Glass Block Blogger

Posted by: glassblockblogger | January 15, 2015

Best Choice in Glass Building Material When Weather Resistance is Important

When you need a building material that allows for daylight to come in, but, can stand up to severe weather, consider Glass Block. Glass Block provides transparency with the durability of a strong building material.

Vistabrick from Pittsburgh Corning is an excellent example of a glass building material solution. Vistabrik is a versatile building material that comes in useful shapes and sizes to match your building’s needs. This glass brick is durable, impact, vandal and bullet resistant, low maintenance and aesthetically attractive with good light transition and medium privacy.

One example of a unique Vistabrik alternative is the Solar Wall Tube. Solar Wall Tubes are an easy and aesthetically pleasing way to let light into a building that is built with multi-wythe walls.

The Solar Wall Tubes can replace standard masonry units and allow light transmission for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) contribution and improved thermal performance. Available in various sizes with choice of privacy levels, you can get 90% visible light transmission. Depth ranges from 8in – 16in.

Solar Wall Tubes mirror-like finish magnifies and reflects the light and solves many design issues related to single or double glass block installations. They allow the architectural look of single or double glass blocks on both sides of a thick wall, while providing a visually aesthetic look in the hollow area between the glass blocks. They are thermally broken and thus provide improved thermal performance.

The sturdiness of the metal tube prevents any loading from above the opening being transferred to the glass block. The tubes are assembled in two pieces with a non thermal-conducting material connecting them and wrapped with a rubberized asphalted material. The stainless steel tubes are non-corrosive and provide long-term durability. Installation in a stack bond CMU walls requires specific considerations.

Do not hesitate to contact us here at Eastern Glass Block. We have 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 at 800-635-1226. We love to share our experience and knowledge.

How Do Glass Pane Windows Compare to Glass Block Windows

If you are building your own home for the first time, the early surprise you will get is the need for you to deal with a lot of details.

As Suzanne Tennant states in her blog post on Building a New Home, “Yes, get ready to make decisions on thousands and thousands of small and large details, from where your electrical outlets are placed to the exact backsplash you want in your kitchen to the size and placement of windows!”

One of those important details you will be attending to will be the windows. Not just windows that are in the front room and bedrooms. But, the windows that are placed by doors, in basements, and in the bathrooms. There is also the option of using glass in open floor plans for kitchen islands and glass walls.

A glass material to consider for your new home is Glass Block. Glass Block is a versatile material that can be used in a variety of ways to brighten your home while providing security and light.

Classic Glass Block

When planning a remodel or new construction project, compare Glass Pane windows to Glass Block windows. As stated in the Do It Yourself article discussing basement windows, “Glass block basement windows not only discourage burglars from entering your house but also enhance the aesthetic appeal of your basement. Glass block windows are also famous for their good insulation capabilities.”

These are some additional comparisons followed by a chart for easy viewing.

BEAUTY AND VERSATILITY

Glass Block offers virtually limitless design possibilities. Glass block walls, partitions and windows combine the delicate beauty and light transmission of glass with the strength of glass block.

VISIBILITY/LIGHT TRANSMISSION

Crystal clear Glass Block provides exceptional visibility in compliance with ADA guidelines for enclosed areas. It is also scratch-resistant and transmits up to 80% of available light in both directions without any yellowing, clouding or weathering.

SECURITY

When added security is needed in their projects — architects, designers and home builders have chosen Glass Block which offers enhanced resistance to impact, fire, sound transmission and weather.

ENERGY CONSERVATION

Glass Block can provide more than double the thermal resistance (R-Value) of single-glaze 1/8″ thick plate glass. The differences between the shading coefficient of glass block and flat sheet glass is also significant.

Comparing Glass Block window with single pane glass window

Chart from Pittsburgh Corning brochure

If you are considering remodeling or building a new home and want to better understand what Glass Block can offer, please call us at 800-635-1226. We have been designing and installing Glass Block for over 20 years in the New York and New Jersey area. We love to share our experience.

Glass Window that Meets FEMA Safe Room Blast Resistant Guidelines

What windows meet the FEMA 361″Design and Construction Guidelines for Community Safe Rooms” and FEMA 320 “Taking Shelter From the Storm: Building a Safe Room For Your Home or Small Business”?

LightWise Hurricane and Tornado Resistant glass block windows from Eastern Glass Block not only meet FEMA 361 and FEMA 320 guidelines, but, are attractive and easy to install.

Having seen devastation from tornadoes and hurricanes to property and people’s lives, many are considering installing storm shelters. There are several types of storm shelters. Common examples are shelters built above ground or a safe room inside the home or garage.The Shelter should be attractive and provide practical application on the property. Windows are critical. With Glass Block, you get security with the advantages of having natural light.

Tornado-Resistant Windows are the perfect choice for Safe Rooms, Community Shelters, Schools, Corporate Campuses and Government Facilities.

Pittsburgh Corning’s LightWise Architectural Tornado and Hurricane Resistant window from Eastern Glass Block has successfully passed the highest standards of performance for FEMA 361 “Design and Construction Guidance for Community Safe Rooms”, meet the large missile impact tests referenced in the International Building Code, and Dade County Approval Protocols.

Meets requirements for FEMA 361″Design and Construction Guidelines for Community Safe Rooms” and FEMA 320 “Taking Shelter From the Storm: Building a Safe Room For Your Home or Small Business”
Effective protection against air pressure and flying debris caused by tornado-force winds
Factory assembled window provides strength and durability of steel and laminated VISTABRIK® glass block
Enhanced security with vision and light transmission
Easy to install which means reduced on-site labor costs
Protection from damaging UV rays
Available in various sizes

Design Consultation

Planning residential or commercial construction of Storm Shelters? Contact us at Eastern Glass Block. We have over 20 years of experience in commercial and residential design. 800-635-1226

Glass Block Blogger

Best Choice in Glass Building Material When Weather Resistance is Important