GLASS BLOCK WINDOWS
January 23rd, 2008
A practical and unique way to enhance a home is to use glass block windows. With lots of new products in the glass block windows design, colors, shapes, and custom configurations available, there are unlimited creative ideas. While looking great, glass block windows are also strong, sound-deadening, thermal insulated, good security and fire protection, and allow natural light to enter while still giving privacy.
If you don’t have double glazing, your windows will almost certainly be the biggest cause of sound leakage. Even double-glazed units are of limited use, and will leak far more sound than the surrounding walls, so glass block windows behind the original windows is still strongly recommended. If, on the other hand, you are working in a room with regular single-glazed windows, secondary double-glazing should be considered essential unless you’re prepared to block up the window aperture altogether, using glass block windows. It also helps to use the thickest glass you can find for the glass block windows, as more mass translates into less leakage.
Glass block windows and acrylic block windows are often used for architecturally stylish applications to improve security. In homebuilding, glass block windows are frequently used for basement window glazing. Glass block windows and acrylic block grid systems are also used to create partition walls and screens, and shower enclosures, as well. With approved grid systems for support, glass block windows can be used for floors and ceilings. Glass block windows and acrylic block is available in a number of different standard sizes and thicknesses, in a host of colors and with a variety of patterns that affect appearance and opacity.
Glass Block Windows don’t have to be difficult to install. Most manufacturers are now building pre-assembled glass block windows that are set into a glass block windows frame. These glass block windows can then be delivered to the building site and installed as a single unit like a window frame. The glass block windows still look like the traditional installation, but save money and mess over building them on the construction site. Most of the glass block windows frames they are built in are either white or almond aluminum, although vinyl wrapped aluminum is available. The glass block windows sizes range from a single block, which is usually eight inches, to square or rectangular up to about four by seven feet.
How do you clean your Glass Block Windows? Washing your glass block windows with a mild soap or detergent and lukewarm water should do just fine for cleaning. If you must use plastic polish on your glass block windes, at least use a good quality product. Use a soft cloth or clean sponge to minimize scratching of your glass block windows and rinse well with water. If you have used a high quality acrylic product, your glass block windows will not need a large amount of cleaning. Don’t scrub or use any brushes on your glass block windows. Harsh cleansers are not necessary and if you do choose to use a cleanser at all, make sure that it is compatible with acrylic before applying it to your glass block windows.
Who says you can’t live in a glass house? Glass block windows may be square or rectangular and can be used in any non-load-bearing wall where you want more light with privacy. Most of the sound leakage that occurs in a typical home studio does so via floors, ceilings, windows and doors. Lightweight partition walls are also less than ideal sound isolators, though a properly constructed one may be reasonably effective. The greatest improvement can usually be made by upgrading doors and windows with glass block windows.
By Kelly P. Kramer
Entry Filed under: Window & Doors Resource
