Different sized blocks used to border a glass block shower window
Using a decorative glass block border can turn an ordinary project into an extraordinary project. In the article below learn how decorative borders can be used in glass block windows or shower walls and about the product options to choose from.
After Glass Block Church Windows at St James Episcopal Church with Composite Trim Board
Let’s face it – single pane wood framed windows have a lot of pitfalls – they are poor insulators, can be broken into easily and the frames surrounding the sashes deteriorate over time. Transform Construction contacted the Columbus Glass Block division of Innovate Building Solutions to find a long lasting and high quality solution for this problem. The old basement windows to be replaced were part of a basement renovation for St. James Episcopal Church. Learn below the advantages of glass block church windows and the installation approach used to ensure these windows last over time.
Before - single pane wood framed windows at St. James Episcopal Church in Columbus Ohio before glass blocks were installed
Garage windows using glass blocks being mortared for high security and increased privacy
You may be asking – why should anyone care about the windows being used in a garage and why would glass block windows make sense in this space? Well in case you haven’t noticed garages are becoming a “hot” area of a home. Check out some of these facts:
According to the U.S. Census 1.3 million garages per year are being converted into living space.
From the National Association of Home Builders in 1950 58% of new homes had no garage – today 91% of new homes have a garage and 83% have a 2 car garage or more.
17% of new homes in the United States have a 3 car garage.
So – what is prompting this increased interest in garages and what does that have to do with glass block windows? The reality is homeowners are looking for cost effective spaces that can be used as “flex” areas (i.e. for more than one use). In addition to parking cars people are now using garages for hobby and craft areas, workshops, children’s play rooms, ping pong and pool tables, poker rooms and exercise rooms. With this increased interest (and money) being put into garages there is a need for better windows– that is where garage glass block windows come into place.
Learn below the benefits and options of these windows vs. the old single pane windows that are generally installed when the garage was built.
Glass blocks are a building material that has stood the test of time – but like many building materials it is evolving in new & exciting ways. Read below how 5 new glass block products are tying into the design, needs and market trends for consumers and businesses in 2013.
Innovate Protect All Glass Block Basement Window with an Air Vent
September 26 2012 (511 words)
Installing glass block windows is a great way to provide not only protection from the heat and cold air from outside – but they are also a way to guard your family against intruders. This fact is pretty well known in Midwest part of the United States where a lot of basement windows, garage windows, and bathroom windows have been installed – but what is not known is there is a new fabrication system that has notched up this the benefits of a glass block window to another level. This system is the Innovate Protect All Glass Block Window which will be explained below.
Prefabricated glass block windows using the mortar method
If you’re confused about the best method of fabricating a glass block window or wall you’re not alone. In this article you’ll learn about the 3 most popular ways to assemble glass blocks (mortar, silicone and vinyl stack), where to use each method and their advantages and disadvantages.
Choosing the best vinyl replacement windows or glass block windows can be tough. Not only do you want to consider their looks, function and cost it’s also crucial to know how energy efficient the windows will be. While many people focus in on looks and initial purchase price often the homeowner can make the best long term choice by focusing in on a windows’ energy efficiency as well (it’s estimated that anywhere from 20 to 30% of all home energy is lost through windows and doors).
In the article below we’ll provide some of the basics to understanding how to evaluate window energy efficiencies and what types of window systems can be used to lower future home utility costs and make a home more light filled and comfortable.
At first glance all vinyl framed glass block windows may look the same – but do not be fooled – it is often the details you may not notice that will make the difference in having a window that performs best in the long run. In the article below you’ll learn more about the advantages of a vinyl frame privacy window that is assembled with a vinyl stacking system.
Building security, vandalism, glass breakage can be a nightmare for maintenance departments and drive up costs for building owners. A solution to this problem is using solid security glass blocks. Learn below the benefits and common uses for this product.
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.