"I'm really scared to do this glass block window installation" a customer recently said. "Don't you have a way to make it easier, lighter, and maybe even cut down the mess for my window project?" Fortunately the answer is yes - it's by using vinyl or aluminum framed windows built with acrylic and glass blocks. In this article you'll learn the following:
1. Why framed windows systems can make your project easier
2. What products and sizes are available
3. What rooms a vinyl framed window system will work best in
4. Where to use both glass windows vs. acrylic block windows systems
5. Cool and unique projects ideas.
1) Why framed windows systems can make your life easier
Let's face it mortared block window installations are messy. Getting the right mortar mix is not easy, and there is always the concern of the pre-fabricated window assembly breaking just as you go to set it into the opening. Framed window systems take much of the guess-work, weight, and worries away.
Framed windows are pre-assembled with silicone joints between the blocks (getting rid of the need to mix mortar) and are usually made with 2" thick glass or acrylic units (reducing the weight by as much 1/3 to ½ vs. traditional block units made of 3" and 4" thick block).
With integral nailing fins the windows are installed like standard vinyl windows (they are nailed into the opening for new construction or built without the fins for a replacement window application) without the mess usually associated with a mortared glass window. Since the windows are siliconed together inside a vinyl frame they can be shipped nationwide and have been used in states with varied weather patterns - from Florida to Minnesota to California to Maine.
2) What product and size options are available?
Factory assembled framed block windows systems can be made of with vinyl or aluminum frames using either glass or acrylic blocks inside the windows. Glass block sizes used most often are 8" x 8" x 2" (for the reduced weight), 6" x 6" x 3", and 8" x 8" x 4" in a wide variety of patterns and colors. Acrylic block sizes used most frequently are 8" x 8", 6" x 6" and occasionally 9" x 9" and are usually 1 ½" to 2" thick. Frame colors can vary with white and almond being the most common.
3) What rooms should you use a vinyl framed window system
The main reasons to choose a block window system are where you want privacy, a cool clean look, style, and privacy all wrapped in one window solution. Since these windows meet tempered window standards they are stronger and harder to break than standard glass windows which make them safe to use in bathroom and other higher risk areas of a home or business.
Acrylic or glass block windows are being used in bathrooms as either transom windows above tub surrounds or above soaking and Jacuzzi tubs on the side of the home for privacy. Kitchen and den backsplashes are becoming a more popular application to get natural light underneath cabinetry.
These windows are being used in stairwells in commercial buildings and for churches who want light, security, and color with their windows (a church in New Mexico is looking to put in green, purple, red, and orange colored glass blocks into one framed window assembly). Sidelites around front doors and closets are using block windows to get security and light without compromising privacy.
For most basement windows considering using block windows without frames - it is usually better to mortar these windows into their masonry and poured wall foundations than to have a vinyl frame around the windows.
4) Where to use glass and acrylic framed window systems
There is much debate over whether glass or acrylic is better for your window projects. The simple answer is they both have their place and that is why both materials are successful in the market. Here is a quick look at where it's best to use each product.
Advantages and Where to Use Framed Glass Block Windows
- Where you want the strength & durability of a real glass window for scratch resistance and quality
- If you want to incorporate a wide variety of colors into your windows
- Where you are concerned about what cleaning products may be used on the windows - (acrylic blocks can have problems if abrasive cleaning agents are used on the block's surface)
- If you like a slimmer frame around your window
Advantages and Where to Use Framed Acrylic Block Windows
- If you want a fully operable single hung, casement, awning, or slider window (acrylic windows can be provided with cranks and fully operable window sashes). In addition acrylic windows can be used in arch top, hexagon, octagon, or round top window designs.
- If you need an energy star or Low E rated window.
- If you want a lighter window for ease of installation.
- If you need a custom fit block size for a replacement window application.
5) Cool and Unique Project Ideas
Here are some different ideas to consider with your block windows:
- A step down almond colored vinyl framed glass block window was used above a soaking tub in a home builder's Parade Home in Columbus Ohio.
- A therapist in New Orleans Louisiana is planning to use a slider acrylic block window in a waiting room inside of an existing glass block wall for privacy and to keep the all block look.
- A home being remodeled in Dallas Texas is considering installing a framed window with a block art mural with an ocean scene applied directly on the glass (this decorative art mural uses glass frit which is baked directly into the glass making it a permanent part of the glass).
- A church in Arkansas is looking to put a Ruby Red colored cross inside a framed window.
With framed glass and acrylic block windows and a vast selection of styles, patterns, colors, sizes and designs - projects have never been easier, cooler, and neater to do!
Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Glass Block, Mid America Glass Block Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron & Eastern Glass Block New York & New Jersey - nationwide suppliers of acrylic block windows and also vinyl framed glass block window manufacturers including patterned and color glass blocks.
For nationwide questions and orders call 877-668-5888
http://www.columbusglassblock.com/ - bathroom glass block windows, acrylic block windows, colored glass block, vinyl framed glass block windows
http://www.columbusglassblock.com/product_new-construction.aspx vinyl framed glass block windows, color glass block, glass block sizes, acrylic block windows, installing glass block windows
How to Make Acrylic & Glass Block Window Installations Easier & Improve Quality at the Same Time
Replacing Window Glass
Replacing window glass begins with safety glasses and a good pair of work gloves.
Replacing window glass or a broken window associated with an older window is something a homeowner can do with a few basic tools.
Start by removing the broken glass pane remnants still stuck in the window sash. You may need to use one of your pliers to help pull out any smaller pieces.
Next, remove the old glazing compound with your putty knife. Work your way around the entire window sash, in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction, and scrape the old glazing compound out.
You may want to use a hair dryer to heat the glazing compound up. The heat will soften the old glazing and make it easier to remove. Apply heat to a localized section of the old glass to soften it up, and then scrape it out with your putty knife. Keep stepping around the window sash in this process.
Also, in the process of removing the old glazing, remove any glazing points that may still be attached to the window sash. Use your Needle-nose pliers to remove the points.
After you have removed all of the old compound and glazing points, sand the area down to the bare wood to remove any old glazing or paint. Then apply a sealer to the bare wood to protect it.
Now install your piece of glass and place it into the window sash. Note that the glass should be slightly smaller than the window sash, e.g. 1/8th inch narrower in both length and width.
With the glass in place, install glazing points approximately every 4-6 inches, making sure you have a couple of glazing points near each of the corners of the glass. Be careful not to break the glass when doing this.
With the glazing points installed apply the new glazing to the window sash. It is best to roll out a ¼" string of glazing material, and using your fingers and putty knife push it into place around the window edges.
Once you have pressed in the new glazing material use your finger or a moist rag to smooth out the glazing and to clean the glass.
Let the window dry overnight, and then apply paint to the window sash. When the paint has dried reinstall it into the window frame.
About the Author: Over the past 20+ years Mark Donovan has been involved with building homes and additions to homes. His projects have included: building a vacation home, building additions and garages on to existing homes, and finishing unfinished homes. For more information about Home Improvement and Home Additions, and Home Remodeling and Repair visit homeadditionplus.com and homeaddition.blogspot.com
Cutting Your Energy Costs With New Windows
First there is toughened glass. This type is also known a tempered glass. This window type is created by controlled thermal or chemical treatments to increase its overall strength and durability. If this window does break it will shatter into small fragments similar to a broken car window. This type also greatly enhances thermal resistance. Major uses for this type of glass are in ovens and baking apparatus as well as automotive applications.
Next we have laminated glass. This type is also known as safety glass and will not shatter when broke. It will hold its form. It is made up of an interlayer (two or more layers of glass). It is commonly used in skylight glazing and automotive windshields. It is also seen in exterior storefronts as well as curtain walls and windows. Multiple laminates and thicker glass is use for bulletproof applications.
Next we have tinted glass. This is also known as window film. The advantage to this type is it reduces heat and radiation from the sun. The film used is either dyed or metalized in order to convert incoming solar radiation into infrared radiation and then refracted back through the glass to the exterior. There is a trade off with this type of glass though. It can cost 10 - 15% more than regular glass but can reduce energy loss by30 - 50%.
Now we have patterned glass. This is also known as decorative glass. It is a safety style glass and used in kitchen and other cabinet doors. It contains UV blockers which help stop fading of interior furnishings. It is also a barrier against all levels of noise pollution.
Now we move on to reflective glass. This is glass coated with a reflective film and helps control solar heat gain during the summer. It also reduces light transmittance and helps aid in visual aesthetics of a building.
Next we have high transmission (low e) glass. This type allows red, green, and blue light to transmit equally and prevent the stress from heat and mechanical strain. You will find this type of glass used in your camera lens.
And finally we have glass and insulating glazing units. Another name for this type of glass is thermo pane. This type is made-up of one sheet of glass which has two of the low emissivity coatings that is used to provide the lower heat transmission. This is used in one way mirror applications due to its coatings and reflective appearance and also insulated glazing units.
Now you have a list of windows to cut those high costs down to manageable levels. Good luck in your shopping.
For more Information on this topic visit http://www.buildwish.com a free Online Home Improvement Directory in 100 Cities in North America. Featuring over 2 million Real Estate classifieds, helpful articles, contests, home improvement videos, virtual home tools, Qualified Trades people, ask an expert, a moving center, get free quotes for Insurance, Moving, Mortgages, Contractors, Find Foreclosures and a finance blog that will save you money on bank rates & credit card rates.
Tips on Choosing Stained Glass Windows
Choosing stained glass windows can be a challenging task simply because of the fact that there are so many different types to choose from. You will find that the following types of stained glass windows exist: Opalescent, Cathedral, Streaky, Textured, Translucent, and Wispy.
However, the glass types of Cathedral, Translucent, and Opalescent are actually the most common types that are chosen by many for their home and/or business.
In this helpful guide, I will introduce you to these common types so that if you are in the process of choosing stained glass windows, you may have a little knowledge on these particular selections.
Cathedral stained windows are extremely popular when it comes to homes, businesses, churches, and synagogues across the nation. This type of window has a glass that is actually transparent in nature and typically reflects at least one single color. There are many different color selections available when it comes to this type of window.
In addition to this, you will find that you can choose among many different types of textures for the glass. Examples of common textures include that of Artique, Glue Chip, Iridescent, and Seedy. This type of glass was originally introduced in cathedrals in the 10th century by the Europeans, which is how it got its name.
Translucent glass in stained glass windows is the next common choice by many. With this type of window, you will be able to see light well from the outdoors, in, but will be unable to make out anything but shadows. This is a type of stained glass that is often used in lamps and things of a similar nature.
However, many elect to use this type of glass in panels that are installed in the home, as well as windows. If you are looking for privacy, and a high sense of décor, then this is the type of stained glass that you will want to choose for your home and/or business.
The next type of stained glass that is relatively common is Opalescent glass. One color or several colors can be displayed on this glass. It has an appearance that is relatively milky. Details from the outside can be viewed through stained glass windows that use this type of glass.
However, in some instances, the milky effect helps to reserve a sense of privacy in your home and/or business. If you are choosing stained glass windows for your home and/or business, you are likely to find that the three main choices mentioned here can meet your needs.
Daryl Plaza is a regular contributor to StainedGlassBeauty.com a website with information and resources on all your stained glass window needs.