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Glass Blocks
Glass blocks, a popular building material
in the mid-20th century, have become very
fashionable again, especially in buildings
designed in a contemporary style. They are
being used in bathrooms, kitchens, hallways,
home offices, bedrooms, and on stairways
-- anywhere there is a need to admit light
while maintaining privacy. They can be used
to form straight or curved windows and walls
on the interior or exterior of any structure.
Because glass blocks are impact resistant,
they will increase a building’s security
over traditional windows.
If you are thinking of installing
glass blocks
in your building project, consider
the following:
- Glass blocks come in a variety of styles
that include frosted, bubbled, scored, and
wavy patterns. The glass can be clear, lightly
tinted, or colored. Varying the style and
pattern selection of the blocks can control
the level of privacy in any room.
- Walls of glass blocks are self-supporting
but not load bearing. For best
integral strength,
they need to be installed in
square and perpendicular
four sided openings constructed
from wood,
brick, steel or concrete.
- Temperature changes will cause glass blocks
to expand and contract, so
expansion material
that allows for this must be
incorporated
into the perimeter opening.
Glass blocks cannot be cut like bricks or
tile, so become familiar with the available
sizes in the style you are considering and
then build your plans around them. |
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