6 Tips on How to Select a Glass or Acrylic Block Window Installation System that Suits Your Style
- mescresquirile
- Aug 19, 2023
- 7 min read
This article will walk you through the process of ripping out old windows and installing glass block window panels in a basement made from poured concrete or concrete block. Installing glass block window panels in a wood-framed wall or basement is a bit different and not covered here.
6 Tips on how to Choose a Glass or Acrylic Block Window Installation System
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Some home centers carry glass block window panels in standard sizes like 14 x 32 in. and 18 x 32 in. You can also have panels custom-made by a fabricator (search online). With custom-made panels, you can choose from a variety of glass block sizes, colors and surface textures. You might also want glass block window panels with small operable windows built in to allow ventilation.
To determine the size of the glass block window panel yourself, just subtract 1/2 in. from both the length and the width of the rough opening. This will allow space to build up a curb under the panel and provide gaps at the sides, which will be packed with mortar. Remember, your measurements must be in whole inches, not fractions of an inch.
Screw a wood block to the underside of the sill plate. This temporary block will keep the glass block window panel from tipping inward, so make sure it extends down far enough to catch the upper edge of the panel. Many older homes have no sill plate. In that case, just screw the block to a joist.
Before you set the glass block window panel in place, screw a block to the underside of the sill plate. We placed our block 5 in. from the outer edge of the sill plate so that the 3-in. thick panel would stand 2 in. from the outside of the foundation. But there are no rules here; your panel can stand far inside the rough opening or nearly flush with the outside of the foundation.
Our glass block window panel had to be raised nearly 2 in. off the bottom of the opening, so we made our wedges 2-1/2 in. thick at the blunt end and about 8 in. long. Sweep the rough opening clean before you set the panel in place. With a helper, set one end of the panel in the rough opening on top of two wedges and lay the other end on the ground. Then, with your helper inside the basement, tip the panel up into place and adjust its position. Step 5
Pack mortar into the gaps under and alongside the glass block window panel. Pack the bottom and smooth the curb first, staying away from the wedges. Give the curb time to harden to the touch before you begin on the sides. That way, crumbs of mortar you drop can be brushed off the curb. Fill the gaps alongside the panel using your margin trowel and a pointing trowel.
Films typically have three layers: an adhesive layer that sits against the glass, a polyester film layer, and a scratch-resistant coating. You may also choose options such as tints, UV blockers, or thicker films that offer security. Low-e films are also emerging as an energy-saving option.
Window inserts fit over the existing interior window. Some, like the ones from Indow, are held in place using compression tubing, creating a tight seal around the window frame without damaging the window or the frame. Indow inserts are made with acrylic, which has much higher insulation properties than glass. So, even if installed in front of windows with small cracks or poorly sealed windows, the inserts will eliminate drafts and improve the overall energy efficiency of the home.
For the best results, choose a wrap with larger bubbles instead of the smaller bubbles, and cut the wrap so it covers the window and overlaps the seams. Mist the glass panes with water and apply the bubble side to the damp windows. The bubble wrap can be taped into place, but there is a risk that the tape will peel the paint off the walls if left for too long. For even better insulation, double up the layers of bubble wrap.
You can choose thicker or thinner pieces of glass (the thicker the glass, the better the insulation), the width of the spacer (the piece that separates the glass where they meet at the edge of the window frame), and the type of gas that is used between the panes (commonly used gases include argon, krypton, or a mixture of the two). Depending on the customization, however, these units can get costly fast.
Ice glass blocks feature wave patterns that provide privacy without blocking the light. Ice glass blocks typically cost roughly $15 per block but can go up to $30 per block. Ice glass block windows, due to the way they offer privacy, are commonly installed in bathrooms.
On the flip side, when your glass block window project includes custom-built walls or windows, your best bet is to hire a local glass block installer, who will ensure your windows are properly assembled and installed.
Installing insulating blinds or shades can help create an insulating barrier between your room and your windows. But be sure to install your blinds so they are not touching the glass. For inside mounts this means checking you have enough depth so the blinds clear the window. For outside mounts, using spacer blocks or projection brackets can help push the blinds out a little farther.
Glass blocks, or glass bricks, are both functional and decorative. They provide added lighting while still maintaining privacy. Glass blocks can serve many purposes, like creating a room divider, surrounding a shower, or making an outside wall into a thick window, if the wall can support the weight. To install your own glass block wall, start by measuring out the frame. Then mix the mortar, spread it out, and press each block down. Work side to side until you complete each row. When you're finished, wash off any excess mortar with warm water and a sponge.
The style of your home plays a big role in the type of window you choose for each room. Several other factors affect the window glass and other features you'll want to use for a particular room. Let's consider some of the things that will influence your home window replacement decision.
Clear panels might go well with your industrial look. Pre-manufactured systems are usually the best way to go with either cable or glass/acrylic railings. Cobbling a system together from standard hardware often results in a job with some rough edges and long-term performance problems.
Acrylic tends to be the more economical and practical choice when it comes to skylight glazing material. It is lighter than glass and suitable for installation on roofs with low slopes or flat roofs. Due to its natural strength, acrylic is the preferred material for skylight domes. Acrylic is also naturally UV stable and will withstand years of abuse from the sun. Acrylic also allows for more design flexibility, is easier to handle and is available in larger sizes.
Nevertheless, backsplash materials come in various styles, colors and textures. There are many to choose from, including ceramic tile, glass tiles, metal sheeting, etc. Depending on the material, some options are easy to install, while others require complex installation techniques. It is important to remember that each backsplash installation process will determine how long the project will take and should be considered when creating your kitchen remodel timeline.
Just wanted to give everyone an update. I had to do obscure glass on this window because it faces the street. I used 6x6 textured glass blocks in a 5 wide by 3 high rectangle in the shower. Everybody that sees it loves it. It lets light into the shower, is easy to clean, and you aren't afraid of people looking in.
That looks wonderful. As far as glass block being dated-I sure hope not! I remodeled a bath just a few years ago that had a 3 sided walk in shower. The entire 5 foot long 6 foot high third wall of the shower was glass block. It lets in the light from the window next to it and the shower is never dark. I love it as does everyone who sees it!
I don't consider anything dated anymore.... just wait a few years and it comes back around. You do what YOU like.... even if you do something "in" right now, in a few years it will be "dated". It's the nature of the beast, how else do they keep us buying new stuff? We are getting ready to replace a window in what will be our new shower and are definitely considering glass block.
Also known as magnetic secondary glazing and acrylic windows, these work by adding more mass to your glass which makes it more difficult for noise to enter. They require that you install a secondary frame on top of your existing one. You then attach the glass or acrylic panel to the new frame to create a double glazing effect.
Whilst condensation on the inside of your windows can be resolved by leaving the window open temporarily, condensation inside of the glazing is a sign that the glass has been compromised. This means that the seals will need to be replaced around the glazing and we advise you speak to your installation company.
When proper ventilation is your priority, then a jalousie window will serve you well. Jalousie windows have parallel glass, wooden louvres or acrylic that can be tilted open and shut simultaneously. Besides its outstanding function, its design is versatile enough to complement any type of house aesthetics.
A glass block window serves a significant purpose in terms of privacy and security. With its thick and durable yet trendy designs, this type is definitely one of the most popular among homes and offices.
For the kitchen, choose sliding windows that are easy to open. Install a sliding glass window above your kitchen sink to enjoy the view and to get more air circulation. A garden window is great for growing fresh herbs and vegetables indoors.
Choose your windows by material, including vinyl, aluminum, wood, fiberglass or composite. Do you need coastal/impact windows? Andersen understands your needs and offers hurricane strength windows. The company will help you choose the right series, which is their classification for windows.
Champion handles all aspects of the professional installation, including clean-up. Customers receive a lifetime warranty on Champion windows. Ask about the Energy Star-certified Comfort 365 window glass.
You may experience difficulty in closing your aluminium casement windows or find cracked glass panes, or loosened rubber gasket from the window. These could be due to wear and tear. or. Learn about what to look out for when you check your windows, as well as some maintenance tips to keep them in good condition..Note that all casement windows must be fitted with stainless steel rivets/ screws as fasteners. 2ff7e9595c
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