Decorate Your House with Glass Blocks
2008-08-21

                                                                                     Decorate Your House with Glass Blocks

Glass brick, also known as glass block, is an architectural element used in areas where privacy or visual obscuration is desired while admitting light, such as underground parking garages, washrooms, and municipal swimming baths. Glass block was originally developed in the early 1900s to provide natural light in industrial factories.

 How to Use Glass Blocks throughout Your House In the 1920s and '30s, glass blocks were mostly used beside front doors and in bathrooms. Today we use them in many other places, too. Glass is one of our oldest and most useful products. It dates back to about 4000 B.C. In ancient times, formed pieces of colored glass were thought of as precious stone. Since the center of the block is hollow, it provides air space that insulates. Light coming through is diverted and distributed in odd patterns, giving an added decorative effect in a room. Some blocks are clear, while others are translucent. The typical size of a block is 4 inches square, which allows many uses, and blocks come in larger sizes. They can be stepped or set straight with an opening in the middle or to the side. They can form various geometric shapes. A bit of imagination and creativity will inspire countless ways of using them. Installation isn't too difficult. The blocks have a rough coating around the edges those bonds with mortar. One part Portland cement, one part lime and three parts sand make a mortar mix. Expansion strips and reinforcing strips are available to add strength and flexibility. 

How to Install Glass Block Who says you can't live in a glass house? Glass blocks may be square or rectangular and can be used in any non-load-bearing wall where you want more light with privacy. Here are a few steps to help you install a glass block and let more light into your home. Instructions: Things you’ll need: Glass Blocks, Work Gloves, Sponges, Wood Sealer, Scouring Pad, 1-by-2 Boards, Caulking Guns, Hammers, Silicone Caulk, Trowels.

Frame Installation Step1: Install 1-by-2 board as framing for the blocks. Step2: Nail it along the center of the space so that the blocks will cover the front and the back when they are set in place. Step3: Put two coats of sealer on the wood to protect it from moisture. Step4: Let it dry completely.

Mortar Installation Step1: Bend the panel anchors into an L shape, with the short leg at about 3 inches. Step2: Nail the panel anchors to the frame with the short leg parallel to the floor. Add a new panel anchors every third row. Step3: Set a row of blocks with plastic spacers. Step4: Follow the manufacturer's directions and mix the glass-block mortar. Step5: Use a mortar knife to put a layer of mortar on the base or sill. You'll know you're using enough if the mortar squeezes out when you place a block on it. Step6: Put the spacer into place, then slide the first glass block in. Step7: Put a layer of mortar on the side of the next block and press it into place. Repeat for the entire row, and then make sure the row is level. Step8: Scoop up the squeezed-out mortar with a trowel and then wipe the glass with a damp sponge before starting the next row. Step9: Finish three rows, and then lay a line of mortar across the top. Step10: Set a wire stabilizer on top of the mortar to reinforce the wall. Step11: Set another layer of mortar on top of the stabilizer, put the spacers in place and continue laying the blocks. Step12: Let the mortar dry for 24 to 36 hours, and then caulk the outside edges to keep moisture out.

Using Prefabricated Panels Step1: Lay a continuous bead of silicone caulk around the entire opening. Step2: Center the panel and, holding it level set it into the opening. Step3: Tap roofing nails around the panel to hold it in place. Step4: Slide a drip cap over the top if the panel is being used in a shower or bathtub. Step5: Install the trim around the glass and enjoy! Tips & Warnings a) Clean up excess mortar with a dry scouring pad. b) Don't put mortar on the jambs or over the spacers. c) Be aware that preassembled glass block panels are very heavy. d) Don't put glass blocks in areas where they will be required to support part of your home's structure. They are not designed for bearing loads.