If you’ve got a small bathroom you probably know all too well some of the problems associated with your corner shower enclosure. Some of the more common challenges include:
Space for showering and storage is limited
It’s not the safest showering experience without a place to sit down
Doors that open out get in the way and spill out water
Flimsy framed wall systems are unattractive and wobble when you open them.
Shower openings are very narrow
Identifying the problems is not very hard – coming up with a better solution (without breaking the bank) is the key. Learn below some practical tips to remodel your small corner shower enclosure into a functional, enjoyable and decorative space you can be proud of.
Handicapped Accessible Roll in Shower with Curved Glass Block Wall in Process Before Great Big Home & Garden Show
If you’ve got a family member with mobility challenges or special needs you know your existing bathtub or shower enclosure can be a difficult and dangerous place to maneuver. Stepping over a bathtub rail or shower curb can be an accident waiting to happen. Slippery floor surfaces and hard to reach shampoo and soap niches can be a cause for concern – especially if there are no grab bars or stable wall to grab on to.
Creating a universal design shower (one that can be used by people of all ages or abilities) or an ADA shower that looks luxurious yet is functional requires the thoughtful selection of products and construction expertise. Read the article below (or attend The Great Big Home & Garden Expo from Feburary 4th to 12th at the Cleveland I-X Center and visit the Cleveland Design & Remodeling booth #964) to see the features and benefits of an actual size luxury roll in shower.
If you’re looking for a way to make people say wow for an urban live work space check
this project out.
Glass Block Wall Illuminated with Chauvet LED Lighting around Hot Spring Tub
When an owner of a web marketing company contacted Cleveland Glass Block they were looking to create a fun space that could create a cool look and a relaxing space for visitors, employees and friends of the business. Combining a glass block wall, LED lighting and an indoor Jacuzzi tub which incorporated a hydraulic cover a dramatic space was developed. Here’s more details about the project:
Although many people have seen glass blocks installed in for residential basement and bathroom windows there is a certainly mystique surrounding how to properly perform glass block window installation for commercial buildings. Check out the video below and read these 5 steps to learn the basic ways to properly accomplish this process.
Step 1 – Evaluate the type of structure surrounding the inside & outside of the window opening (masonry, brick veneer, steel, aluminum or wood buildings). Glass block windows can be installed in any of these different building types – although the process may vary between them.
Step 2 – Determine what materials the existing windows are made of (metal, aluminum, wood frames). In most commercial, factory and church windows removing the existing frames is the preferred approach as long as the framing is not tied into a surrounding structure that will be damaged if the frames are removed.
Step 3 – Measure the width & height of the openings. Longer & taller openings will require an aluminum channel style installation to allow for proper expansion & contraction. Most opening greater than 50 square feet require aluminum channels so the panel sections won’t break during the freeze/thaw cycle.
Step 4 – Use prefabricated commercial glass block windows strengthened with vinyl or steel reinforcing to reduce installation time, improve security, and minimize downtime & disruption for a business. In the old days most industrial glass block windows were mortared together by a mason contractor block by block once the window opening was created. This process takes a long time, can be messy and can lead a building that needs remodeling open too long. The pre-made sections can cut installation costs, improve the quality (shop built assemblies can be more uniform than site built windows), and can significantly reduce the amount of time a window area is open for a retrofit project.
Step 5 – Choose a glass block, general or maintenance contractor with expertise in commercial, architectural or industrial projects. Some commercial window projects can involve quite large areas that can involve challenges like protrusions through the window or they can be high off the ground. Projects like these may not be a good idea for an unfamiliar company maintenance department and may be best handled by an experienced general or glass block contractor.
Do you have any questions or input about how to install a commercial, industrial or church glass block window? Please comment below.
If you need more information about installing glass block commercial, factory or church windows visit Cleveland Glass Block (216-531-6363), Columbus Glass Block (614-252-5888 or nationwide at or Mid America Glass Block (513-742-5900) of Cincinnati or Dayton.
