For many architects, interior designers, homeowners, and even a general contractor, there is a myth about the planning and installation of glass block walls. First, take a self-supporting structural glass material (a unique element from the beginning) and then mix it with some kind of binding material (usually mortar or silicone) or installation system (aluminum or wood are the most common) to style and creating functional walls. You could feel part of a chemist and a partContractor to make this work, but need not worry, it's not too hard if you follow these 7 steps.
• Step 1 – Do you know the shape of your wall – Glass block walls can be built in any shape, straight, with a curve or radius, a 90-degree turn, or even one, down the steps of interest for design and style. Straight walls are usually the easiest to build and can now finished with bull nosed end blocks have been completed. Curved or radius walls (walk in showers are an excellent place for this kind ofDesign and can save you money compared to other curved glass wall systems) have a greater involvement of the installation, but newer corner blocks or molded Arque units from Pittsburgh Corning to the rounded look easier to reach. If the idea of closer to the wall 8 "increases the Encurve block is the product for you. With the introduction of Tridron Block from Pittsburgh Corning glass block, you can even have a column and light it up for added effect.
• Step 2 – Do you know the size of yourWall – A cool glass wall, not in its original place when you do not remain at home or business is not at all cool! Have together form and structure. When you design outside the glass wall is greater than 144 square meters, and the inner wall is greater than 250 square meters, there is a need to support for horizontal or vertical. Most residential glass shower partitions usually do not exceed this, however. Within the walls there should be horizontally or vertically or spacersStrengthening the wire for strength and support. Some newer systems are also indoor grill with aluminum or wooden frame to put together the blocks, a very stylish alternative to the standard mortar or silicone processes.
• Step 3 – Determine what is going on above and below the wall – glass block are not structurally supporting materials, but they can carry their own weight. It is OK to mount a wooden counter on the wall for a bar application, but typically a graniteshould be supported by the independent glass bricks. Among these walls is the best option based on concrete floors, acrylic or Corian and ceramic tile shower are curbs and framing with wooden floors below.
Anchor • Step 4 – Consider how you will go to the wall – While most of these walls jointed with mortar and spacers, you still want to be anchored to the wall in an existing wall (s) for the support. Panel aluminum anchors go into the horizontal courses of blocksand screwed into the side of the wall to ensure that the wall does not move. If you do not anchor on a side wall in it is still possible, a glass block wall with vertical columns through the wall and have the lower floor.
• Step 5 – Figure out the style, design, and the pattern of the block – This is not the old-style block no more – a clear, colorless cube of glass. Now there are vividly colored glass stones, artistically designed murals or patterns, beveled edge blocks,and blocks in all possible shapes, patterns and styles. View a map showing the full line of options. Different block sizes can be combined into walls (for example, a combination of 6 "x 6" blocks with 12 "x 12" blocks, or 4 "x 8" blocks with an 8 "x 8" blocks in the same wall), distinctive designs. When you privacy, there are fibrous insers in the blocks and privacy and patterns.
• Step 6 – Do not place any special needs, fire ratings or requirements of data protection –Role in glass block showers, without reducing an entry is an excellent opportunity to connect, style, function, and accessibility for people with special needs. You can get a wheelchair through the rounded, radius shower opening and cut the cost of maintenance at the same time. There are also 60 and 90 minutes fire rated blocks for exterior walls, where you want light and privacy to achieve together.
• Step 7 – Do you know your skills or you do not be afraid to call or locate the expert- The ability to install a glass block wall, a combination of masonry, carpentry, glazing, injections or know-how. If you do these types of skills Got jump right into the project. You can have) the purchase of individual glass blocks, spacer systems, or even (in some markets built wall sections to facilitate the work. If on the other hand, you're not too handy, please visit your local specialty glass block contractor. Many general contractor or masonry contractors are not solearn this glass block work and is regularly awarded for the work anyway.
Once you have started the 7 steps you need to get ready!