5 Steps For Installation Success

Like many product categories not hard to install options for glass block windows have started proportionately on the expanding design options. Years ago, blocks were created in a 8" x 8" x 4" size using patterns and place together inside of a masonry window opening (usually using a skilled mason) block by block having a gray mortar and masons sand - not real sexy, but it really worked. In today's world people require to use blocks more creatively in a variety of types of openings (might be masonry, framed, steel openings etc.) for just a wide variety of uses, while not having to rely strictly over a mason to have the job done. The following 5 installation steps will let you think through the needs to have your block window installation project go smoothly.

o Step 1 - Ask, "What dimensions are my window opening?"- The sized the opening is really a large element in the window installation approach. There are two basic ways to set up a glass block window:

* (Option 1) As a window panel alone, or being a panel that are part of a vinyl or metal framed window system.

* (Option 2) installing the glass blocks one at a time inside on the opening.

A benefit for glass block is it is a heavy material, the task is it's actually a heavy material when you are installing it! For most openings under 25 sq . ft . consider option 1, the block window built as panel (or section) vs. option 2. Option 2 is often more difficult, costly, as well as a higher skill. For the first option you can aquire a block window panel built using a glass block window manufacturer, often not waste time and money.

o Step 2 - Ask, "Where is block window going?" A key aspect in the block window installation is when the glass window will go in new construction or possibly a remodeling project, and regardless of if the surrounding construction is masonry (poured concrete or concrete blocks) or frame (in the middle of wood). Here are some ideas for each job condition:

* New construction projects in framed openings - For new construction framed openings make use of a vinyl framed nail in glass block window. Consult your glass window manufacturer for that size to produce your rough framed opening. These windows (that are usually siliconed together to have an all glass look) can be acquired with nailing fins just to nail in on the surface just as being a traditional vinyl window in new construction. Since they may be manufactured using the 2" thick combination of blocks (in a high privacy "Ice" pattern or "Wave" pattern from Mulia Inc.) they're lighter than traditional block windows. These windows may also be purchased with the 3" and 4" thick combination of blocks at the same time if you'd like to try among the upscale designed Beveled or Spyra compilation of blocks from Pittsburgh Corning.

* New construction projects in masonry openings - For most masonry openings under 25 square centimeter it is best to purchase mortared or siliconed block panels that may be set in the opening and mortared in at the pinnacle (also known as the head), sides (generally known as the jambs), and bottom (also known as the sill).

* Remodeling projects in framed openings -

- (Option A) If you'll be able to adjust your openings to fit one of several vinyl framed glass block windows it is possible to install assembling your project like a standard vinyl replacement window (make sure of the question manufacturer takes of the question nailing fins off just for this type of installation) by placing the vinyl window inside the opening, insulating around your window, and installing aluminum coil stock capping to meet up with the glass block window.

- (Option B) If it is possible to't adjust your existing wood opening then take off the existing window sashes and mortar the glass block to the wood opening and install aluminum coil stock for the block and caulk the spot that the coil stock meets the glass masonry units.

* Remodeling projects in masonry openings (concrete blocks or poured walls) - In remodeling projects look at the entire sized the masonry openings together with the existing frame being removed (really the only time you don't eliminate the metal or wood frames is the place where the frame is either seated on the concrete blocks or poured walls and removing them may result in damage to your surrounding interior or exterior walls). Then size your block window panels for being smaller than the masonry openings (these block windows might be sized basically in every 2" size increment). The window panels are able to be mortared into your openings.

o Step 3 - Ask, "What should I use to set the glass block together in to a window panel assembly?" - You might have heard varied opinions about precisely how the block panel needs to be assembled (the most frequent methods are employing mortar or silicone). While some companies may tell you just how only one technique is correct, they can be often just hoping to get people to purchase the fabrication method they prefer. You should choose that method the location where the panel dimension is going to suit best into your opening (making certain the joints will not exceed 1" around of the question). Included below you will find some great things about both the mortar and silicone systems:

- Advantages of Mortar over Silicone - Mortar would be the traditional approach to build a block window. The attributes of this system will be the ability to vary the sized the mortar joint (helpful for those who have an odd size), the mortar joints might be finished to check the existing masonry, and it is very difficult to break a keep away of mortared joint.

- Advantages of Silicone - Silicone is preferred if you want an all glass look for your panel, or if you want a smaller window in a opening (silicone joints are less space-consuming than mortar joints), and transportation is safer as the glass window will remain together much better than with mortar.

o Step 4 -Ask, "How do I handle a job opening greater than 25 sq . ft .?" - When openings become bigger 25 feet square (mostly in commercial, architectural and institutional projects) it is sometimes better to build of the question block by block inside the opening (this is since the panels will have to become larger, heavier, and are more challenging to handle). With openings in this size you will have to keep the following installation points under consideration:

* The window usually uses a "soft joint" at the summit (head), and sides (jambs) from the opening - Windows in excess of 25 feet square need more space for expansion and contraction requiring glass block caulk be utilized at the jambs and head from the opening in conjunction with an expansion strip. For larger openings an aluminum channel may also help with concerns regarding wind loads.

* Structural steel or aluminum is usually necessary - To allow for wind loads and structural safety larger openings (more than 20 feet high for 4" blocks and 10 feet high for 3" blocks, and 25 feet wide for 4" blocks and 15 feet wide for 3" blocks) there ought to be a metal stiffener put in to the glass block window. This stiffener could possibly be a metal hidden plate, an I beam, or perhaps a T shaped mullion of steel behind of the question/wall.

o Step 5 - Ask, "What should I do if my skills or physical abilities never allow me to do this style of installation?" - Call a specialty glass block contractor or discover a nationwide glass block window manufacturer (to generate a pre-made glass panel) to create contract out cellular phone of this window. This will ease the task, reduce cost, and help the quality with the block window installation project.