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Glass block windows today provide a vast number of designs, patterns, and designs for any budget or purpose, but, before settling on use this product there are many basic inquiries to be answered. First, why wouldn’t you use blocks, where in case you use them, and the way can the product help to solve your problems or needs? Some steps to glass block design success will answer these questions plus much more.

o Step one - Ask, “What are my goals, then Determine Your Patterns and Products.”- Begin with the end in mind. What problems do you want the block windows to fix? Do your existing windows seal poorly, include the frames rusted or rotted. Do you lack the privacy you wish, are you worried about the safety of one’s family or workers, or just looking for a hot turn to add style in your property? Here are a few block window recommendations to solve these specific problems:

o Drafty windows that don’t seal properly - Think about the thin line series (3 1/8″ thick) number of blocks. These are more cost effective compared to commercial series (3 7/8″ thick), are available in a wide array of sizes (generally 4 x 8, 6 x 6, 6 x 8, and 8 x for proper sizing of the window opening.

o Require more Privacy - If you are concerned about someone considering your windows - specifically in basement, bathroom, and garage windows - look at the high privacy Ice and Pristal patterns from Mulia or Icescapes or Delphi from Pittsburgh Corning. You’re able to do without blinds or shades (costing you less) with these patterns however you don’t have to sacrifice light transmission (in reality, some say they read more light since the old frame is taken away in many glass block installation projects).

o Want more security - As a general rule of the glass block windows are mortared together breaking in through this type of window opening is incredibly difficult and frustrating. These windows will also be more cost effective than installing electronic security pads on windows and provide strong energy efficiency benefits too.

o Hunting for a cool, hot, contemporary look - Why have boring windows when you can add style and uniqueness to your home or business? Colored glass blocks, block patterns with beveled edges, frosted blocks, and artistically designed blocks with the ability to create unusal designs are available in today’s block window.

o Step 2 - Ask, “Do I’ve any special window needs?” - Particularly in the commercial, institutional, and architectural markets glass masonry units can solve some very specific design challenges. Here are some examples:

o 60 or 90 minute fire ratings - Blocks with thicker faces (known as Thickset) can (while using proper installation) provide 60 and 90 minute fire ratings in window assemblies. Standard blocks offer an excellent 45 minute fire rating and that is good for most residential applications.

o High Security or Vandalism Applications - The Vistabrik pattern glass unit masonry block can be a 3″ solid little bit of glass which resists bullets, fire, noise and graffiti. The product has been used extensively while in cargo authority projects in Nyc and Nj markets.

o Reducing Solar Heat Gain - Solar Reflective blocks, involving a metal oxide coating with this report surface of the block, greatly reflects solar technology while lowering the passage of light. This helps house owners to cut their cooling costs and to minimize fading of floor coverings at the same time.

o Step 3 - Ask, “Where must i use glass block windows?” - The following outline might easily broaden your thinking on where blocks can be used to provide privacy, security, energy savings, light transmission, or simply an interesting design element on your home or commercial property.

o Use blocks in and out of - Block windows are often thought of as getting used in an exterior window application being a basements, bathrooms, garages, and stairwells. Below are a few new applications to consider:

Under kitchen or den cabinetry to let see how to avoid

Interior borrowed light window walls to advance light through an inside wall while maintaining privacy (for example in small, dark water closets, or inside walls of basements to go light passively through the home).

In closets in homes to let in natural light to see your clothing and colors better while keeping privacy.

Above one piece shower units in smaller bathroom to get rid of the need for costly skylights.

o Use glass blocks in new construction and remodeling projects - Often often considered as a renovation project block windows are now frequently within new construction at the same time. In new home and room additions glass block new construction windows with nailing make installations easy and painless. In remodeling projects pre-fabricated window panel assemblies are factory made and allow the window to slide into the opening vs. the struggle of laying the blocks individually (improves your quality and cuts your time and efforts to get the job done).

o Step # 4 -Ask, “Would I like this window to deliver ventilation” - Glass block windows don’t need to be solid glass. There are a number of window block venting products to pick from. Here is a quick list of your choices:

o Air Vents to lessen heating and cooling costs and keep air flowing- With double pane glass and slim line vinyl frames the brand new generation of air vents allow air ahead in while being small enough to help keep intruders out. Accessible in white and tan and sizes to fit exterior colors and maintain the symmetry from the block window.

o Power Vents to eliminate musty smell and improve indoor quality of air - Power vents are vinyl framed ventilators with two powered fans that will move 145 cubic feet each and every minute of air to fight mold, power away smoke, circulate air for healthier, thereby providing fresher areas. The Power Vent carries with it an A/C adapter that plugs right into your wall.

o Dryer Vent Blocks to go air rid of a dryer in the glass block basement or utility room window - Dryers in many cases are located in basements and their venting can often be directed with an inefficient single pane metal or wood framed basement window. Vinyl dryer vent blocks replace space taken up by one block inside a new glass window and invite you to obtain the benefits of the block without needing to vent your dryer through the foundation (which is often considerably more expensive).

Utilize them and achieve the 4 design steps you’re ready choose the right block window for your project. Search for the next article within this series for the steps for glass block window installation success.

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