The variety of methods for installing glass block windows has increased with the variety of styles available, as is the case with many other product categories. In the past, blocks were typically constructed in a size of 8″ x 8″ x 4″, with a small selection of patterns, and assembled inside a masonry window opening (often by a professional mason) using a gray mortar and masons sand. People today want to employ blocks in a more comprehensive range of creative ways in various openings (may be masonry, framed, steel openings, etc.) without relying solely on a mason. Consider the following five tips to ensure that your block window installation goes off without a hitch.
A common first step is to inquire, “What size is my window opening?”- The method used to install windows depends significantly on the opening size. A glass block window can be installed in one of two main ways:
(Option 1) By itself or as part of a vinyl or metal frame window system.
Option 2: (Manually) Fitting Glass Blocks Inside the Hole.
The substantial nature of glass blocks has advantages and disadvantages when installed. Option 1, the block window constructed as a panel (or portion), is preferable to option 2 for most openings smaller than 25 square feet. The second choice is typically more challenging, costly, and skill-intensive. Glass block window manufacturers can create a block window panel for the initial choice, saving time and money.
The second step is to ask, “Where is this block window going?” Important considerations for installing a block window include whether the surrounding structure is masonry (poured concrete or concrete blocks) or frame (surrounded by wood) and if the glass window is for new construction or a remodeling project. For each work setting, here are some suggestions:
A vinyl-framed nail-in glass block window is ideal for newly framed apertures in new construction. You need to contact a glass window maker to get the preliminary opening size. These glass panes (typically silicone together to create the illusion of one solid pane) can be purchased with nailing fins installed in new building projects like standard vinyl windows. Since they may be made with Mulia Inc.’s 2″ thick series of blocks (in either their high privacy “Ice” pattern or their “Wave” pattern), these windows weigh far less than conventional block windows. Pittsburgh Corning’s premium Beveled and Spyra series of blocks, together with the matching windows, are also available in 3″ and 4″ thicknesses.
For new construction projects in masonry openings, it is recommended to use mortared or silicone block panels that can be set into the opening and mortared in at the head, sides, and bottom, also known as the sill, if the opening is less than 25 square feet.
Renovations involving preexisting opening framing –
You can install the vinyl window in the opening, insulate around it, and cap it with aluminum coil stock to meet the glass block window if you can get your openings to accommodate one of the vinyl-framed glass block windows (make sure the window manufacturer removes the window nailing fins for this type of installation). This is Option A.
Remove the window sashes, mortar the glass block into the wood opening, attach the aluminum coil stock to the block, and caulk the joint where the coil stock meets the glass masonry units (Option B) if you cannot modify the current wood opening.
In remodeling projects involving masonry openings (concrete blocks or poured walls), measure the full dimensions of the openings with the existing frame removed (the only exception is when the metal or wood frame is seated over the masonry opening, and removing it could damage the surrounding interior or exterior walls). Your block window panels (which can be cut to size in any 2″ increment) should be smaller in width and height than the brick openings. After that, the window sashes can be mortared into place.
Asking, “What should I use to put the glass block together into a window panel assembly?” in Step 3. – You may have heard conflicting advice on assembling the block panel (mortar or silicone are the most prevalent approaches). Some businesses will try to convince you that their preferred fabrication method is the only valid one, but this is usually just a ploy to persuade you to buy their product. If one procedure yields panels that fit the aperture better than the other (with joints no wider than 1 inch apart), then go with that one. You’ll discover some of the benefits shared by mortar and silicone systems below:
Mortar is traditionally used while constructing a block window due to its advantages over silicone. Breaking a block out of a mortared joint is challenging, making this approach ideal for containing irregular-sized blocks. Additionally, mortar joints can be polished to match the existing masonry.
If you want your panel to look like it’s made entirely of glass, or if you need to fit a smaller window in a larger aperture (silicone joints are more minor than mortar joints), then silicone is the way to go.
4. Determine how to deal with a hole larger than 25 square feet. – For openings bigger than 25 square feet (typical in commercial, architectural, and institutional construction), constructing the window block by block within the aperture is typically preferable to using external panels. The following installation considerations should be made when dealing with such large openings:
Typically, a “soft joint” is utilized at the head and jambs of the opening to allow for expansion and contraction. However, windows more significant than 25 square feet require more space for expansion and contraction. Thus, glass block caulk must be used at the jambs and head of the opening in addition to an expansion strip. If you’re worried about wind loads on a larger aperture, an aluminum channel can help.
Larger openings (greater than 20 feet in height for 4″ blocks and 10 feet in height for 3″ blocks and greater than 25 feet in width for 4″ blocks, and 15 feet in width for 3″ blocks) should have a metal stiffener installed into the glass block window to allow for wind loads and structural safety. One option for this reinforcement is to install a hidden metal plate, steel I-beam, or steel T-shaped mullion behind the window or wall.
Step 5: If you’re unable to complete the installation due to a lack of knowledge, strength, or another capability, ask yourself, “What should I do?” – The installation of this window should be subcontracted to a specialized glass block contractor or a national glass block window manufacturer (to produce a pre-made glass panel). This will streamline the work, save on expenses, and boost the quality of the block window installation.
You can now do the work yourself or with a specialized glass block contractor, as you have all the information you need to get started.
Vice President Eastern Glass Block of New Jersey and New York, President Columbus Glass Block, and President Mid America Glass Block of Cincinnati, Dayton, and Akron all report to Mike Foti, President of Innovate Building Solutions. Glass block windows, showers, walls, and specialty colored glass blocks, are all available from these companies, which also supply, produce, and install them on a national scale. Mike’s contact information is as follows:
Telephone: (Toll-Free) 877-668-5888
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