Glass Block Window Installations Made Easier With Lighter Blocks

Are you considering doing a glass block window installation project but are worried about the weight of the blocks? Worry no more - there is a solution for you. With the introduction of the 2" thick series of blocks fabricated into vinyl frames this window installation has been made easier to install a lighter and safer window assembly. In this article you'll learn 5 tips on where and how to use a vinyl framed block window.

Tip 1 - Identify where you want to use the window - Glass block windows have many uses beyond what most people think about. Here are a few common (and more unique) uses to consider:

Bathroom and Shower- With this type of window you can get rid of the expensive blinds and window treatments in the bathroom while still getting maximum light transmission. Use this window in the shower to provide a low maintenance light source in this wet area.
Basements - This cost effective use is popular to provide maximum security for a cost effective price.
Den- position these windows underneath cabinetry to let natural light flow in while maintaining privacy.
Closets- Do you have problems seeing well in your closet with only a small light fixture overhead? A solution is to install a fixed block transom window near the top of the closet walls. This will even help colorblind people to distinguish between blue and black socks.
Garage - If you like to use your garage for projects natural lighting is a big benefit and the block window provides high security for any valuable items you may be storing as well.
Kitchen - A block window between your kitchen countertops and cabinetry can let light stream in and provide a natural backsplash that's easy to clean.

Step 2 - Determine if a framed or frameless window is better - The lighter 2" thick glass block windows are only available in a vinyl framed system. Although it's easier to work with the lighter window, the vinyl framed system is not the best solution for all projects. Here's where to use both the framed and frameless systems:

Vinyl framed windows- use in wood framed (rough openings) where the size of the opening will work with the dimensions of the 2" thick blocks (note: the 2" thick blocks come in 8" x 8" x 2" size so the rough openings need to work in 8" increments). These windows (which are available with easy to install nailing fins) are used frequently in new construction, room additions, or in upper floor framed and stucco openings where the window openings can be adjusted to fit the window.
Unframed block windows- this window is (which are available in the heavier 3" and 4" thick blocks) generally more cost effective than the framed system and are best used in masonry openings where the block windows can be mortared into place. The other advantage of the unframed windows is they are available in more blocks sizes (the most common are 4" x 8", 6" x 6", 6" x 8" and 8" x 8") which allow these window building panels to be designed in 2" size increments. Most basement windows are completed with the unframed system.

Step 3 - Make sure this window is built for strength - Not all vinyl framed glass block windows are created alike. Make sure you choose a window that is manufactured to withstand extreme weather conditions. The best made windows use a vinyl stacking spacing system in between the blocks which provides superior impact strength, minimizes the chance of water infiltration, and offers higher wind load capabilities.

Step 4 - Add style with colored, frosted, and etched blocks - You no longer need to make your window decision based on a one size fits all approach. You can select from a wide variety of colored, frosted, etched glass blocks. In the lighter 2" series blocks (which are manufactured by Mulia Inc.) you can choose between two privacy patterns called Wave and Iceberg. There are also white and almond frames available.

Step 5 - If the window's not a fit you must acquit- A block window is not the right solution for all projects. If you're looking for full operability (but you like the looks and privacy of blocks) you may want to consider using an acrylic block window. This type of window is available in several opening styles including single hungs, sliders, casements, awnings and hoppers.

Now that you're equipped with these 5 tips you're ready to get started with ordering your lighter vinyl framed glass block window.

Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Window Company, Clear Choice Window & Door, Mid America Glass Block Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron & V.P. of Eastern Glass Block New Jersey & New York. These companies are nationwide suppliers and regional installers of glass block windows, walls, showers and bases.

Tel. 614-252-5888 Nationwide 877-668-5888

glass block windows

vinyl framed glass block window

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How to Make Acrylic & Glass Block Window Installations Easier & Improve Quality at the Same Time

"I'm really scared to do this glass block window installation" a customer recently said. "Don't you have a way to make it easier, lighter, and maybe even cut down the mess for my window project?" Fortunately the answer is yes - it's by using vinyl or aluminum framed windows built with acrylic and glass blocks. In this article you'll learn the following:

1. Why framed windows systems can make your project easier

2. What products and sizes are available

3. What rooms a vinyl framed window system will work best in

4. Where to use both glass windows vs. acrylic block windows systems

5. Cool and unique projects ideas.

1) Why framed windows systems can make your life easier

Let's face it mortared block window installations are messy. Getting the right mortar mix is not easy, and there is always the concern of the pre-fabricated window assembly breaking just as you go to set it into the opening. Framed window systems take much of the guess-work, weight, and worries away.

Framed windows are pre-assembled with silicone joints between the blocks (getting rid of the need to mix mortar) and are usually made with 2" thick glass or acrylic units (reducing the weight by as much 1/3 to ? vs. traditional block units made of 3" and 4" thick block). With integral nailing fins the windows are installed like standard vinyl windows (they are nailed into the opening for new construction or built without the fins for a replacement window application) without the mess usually associated with a mortared glass window. Since the windows are siliconed together inside a vinyl frame they can be shipped nationwide and have been used in states with varied weather patterns - from Florida to Minnesota to California to Maine.

2) What product and size options are available?

Factory assembled framed block windows systems can be made of with vinyl or aluminum frames using either glass or acrylic blocks inside the windows. Glass block sizes used most often are 8" x 8" x 2" (for the reduced weight), 6" x 6" x 3", and 8" x 8" x 4" in a wide variety of patterns and colors. Acrylic block sizes used most frequently are 8" x 8", 6" x 6" and occasionally 9" x 9" and are usually 1 ?" to 2" thick. Frame colors can vary with white and almond being the most common.

3) What rooms should you use a vinyl framed window system

The main reasons to choose a block window system are where you want privacy, a cool clean look, style, and privacy all wrapped in one window solution. Since these windows meet tempered window standards they are stronger and harder to break than standard glass windows which make them safe to use in bathroom and other higher risk areas of a home or business.

Acrylic or glass block windows are being used in bathrooms as either transom windows above tub surrounds or above soaking and Jacuzzi tubs on the side of the home for privacy. Kitchen and den backsplashes are becoming a more popular application to get natural light underneath cabinetry. These windows are being used in stairwells in commercial buildings and for churches who want light, security, and color with their windows (a church in New Mexico is looking to put in green, purple, red, and orange colored glass blocks into one framed window assembly). Sidelites around front doors and closets are using block windows to get security and light without compromising privacy. For most basement windows considering using block windows without frames - it is usually better to mortar these windows into their masonry and poured wall foundations than to have a vinyl frame around the windows.

4) Where to use glass and acrylic framed window systems

There is much debate over whether glass or acrylic is better for your window projects. The simple answer is they both have their place and that is why both materials are successful in the market. Here is a quick look at where it's best to use each product.

Advantages and Where to Use Framed Glass Block Windows

- Where you want the strength & durability of a real glass window for scratch resistance and quality - If you want to incorporate a wide variety of colors into your windows

- Where you are concerned about what cleaning products may be used on the windows

- (acrylic blocks can have problems if abrasive cleaning agents are used on the block's surface)

- If you like a slimmer frame around your window Advantages and Where to Use Framed Acrylic Block Windows

- If you want a fully operable single hung, casement, awning, or slider window (acrylic windows can be provided with cranks and fully operable window sashes). In addition acrylic windows can be used in arch top, hexagon, octagon, or round top window designs.

- If you need an energy star or Low E rated window.

- If you want a lighter window for ease of installation.

- If you need a custom fit block size for a replacement window application.

5) Cool and Unique Project Ideas

Here are some different ideas to consider with your block windows:

- A step down almond colored vinyl framed glass block window was used above a soaking tub in a home builder's Parade Home in Columbus Ohio.

- A therapist in New Orleans Louisiana is planning to use a slider acrylic block window in a waiting room inside of an existing glass block wall for privacy and to keep the all block look.

- A home being remodeled in Dallas Texas is considering installing a framed window with a block art mural with an ocean scene applied directly on the glass (this decorative art mural uses glass frit which is baked directly into the glass making it a permanent part of the glass).

- A church in Arkansas is looking to put a Ruby Red colored cross inside a framed window. With framed glass and acrylic block windows and a vast selection of styles, patterns, colors, sizes and designs

- projects have never been easier, cooler, and neater to do!

Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Glass Block, Mid America Glass Block Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron & Eastern Glass Block New York & New Jersey - nationwide suppliers of acrylic block windows and also vinyl framed glass block window manufacturers including patterned and color glass blocks.
For nationwide questions and orders call 877-668-5888

acrylic block window
acrylic block windows

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