This video provides a step-by-step guide on how to install glass block windows in your home. The process begins with measuring the window opening, then placing the tracking in the window opening and ensuring the cutout section is at the top. Next, the blocks are placed in the window opening, and silicone sealer is applied to the horizontal seams first.
Installing glass block windows is a practical way to weatherproof your basement or create an attractive dividing wall. Glass blocks can serve various purposes, such as 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 windows, follow these nine steps:
- Fur out the window.
- Nail stop blocks to the window frame.
- Get the window ready for tile.
- Inject the expanding foam.
- Set the new glass block window carefully on top of the bed joint.
- Square the block so that the reveal spacing is the same on both sides.
- Install a preassembled glass block panel for a basement window.
- Install glass block basement windows. These units are mortared to the concrete block or poured foundation, making them a secure solution.
- To install your own glass block wall, measure out the frame, mix the mortar, spread it out, and press each block down. Work side to side until the window is securely installed.
📹 Glass Block Installation DIY
Can glass blocks be used outside?
Glass blocks and bricks are the preferred material for customers due to their low maintenance requirements and resilience to damage from external factors.
How do you install exterior glass block windows?
Glass block windows are a great way to incorporate natural light into your home without letting passersby see. They are easier to install than traditional windows and require only a few tools, materials, and a couple of hours of labor. To install a glass block window, measure the window space, select the right window, remove the old window, prepare, mix and apply a bed of mortar, install the glass block window panel, level and mortar the panel, seal with caulk, and clean any mortar or caulk residue. The benefits of installing glass block windows are numerous, and Today’s Homeowner works with an independent reviews team to create evidence-based research for informed decision-making.
How long does glass block last?
Glass block windows can last up to 30 years with minimal maintenance. They can be cleaned like other windows and power washed outside for extra cleaning. To maintain stability, repair chipped mortar and resealing mortar with silicone caulk every two years. Glass block windows come in various types, including clear, patterned, fire-rated, vented, frameless, and framed styles. Clear glass offers privacy while transmitting light, while patterned glass offers privacy and buffers shapes from the outside. Fire-rated glass blocks slow fire spread and can withstand high temperatures. Vented windows have a small hinged built-in window for airflow, while frameless glass blocks have a classic look.
What are the disadvantages of glass blocks?
Glass block windows in bathrooms can make the space feel uncomfortable and lack fresh air, making them a safety hazard. To improve ventilation, consider replacing glass block windows with vented options like awning and casement windows. However, maintaining these windows can be challenging due to their unique structure, which collects dust, grime, and soap scum in the crevices between the blocks, making cleaning a tedious and time-consuming task. Opting for a vented window can provide both privacy and airflow, making them an ideal choice for bathroom ventilation.
What kind of mortar do you use for glass block windows?
QUIKRETE® Glass Block Mortar (No. 1610) is a waterproof mortar blend that provides a decorative, waterproof joint, exceeding the performance requirements set forth by ASTM C270 for Type S Mortar. Its use is straightforward, requiring only the addition of water.
What are the disadvantages of glass block windows?
This article discusses the drawbacks of glass block windows, including limited ventilation, maintenance and cleaning challenges, limited visibility, poor insulation, limited design options, potential breakage, and complex installation. While glass block windows offer privacy and natural light, they have become outdated due to their style and appearance. To choose the best replacement windows, consider these drawbacks and consider the best options for your home.
Is glass block expensive to install?
Glass block window installation costs vary between $250 and $3, 900, with an average cost of $721 for homeowners. These windows, commonly found in bathrooms and basements, allow natural light while maintaining privacy. They are energy-efficient and less prone to air leaks. Factors affecting the price include the brand and style of the window, the type of glass block used, and the installation method. To find a professional installer, consider these factors and follow the cost data from Fixr and Home Advisor.
What is the spacing for glass block?
The text provides guidance on the optimal spacing of glass block anchors for various block sizes. For 6″ blocks, the recommended spacing is 18″, for 8″ blocks, 16″, and for 12″ blocks, 24″. This approach ensures the secure attachment of the glass blocks to the surrounding frame.
Do you need a frame for glass block?
While the use of an aluminum frame for brick installation is not mandatory, it is nevertheless recommended as a means of facilitating the process and conveying a sense of professionalism.
Is glass block hard to install?
This guide elucidates the methodology for the installation of a preassembled glass block panel for a basement window. This method is more straightforward and nearly foolproof than traditional window installation. The process requires only a few tools and a few hours, and necessitates the use of materials such as acrylic caulk, a glass block window, and protective gloves. The panel is affixed to the substrate with mortar and caulk.
What goes between glass block windows?
The prefabricated window, comprising a mortar and sand mixture between the blocks, is a common example of the classic mortared-together glass block window.
📹 How to Install a Glass Block Window
Watch the professionals at WMGB Home Improvement install a glass block window.
Great article Jeff. Many, if not all, other glass block articles left out useful information. In particular the metal supports at every third course, brick ties, and using glass block mortar between glass blocks, and the type S mortar for contact with rough opening. The spacers do come up in other articles, though, none showed, let alone mention, the twist removal of them. I decided to install glass blocks instead of glass block windows because of the weight differences. Handling each block installation is much less weight then dealing with the weight of an entire window at once. Thanks so much Jeff
Nice job! I heard you say you got the products locally at HD in your area (I figure you’re near Pittsburgh, PA). For anyone perusal, glass blocks are one of those things that are very area-specific. In the Wash DC area up to Northeast PA I couldn’t find anyone who stocks the white mortar for glass blocks. In fact, neither HD nor Lowe’s allows me to order it. One of the builder supply places I talked with said I could make the mortar from silica sand, white mortar and some liquid bonding polymer — but that would have cost me about $60 bucks for my one-window project and I would have a bunch leftover. Soooo, I actually ordered a 50lb bag of glass block mortar from Menards, for $40 shipped to my home.
I have 2 acrylic(I think feels like plastic)clear wavy block bathroom windows. One window-middle bottom 4 cubes have cracks that I can feel inside and out that needs to repair. One suggested GE Premium window caulk another said they don’t think it would hold up but to use solar shield sealant to repair to cover it. Would appreciate your thoughts and thank you. Cold weather coming. No budget or time to anything major.
You said the block was 8″. You laid the block on the outside of the block and i wanted to see what you did about the gap on the inside of the block since block is alot thicker. I have only saw a block 4 inch thick which means on the inside there is two inches exposed. What do you do to finish the block inside.
Is there still a demand for installation of glass block windows? I’ve done glass block windows inside my home in two places to reflect light throughout home. Thinking of doing it as business startup. I did a glass block window in our master bath interior closet wall so closet doesn’t feel so dark. Did another in bathroom interior wall to reflect light from a nearby window. Look cool during sunrise. Reflects throughout upstairs room. Wish I could show pictures. I did both over ten years ago. Still love glass block! How does one charge for glass block installation?
Great article, thanks!! Just getting started thinking about replacing a 48″x60″ bathroom sliding window above a jetted tub with glass blocks as I remodel/replace the never-used tub with a nice walk-in shower. (Definitely do NOT want shower spray sitting in the window website and finding a way into the framing below!) A few questions after perusal. For measuring/spacing, it looks like maybe 1/2″ on all 4 sides and 1/8-1/4″” between tiles??? And reading other comments below, why shouldn’t they be placed next to standard window wood framing?? if not, what goes between the 2×4 window frame and mortar?
Hey Jeff, ive been perusal/reading a few different peoples advice on glass block. I am wondering if there was a reason you did not use an expansion joint/foam between the glass and concrete? I live near Toronto so we have to deal with winter, wondered if this was something you had to deal with? Materials for this project are turning out very hars to find so i dont know if i can even go through with it
Hey, can you advise on the premade glassblock windows? I have the basic, 2 layer, with the small pullout window, but I am noticing that the bottom of the glass blocks are not siliconed in, like the top part. Is that a mistake on manufacturing? I bought from Home Depot. I am gonna call them, but wondered if you ever saw this on the prebuilt windows. I’m thinking that I could just silicone in between each one. I bought these 4 years ago, just now doing my project. Thanks for your article.