Why glass block windows

The silicone joints used to set up such glass block windows provide an extra layer of security and strength you need to weather extreme conditions. For most home and business owners, anything that adds an extra layer of protection is always more than welcome. While lounging on your bathtub, such concerns ought to be the last thing on your mind.

But with traditional clear glass windows, you must keep looking over your head. While you get to enjoy the illumination of light into the bathroom with glass block windows, no one can see you from the outside.

This unique aspect may also be used to partition the toilet from the bathroom. Homeowners eventually spend more on home repairs and maintenance than the initial cost of building or buying a home. Conventional glass windows will eventually dent your pockets as you incur maintenance and repairs costs.

This is especially important in the bathroom, where constant contact with soapy water may affect the cleanliness. If you like your windows clean and shiny, then glass block windows are your solution. Have you heard of the sick building syndrome? When your home is set out in a way that does not allow any free flow of air in and out of the rooms, you stand the risk of developing the sick building syndrome.

The syndrome involves respiratory complications such as breathing challenges. For most people, this is the most common disadvantage when using the glass block windows. Breaking into regular windows is fairly easy and if the burglar is a professional, it can be done with little to no noise.

Breaking thick glass blocks would be pretty loud. Because glass block windows are comprised of glass and mortar or glass and vinyl, depending on your window, they are essentially waterproof — especially with the latter.

The blocks are created under heat by infusing two halves together. When the blocks and the air inside the gap cool an insulating space is created inside the block. Some glass block windows are Energy Star compliant. Most glass block windows have about the same efficiency as thermal-pane windows, double the efficiency of single-pane windows, and are airtight, especially if you opt for the most expensive vinyl spaced glass block windows. Now glass block windows not only come in a variety of textures and colors but also sizes!

Think about all the great designs you can make with tile and pavers — the same can be done with glass block windows. I know, I know, I was skeptical. But as a relatively young investor, I thought I would give function over form a try. Our basement windows are now bigger and the texture bounces light around on the outside.

And what a selling point to potential tenants: your storage cages will be filled with light and will be very secure. As with most things, use glass block windows in moderation. Not too much! One last tip: you can add vents to your glass block windows and, in fact, some building codes require it for certain areas of the basement.

So check your local building codes. Nick and I are pretty darn handy, but when we decided we wanted to install glass block windows in our basements we knew this was a job for a professional.

With all of the different types of windows out there, you have many options to choose from when picking a window. Read on to find out why you should avoid glass block windows and what to choose instead.

They are blocks made of glass and acrylic that can be stacked up on top of one another. A special mortar cement is then used to put them into the wall. They can also be frosted or colored for some extra security. Glass block windows were very often found in bathrooms and foundation walls, too.

They faded in popularity for a while. However, they have become stylish once again for their environmentally friendly features. Architects and homeowners are opting for glass block windows in their walls that divide two rooms. Glass block windows often go in basements , especially at the top of a wall. They often are not operable because the window is too high up on the wall for a person to reach. Due to their thick glass, these windows can provide a high level of security.

Why are glass block windows used, and are they a good choice for a home? Here are a few reasons why you should avoid glass block windows. Glass block windows came into fashion around the early s as a durable and insulating way to let natural light into factories.

We still use them today: not only for windows, but also for walls and skylights. Some people like to use them for bathroom walls and windows, as they let in light but nobody can see inside. They can be made to be durable against bullets and fire. However, frosted and decorative glass windows can do the same thing without making your home look outdated.

They basically make glass block windows obsolete. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, many current design experts, home decorators and architects agree that the look of glass block is outdated, unattractive and unnecessary. Some architects have argued that glass block is all too commonly relied upon as a crutch to cover up a poorly designed walkway or corner. Glass block windows have a thick, cloudy, and slightly reflective look that is difficult to see through, and some homeowners prefer to let this trend stay in the past.

They must be carefully planned and measured out, and the blocks must be cut to size.