| When sizing a glass block window panel you need | | | | ½" larger than the size of the panel (for |
| to throw out the old saying "measure twice and | | | | example if the glass panel size is 40" x 40" you'll |
| cut once." With an interior or exterior block | | | | want to create your rough opening to be 40 |
| window project you need to measure twice and | | | | ½" x 40 ½"). |
| don't cut at all (this is because you can't slice | | | | Step 3) Choose a glass block window system and |
| through a block and have it retain it's structural | | | | select your pattern, design, air vent, colors, and |
| integrity and energy efficiency properties). | | | | block sizes.o Block window panels can be made |
| Although determining the size of the block glass | | | | either with or without a frame. For existing |
| window does require skill and knowledge, it does | | | | basement windows in masonry openings a |
| not take a neurosurgeon to figure this stuff out. | | | | frameless block window is more cost effective, |
| In this article you'll learn the 4 step process to get | | | | can be mortared in place, and is usually the way |
| the correct window size, system, pattern, color | | | | to go. The frameless window panels can be joined |
| and options for your needs and tastes. | | | | together either with mortar or silicone. The |
| Step 1) Where do you want to use the block | | | | advantage of the mortared windows is they are |
| window? What material is (or will be surrounding) | | | | harder to break in through and match most |
| surrounding the window opening?o Will your glass | | | | foundations. The advantage of the siliconed |
| block window be used in a lower level basement, | | | | windows are they are smaller in size when |
| a 1st floor garage or commercial building, or a 2nd | | | | pre-assembled together (which works well for |
| floor bathroom window that is 20 foot to the sill? | | | | tighter fitting openings), lighter, and have an all |
| If you're putting the window on the lower level | | | | glass look.o For upper level frame openings a vinyl |
| you can generally make the window panel larger | | | | framed block window can be an excellent choice |
| since you won't have to be lifting it in the air | | | | since these windows are available in different |
| (most basement windows tend to use anywhere | | | | frame colors and can be installed just like a |
| from 8 to 15 blocks in a pre-assembled section - | | | | standard replacement window. For openings you |
| weighing from 50 lbs. to 90 lbs per section). Most | | | | are creating, or can modify the size of, this is the |
| second floor bathroom windows tend to use 12 | | | | way to go.o There are a wide selection of block |
| to 24 blocks so you might want to select a | | | | sizes, patterns, design possibilities, air ventilation |
| thinner block thickness (either 2" or 3 1/8") so the | | | | products, and colors for your windows. A brief |
| panel is lighter and easier to install.o The | | | | overview is presented below:o Sizes and |
| surrounding materials the window panel will be set | | | | thicknesses of glass blocks - Glass masonry units |
| in (also called the head - or top, jambs - or side, | | | | are made is both metric and American sizes. Most |
| or sill - or bottom) are also important. If you're | | | | of the blocks available in the United States are |
| doing a basement foundation window that will be | | | | American sized. The American sized blocks are |
| set inside a masonry wall made of concrete block, | | | | available in 4" x 8", 6" x 6", 6" x 8", 8" x 8", 12" x |
| sandstone, or poured concrete you may want to | | | | 12" and specialty shapes to turn corners or |
| size your block window using a mortar joint (to | | | | radiuses if you're looking to create a bay or bow |
| match up with your surrounding masonry | | | | block window. The blocks have nominal sizes |
| materials) vs. a silicone jointing process for the | | | | meaning the actual size of the block units is |
| window. For a bathroom window inside of a wood | | | | ¼" smaller allowing for a mortar joint (a 6" |
| framed opening the silicone vinyl framed glass | | | | x 6" block actually measuring 5 ¾" x 5 |
| block window system might be preferred because | | | | 3'4"). There are 3 available thicknesses - 2", 3 1 |
| this window is lighter (usually built with 2" thick | | | | 8", and 4" thick. Thinner blocks are lighter and |
| blocks) and easier to set, making an upper level | | | | generally easier for someone less experienced to |
| installation safer. | | | | work with.o Patterns, designs and colored glass |
| Step 2) Measuring an existing opening or | | | | blocks - Blocks come in a multitude of patterns |
| determining the size you'd like to create a new | | | | providing different levels of privacy, style, |
| openingo To replace an existing window you start | | | | security, and energy efficiency. The block are |
| by measuring the opening first. When measuring | | | | now available in standard and custom colors and |
| an existing masonry opening for block basement | | | | artistically decorated murals to match any interior |
| windows or upper floor windows you usually want | | | | design style. Check out a comprehensive block |
| to measure assuming the frame will be removed | | | | web site to see the possibilities.o Air ventilation |
| (this happens about 90% of the time), from side | | | | and acrylic block windows - Glass block windows |
| to side, and from the top of the sill to the top of | | | | are available with vinyl air vents, dryer vents, or |
| the header plate. The block window will need to | | | | power exhaust fans. There are also acrylic block |
| be sized smaller than this opening remembering | | | | casement and awning windows that give you the |
| that you can't cut the glass, or as my Dad used | | | | look and feel of real block with the ability to open |
| to say fit 10 lbs of you know what into a 5 lb. | | | | completely as well. |
| bag. For upper floor frame openings you usually | | | | Step 4) Don't worry about any of the first 3 |
| will measure the area inside of the frame after | | | | steps and call a glass block window manufacturer |
| the window sashes would be removed to size | | | | and installation professional - If you really don't |
| your window.o Creating a new opening for a block | | | | want to figure out what size window you need |
| window If you're creating a new opening for a | | | | call a block specialty company who offers design, |
| block window you want to begin with the end in | | | | fabrication and installation services. This type of |
| mind. Choose your specific block window system, | | | | company will usually come to your home or |
| pattern, design, and/or colors and find out from | | | | business (without a charge), measure your |
| your glass block window manufacturer what size | | | | openings, figure out the right window size, and |
| the window panel will be after it's manufactured. | | | | install it for you with a guarantee. |
| Then you'll create your opening usually about | | | | |