Bathroom Replacement Windows - Choosing Between a Glass Block, Acrylic, Wood or a Vinyl Window

Selecting a bathroom replacement window is not easy. Choosing between a wood, vinyl, acrylic or glass block bathroom window is made easier by considering 7 criteria based on the window's design, cost, looks and function. This article will provide seven practical steps to help compare window types and will help you make the right selection for your window project.

Step 1 - Determine how much operability you need in the window - If you need a window that can open completely, (whether it be a side to side slider - an up and down double hung - or a crank out casement style) then a vinyl, wood or acrylic block window will be best. These types are available with different opening options to maximize air flow. A couple in Cleveland Ohio recently replaced an old single pane metal framed bath window that was literally rusted shut with a vinyl casement window and are now able to get the steam out of the bath area while simultaneously reducing heating and cooling costs.

Step 2 - Think through your need for security - If you're worried about vandalism, break-ins, or theft a glass block window is an excellent choice. These blocks are very difficult to break (it would take a sledgehammer to knock them out) and gaining entry would require that each unit be broken out individually - a task that takes a lot of time and makes a lot of noise - something burglars aren't looking to contend with. Many of these windows are also mortared into the foundation for additional security.

Step 3 - Evaluate how much privacy you want - If the bath window to be replaced is directly in or by a shower or tub you'll want to use a glass package that offers the maximum amount of privacy. For vinyl and wood windows you can use an obscure and tempered glass assembly for maximum safety and privacy. Acrylic and glass block windows are available with high privacy frosted, diamond, ice, or wave patterns that can even eliminate the need for curtains in a wet area. A single mother in Columbus Ohio felt much safer after replacing the old and rotten wood frame double hung window in her daughter's bathroom with a high privacy block window pattern with an integral air vent.

Step 4 - Develop a budget for your bath window - When it comes down to the budget rarely does someone say the skies the limit. If you're looking for a more cost-effective window vinyl or glass blocks are best, next most expensive will be the acrylic blocks, and the priciest windows will be made of wood. The opening designs of the windows will also have an impact on costs. Double hung and slider windows are generally the cheapest and the casements are most expensive. Make sure to consider the life cycle costs of your window - a more insulated glass package will cost more today but can pay for itself with reduced energy costs down the road.

Step 5 - Get money back from the government with an energy efficient glass package and save money on your heating and cooling costs- With the $1,500 energy tax credit available on windows with a U value of.30 or better (that is comparable to an R value of 3.33 or better) you can get back your investment in new replacement windows in a very short period of time. Look for wood and vinyl windows with Low E/Argon or Krypton filled glass packages. Make sure your windows are tax credit eligible before making any purchase.

Step 6 - Consider the interior and exterior design look you desire - For a classic and traditional look it's hard to beat the wood window (which looks very nice with fancy trim packages to finish the window on the inside). For a more contemporary design the sleek look of the block window will generate a more modern appearance.

Step 7 - Use decorative, frosted, etched glass or colored glass block to add style to your bathroom window - Why be boring when you can add a cool and distinctive look to your bath or shower window? You can use decorative etchings or mural designs in vinyl, wood and block windows. In addition there are frosted and colored glass blocks that can brighten up a room and add a one of kind style. A family in Cincinnati Ohio put an etched glass block window tree mural into an area that was formerly an inefficient single pane metal picture window in their master bathroom.

Making the right choice of the best bathroom replacement window is not the simplest thing to do. Develop your selection by examining the function, design, and cost of the window for your specific remodeling project.

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 bathroom wood, vinyl, acrylic and glass block windows.

Tel. 614-252-5888 Nationwide 877-668-5888. bathroom replacement window & replacement windows.

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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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