Today, glass block windows offer a wide selection of designs, patterns, and styles for any budget or purpose, but before you decide to go with this product, there are more basic questions to answer. First, why should you use blocks, where should you use them, and how can this product help you solve your problems or needs? The Four Steps to Success in Glass Block Design will answer these questions and more.
o Step 1 – Ask, “What are my goals? Next, determine your patterns and products.” Begin with the end in mind. What problems do you want block windows to solve? Are your existing windows sealing poorly, are the frames rusted or rotted? Do you lack the privacy you desire, are you concerned about the safety of your family or workers, or are you simply looking for an attractive appearance to add style to your property? Here are some crash window recommendations to resolve these specific issues:
o Drafty windows that do not seal properly – Consider the Slim Line Block Series (3 1/8″ thick). They are more cost effective than the Commercial Series (3 7/8″ thick) and come in a wide Variety of sizes (typically 4 x 8, 6 x 6, 6 x 8, and 8 x 8) to properly size any window opening.
o Need more privacy: If you’re worried about someone looking in your windows, especially basement, bathroom, and garage windows, consider the high-privacy patterns Ice and Pristal by Mulia or Icescapes or Delphi by Pittsburgh Corning. You can do without blinds or blinds (saving you money) with these patterns, but you don’t have to sacrifice light transmission (in fact, some say they get more light because the old frame is removed in many glass block installation projects).
o You want more security: Since many glass block windows are mortar bonded, breaking this type of window opening is very difficult and time consuming. These windows are also more cost effective than installing electronic window security pads and offer strong energy efficiency benefits as well.
o Looking for a fresh, warm and contemporary look – why have boring windows when you can add style and uniqueness to your home or business? Stained glass blocks, bevel edged block patterns, frosted blocks, and artistically designed blocks with the ability to create unique designs are available in today’s block window.
o Step 2 – Ask, “Do I have any special window needs?” – Especially in the commercial, institutional and architectural markets, glass masonry units can solve some very specific design challenges. Here are some examples:
o 60 or 90 Minute Fire Ratings: Blocks with thicker faces (often called Thickset) can (with proper installation) provide 60 and 90 minute fire ratings in window assemblies. Standard batts also provide an excellent 45-minute fire rating, which is good for most residential applications.
o High security or vandalism applications: Vistabrik patterned glass unit masonry block is a solid 3″ piece of glass that resists bullets, fire, noise and graffiti. This product has been used extensively in transit authority projects in the New York and New Jersey markets.
o Reduced Solar Heat Gain: Solar Reflective Blocks, which use a metal oxide coating on the inside surface of the block, highly reflect solar energy and reduce light transmission. This helps homeowners reduce their cooling costs and also minimize discoloration of floor coverings.
o Step 3 – Ask, “Where should I use glass block windows?” – The following schematic may very well expand your thinking about where blocks can be used to provide privacy, security, energy savings, light transmission, or just an interesting design element for your home or commercial property.
o Use block outside and inside – Block windows are generally considered to be used in an exterior window application such as basements, bathrooms, garages, and stairwells. Here are some new apps to consider:
Under cabinets in the kitchen or study to let in light
Interior borrowed light window walls to move light through an interior wall while maintaining privacy (for example, in small, dark toilets, or interior walls in basements to passively move light through home).
In home closets to let in natural light and better see clothes and colors while maintaining privacy.
Overhead one-piece shower units in smaller bathrooms to eliminate the need for costly skylights.
o Use glass blocks in new construction and remodeling projects – often thought of as a renovation project. Block windows are now frequently found in new construction as well. In new home and room additions, new construction windows with studded glass block make installations simple and painless. In remodeling projects, precast window panel assemblies are factory-fabricated and allow the window to slide into the opening in front of the precast window panels. the difficult task of placing the blocks one by one (improve your quality and reduce your time to do the job).
o Step 4 – Ask, “Would I like this window to provide ventilation?” – Glass block windows do not have to be solid glass. There are a variety of window block ventilation products to choose from. Here’s a quick list of your options:
o Vents to reduce heating and cooling costs and maintain airflow – With dual-pane glass and slim-line vinyl frames, the new generation of vents allow air in while being small enough to to keep intruders out. Available in white and tan and sizes to match exterior colors and maintain block window symmetry.
o Power Vents to Eliminate Musty Odors and Improve Indoor Air Quality – Power vents are vinyl-framed fans with two electric fans that can move 145 cubic feet per minute of air to combat mold, exhaust smoke, circulate the air for healthier living and therefore providing cooler living spaces. The Power Vent comes with an AC adapter that plugs directly into the wall.
o Dryer vent blocks to exhaust air from a dryer in a glass block basement or utility room window – dryers are often located in basements and their ventilation is often directed through a window inefficient single panel metal or wood frame basement. Vinyl Dryer Vent Blocks replace the space a block takes up in a new glass window and allow you to get the benefits of the block without having to vent your dryer through the foundation (which can be considerably more expensive).
Now that you have all 4 design steps, you’re ready to choose the right block window for your project. Be on the lookout for the next article in this series on the steps to successful glass block window installation.
