cold air coming in. There are different ways to temporarily insulate your windows when the weather gets drastically hot or cold, but none work as well as a glass blocks insulation and efficiency. Glass block windows prevent inside air from escaping and outside air from entering which reduce your heating or cooling bills. The airtight mortared seal these windows create is something single pane windows will never be able to do.

Benefit #2 – Light/Transparency

For those who like to have a room as bright as possible (like many people I know who constantly leave on light switches) the electricity bill might be a little expensive. Additionally, constantly opening their curtains or shades to let the light in each day can be a hassle. Glass block windows eliminate blighting costs and the need for curtains and offer you completely natural light. The blocks can provide a room with an equal or greater amount of light when compared to artificial light. What’s more, it is completely free! There is no more need to keep on all the lights to see clearly when glass blocks can utilize the sunlight to do that for you. Even at nighttime, the moonlight will shine through providing you with a softer light that rivals being outside.

Stair Design Glass Block Window

Benefit #3 – Privacy

Every homeowner has been through the process of picking out curtains or shades that let in a good amount of light without offering a clear view of the inside. In addition – privacy. What’s nice about glass blocks is they provide a level of privacy that regular windows will never possess. Glass block windows don’t need curtains or shades because the patterns on the different block styles distort vision. Looking from the outside in, a person walking by would not be able to see anything clearly which eliminates the need for window shades and curtains. An additional bonus they also offer is noise reduction. The blocks provide you with a level of soundproofing that thin, single pane windows can’t. This is a fantasy those who live near busy intersections or in school zones will appreciate.

Benefit #4 – Security

Everyone knows how fragile a thin glass window can be. Almost everyone has broken one or two by accident in their younger years (I know I have) so you know just how easy it is. Furthermore, it is also extremely easy for someone with bad intentions to get into your home. Windows are the most common way intruders get into people’s homes. They are easily broken, can be easily taken off the track and provide little resistance to force. Glass block windows are the exact opposite as they can’t be easily broken, can’t be dismantled easily and provide resistance to force. Glass blocks can act as a brick wall and a window concurrently. As an added benefit, they hold up great against extreme weather which provides great relief to the homeowners.

Beautiful And Secure Glass Block Window

Do you have any questions or comments regarding glass blocks? Feel free to comment or shoot us an email and we will be happy to get back to you. To learn more about Glass Block Windows and how they can improve your home, please visit our website at http://easternglassblock.com/preassembled-glass-block-windows/. Call us now at 800-635-1226 or email at egboffice@easternglassblock.com. We have over 26 years of experience and we will be happy to help you in designing or material supply.

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Posted in Glass Block, Glass Block Design, Glass Block Ideas, Glass Block Installation, Glass Block Insulation, Glass Block Safety, Glass Block Security, Glass Blocks, Home Improvement, Home Insulation, House, Remodeling, Renovations, Residential, Security | Tags: Architectural Design, Eastern Glass Block, Glass Block, glass block ideas, glass block security, Glass Block Windows, Glass Blocks, home, home security, House, Pittsburgh Corning Glass, Residential, security glass