Why You Should Avoid Glass Block Windows

Glass block windows may have been a staple in older buildings with outdated style, but some modern builders are giving them a little comeback in newer homes.

Why are glass block windows used, and are they a good choice for a home? Here are a few reasons why you should avoid glass block windows.

What Are Glass Block Windows?

Glass block windows came into fashion around the early 1900s as a durable and insulating way to let natural light into factories. We still use them today: not only for windows, but also for walls and skylights.

Some people like to use them for bathroom walls and windows, as they let in light but nobody can see inside. When built into “walls”, they are laid in a grid with steel-reinforced mortar in between each block. They can be made to be durable against bullets and fire.

However, frosted and decorative glass windows can do the same thing without making your home look outdated. They basically make glass block windows obsolete.

Are Glass Block Windows Attractive?

While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, many current design experts, home decorators and architects agree that the look of glass block is outdated, unattractive and unnecessary.

Some architects have argued that glass block is all too commonly relied upon as a crutch to cover up a poorly designed walkway or corner. A better material could’ve been used if the builder had wanted to spend the time and money.

Glass block windows have a thick, cloudy, and slightly reflective look that is difficult to see through, and some homeowners prefer to let this trend stay in the past.

Glass Block Windows Are Tough to Construct

Glass block windows aren’t a fit for a beginner or for your average DIY project. They must be carefully planned and measured out, and the blocks must be cut to size. The process is fairly similar to bricklaying, which is a learned skill best performed by a professional.

If the blocks are not laid and sealed properly, you’re looking at damage not only to the windows but to the rest of your house as well, thanks to potential water leakage. It’s possible to find pre-laid sections of glass block, but they’re extremely heavy and will require at least one other person to help you lift them.

Are Glass Block Windows Tough?

Glass block walls are often touted for their strength. However, their thickness and durability have tricked some homeowners into thinking they can bear more weight than they really can.

Glass block windows should never be used in any load-bearing capacity. They may not break immediately, but given enough time they will start cracking, which is a safety hazard and an expensive mess to clean up.

Additionally, glass block windows are quite heavy, so you would also need to inspect the floor under the area, and possibly add structural support boards underneath. The weight of a glass block wall or large window could cause the floor to sink, warp or even collapse.

Can You See Through Glass Block Windows?

Glass block windows are commonly used as a solution to privacy in home design – especially in bathrooms, where you need to have adequate privacy.

Many assume that the cloudy or frosted nature of a glass block is enough to block out the view for passersby, only to find out after the costly and time-consuming installation that the neighbors have been getting a peep show.

An onlooker probably won’t be able to see every detail up close and personal, but some homeowners have complained of having to put up curtains in order to prevent others from seeing full outlines, skin coloration and other personal details they’d rather not show off.

Glass Block Windows Don’t Allow Ventilation

Ventilation is an important feature in any home – not only do we enjoy fresh air for a pleasant atmosphere, but it’s actually essential to our health as well.

We need to be able to open the windows when someone is ill, when we’re cleaning something with harsh chemicals or doing a home project such as painting or varnishing. Otherwise, the fumes could be dangerous to our health.

Being able to open the windows in any given room also helps us save money – if we can’t let in a little air when the weather changes, we’ll have to turn on our furnace or air conditioner more frequently. This will end up costing you more on your energy bills each month.

Glass Block Windows Are Expensive

Glass block windows are heavy and the process used to create them is expensive, so they can be a costly addition to your home when compared with the standard alternatives.

Even for a tiny basement window constructed from glass block, it would cost at least $175. A single glass block would cost approximately $15, with specialty blocks such as frosted or colored blocks can run up to $50.

Additionally, you’d need to secure help for installation and have them re-sealed every so often to prevent water from seeping through.

Glass Block Windows Are Unsuitable for Warm Climates

If you live in an area where the summers are very hot, such as the Midwest, you may wish to reconsider putting glass block windows in your home. Glass blocks absorb and transfer the heat very well, turning your room into a greenhouse.

You’ll spend more money and energy on air conditioning to offset these effects, which are more pronounced in a small area such as a bathroom. Many homeowners have complained about their bathrooms developing a stifling heat during the day after installing glass block windows, even when the air conditioner is running.

Stay Away From Glass Block Windows

So, should glass block windows remain in the past? Some designers think that they can be used to great effect in modern designs and improve the look and value of a home and we disagree.

If you are considering working with this material, you may want to second guess that. Other window styles and accessories offer the same features as glass block windows without the outdated look.

If you do have glass block windows and want to replace them with something better and beautiful, look no further than Feldco for the best replacement windows in the Midwest.

With over 400,000 happy customers, we know what it takes to improve your home’s energy efficiency and curb appeal. Get started today with a free quote online and see why so many homeowners trust us.

Custom Made Glass Block Windows

Diamond DM

Nubio

Alpha

Clarity

Preassembled Panels and Windows

Quality Glass Block and Window Company is an industry leader in preassembled glass block panels. We use high quality glass blocks to bring you the best quality panels and windows that provide ample light and a high level of privacy.

Our warranty-backed glass blocks are made by industry leader Seves Glass Block.

Why We Are Leaders in Glass Block Panels

Preassembled windows. Quality Glass Block and Window Company provides customers with preassembled panels crafted from Seves Glass Block. We offer customers the choice of standard or custom sizes, both with and without ventilation.

Four distinct patterns. We offer three unique patterns that provide varying degrees of light transmission and privacy: Diamond DM Pattern, Icy Pattern, Nubio Pattern Alpha Pattern and Clarity Pattern.

Energy-saving, low maintenance design. Windows from Quality Glass Block effectively eliminate the need for storm windows and reduce the amount of energy required for heating and cooling. When building with glass blocks, you do not require the additional caulking, puttying and painting that typically accompany weatherizing window fixtures. Glass blocks don’t rust, they don’t rot and the frame doesn’t peel. Cleaning is as simple as hosing the outside and wiping the inside with a damp cloth.

The Seves Glass Block Promise. At Quality Glass Block and Window Company, we trust the most reliable name in the industry, Seves Glass Block. The company provides a comprehensive variety of patterns, styles and sizes. When the glass blocks are used exclusively with Seves Glass Block accessories, the company backs its products with a five-year warranty.

Whether you are a homeowner, builder, architect or contractor, we can help you find the best product for your project. Contact Quality Glass Block and Window Company to learn more about our complete catalog of products and services. Our team is happy to answer any questions you have.

Custom Glass Block panels are typically shipped 3 to 5 days from ordering date.

Glass Block Blogger

Prefabricated Glass Block Basement Windows

Since we’re in the middle of Winter there is little to no exterior residential construction happening for a few more months until it starts coming closer to Spring. Although actual work isn’t going on right now, that doesn’t mean planning and preparation should be on hold as well. To maximize the time off for cold Winter temps to pass through you could be planning out your home remodel or renovation ideas. One in particular that can have an almost immediate, then long-lasting positive impact is a glass block basement window.

We get a lot of inquiries about glass block basement windows every Fall before Winter creeps up from homeowners who are concerned with possible flooding from rain, water creeping in from snow build-up, and just sub-par insulation for their homes. Flat-glass isn’t the greatest insulator (this is no secret), and sometimes window films or curtains won’t do the trick. A glass block basement window is more insulated than it’s flat-glass counterpart and can still help put those flooding worries to bed.

Typically, glass block basement windows used to be built the old-fashioned way: built block by block on site. This past year we’ve successfully completed more jobs using prefabricated glass block basement windows than before. Using this method, we simply build the window and ship it to you for you or your contractor to just “plug and play”. The only prep needed is to get rid of the current existing window and have the opening as a “bare masonry opening”. These prefabricated windows can be built to most opening sizes, with or without a vent, and depending on your opening size you may even be able to choose from a few different block styles.

A pre-made glass block basement window could be a great addition to your home for a few different reasons whether it be from a leak, insulation, or just standard replacement. You no longer need to use the old way of having a glass block window installed block by block, but can now just sit back and relax while we build it and ship it right to your door. The only thing left to do it get some mortar and set the window in the opening.

Visit our site at www.easternglassblock.com to see what we offer or give us a call today at 973-777-8989 (local) or 800-635-1226 (nationwide) to speak with us about how a glass block basement window can be beneficial to you and your home. Send us an email at egboffice@easternglassblock.com with any questions you may have or if you want some informational brochures. Be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Houzz to keep up with what we’re doing.

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Cersaie 2017 – An Annual Event To Showcase The Latest Seves Glass Block Products

Seves Glass Block has been pumping out all types of new, cool glass block products for some time now. They frequently turn up at all different types of architectural exhibitions to showcase what products they have to offer for commercial buildings and homes. Some glass block products are complementary and others are better suited as a stand-alone product. Check out the video on our YouTube channel below to see some of what Seves Glass Block offers:

Maybe this video will give you some inspiration or ideas on how you too can use Seves Glass Block products in your next project design. Visit our website at www.easternglassblock.com and don’t hesitate to call or email us at 973-777-8989 or egboffice@easternglassblock.com so we can help you figure out what works best for you and your project. Also, be sure to check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Houzz and Pinterest!

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Vinyl-wrapped Glass Block Windows

Becoming more popular than ever, pre-made glass block windows in a white vinyl frame could be the perfect addition or remedy for your commercial or residential project. Even though these white vinyl-wrapped glass block windows are not a new thing to the industry, we feel a good amount of people still don’t know this is an option they can choose to go with when considering using glass blocks for a remodel or new construction project. Traditionally, glass blocks have been built on-site, similar to bricks, but this has also been carried the misconception of being “the best way”. It’s not that laying the blocks on-site, one-by-one isn’t a great way to do your glass block project, but sometimes it also means it’s the most work, or inefficient.

Prefabricated glass block windows are built in the warehouse, then shipped directly to your door or jobsite for you to install as a DIY project, or via a contractor. Going with this option eliminates the work and time required to assemble the window on site as previously mentioned and gives you a nice white frame around it (as most people like). When doing glass block windows this way, the frame comes with built in weep holes and nailing fins for a relatively simple and easy install process. The prepare the opening for the installation of this window, all you’d need to do is line the opening with some 2x4s (if the opening isn’t wood already) and sit tight while the preassembled window makes its way to you.

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The only drawback of choosing a vinyl-wrapped glass block window is this: the dimensions of the window have to be in modules of 8″. For example, if you have a 34″x 58″ rough opening, you could get a 32″x 56″ glass block panel. The rough opening for a window like this would be 33-3/16″x 56-9/16″, so you see it is still relatively close to your existing rough opening despite the fact that the glass block window is smaller. For dimensions in multiples of 8″ (32″x 48″, 24″x 56″x 48″x 48″ etc…) the windows can be done using a mixture of blocks as you can see on our gallery page on our website here (see top right) , or by keeping it simple and traditional.

A prefabricated, vinyl-wrapped glass block window can be used for bathrooms, shower windows, living rooms, garage windows, basement windows, kitchen backsplashes and more. These windows can be the perfect touch on a tricky project that requires light, privacy, and size constraints as some do.