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Installation & Use of Glass Blocks
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Presents various applications for glass blocks in building design. Also describes composition of blocks & methods of installation.... More...
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Paper Abstract:
Presents various applications for glass blocks in building design. Also describes composition of blocks & methods of installation.

Paper Introduction:
Glass blocks are non-loadbearing masonry units which are made by molding two sections of glass and bonding them together. The interior of the block is hermetically sealed in order to prevent condensation. Most such blocks allow light to pass through, but they are often designed to distort the view to ensure privacy. Some blocks, however, are relatively transparent, and special blocks have been designed to direct light upward or downward for certain building requirements. Bulletproof blocks have also been developed. The recommended sizes for glass blocks, always square, are 6 inches, 8 inches, and 12 inches, each with a recommended 1/4-inch mortar joint. Round-ended blocks are also available to cap the sides or tops of block walls. Other sizes and shapes are also available. The mortar-bearing surfaces of the glass blocks have

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Thefirst course is laid on a mortar bed. The first block is installed against an expansionstrip at the jamb location with modified spacers. Glass blocks are sold today as a means of providing a positiveseal to keep out the dust and the dirt, a means of reducing cleaning andhousekeeping requirements. There are companies which use 8 numbers and voice mail to take orders and to provide for installation ofglass blocks as needed. Kits of this sort arepopular because the installation of panels with glass blocks as a do-it-yourself project is popular. Partition walls that use rounded-end blocks must have support onthree sides of the panel. Theytransmit solar energy in winter in the form of heat and light, and insummer their mortar joints act as louvers to reduce the amount of heatadmitted. This is applied to the curb or sill,with sufficient mortar used to that a 1/4-inch joint remains when theblocks are in place. The blocks come in different sizes and shapes, asnoted, as well as in different textures and degrees of opacity. A survey of prices in the area shows that 6 inch blocks can bepurchased for an average of about $4.5 each, 8 inch for about $6 each, and12 inch for about $15.5 each. If the panel is to be built on a wooden floor, it is necessary tobuild a curb base wide enough to accommodate the thickness of the glassblock and long enough to accommodate the entire panel length. The sealing check should be done for all theblocks as they are set in place. There arealso books available for the individual who wishes to install the glassblock personally. One result of this is a reduction in the amount of energyrequired for heating and air conditioning. Glass blocks are readily available from a number of sources in andaround Los Angeles. Another method for installation involves the use of clear siliconeinstead of mortar. These block walls also provideinsulating efficiency equal to double-pane thermal windows. Wallanchors cost about $2.6 apiece, and spacer guides for $1.93 apiece.Colored plastic blocks sell for about $8 apiece (6 inch squares). Bulletproof blocks havealso been developed. Other sizes and shapes are also available. Some glass blocks are made out of plastic,including colored plastic, and these have a different durability and oftenan increased cost. This means additional energy savings. No mortar is applied tothis block. Such installation can be effective as long ascare is taken to follow all instructions and to make sure that each blockis firmly in place. There are also supply houses that sell glass blockand that can also provide installation. Silicone comes in kits along with clear plastic spacer,an installation tool, and a book of instructions. There is no paint, caulk, putty, or other material which might rotor rust. Mostsuch blocks allow light to pass through, but they are often designed todistort the view to ensure privacy. The prices depend on the size of the block, the texture, and similarfactors, with some materials costing more than others because of theirtexture of the way they are bonded. The mason's toolbox manual. Once the glass blocks havebeen installed, trim molding may be applied to both sides of the curb. Measuring the size of the opening intowhich the glass block panel will be built allows for a determination of theprecise number of blocks needed. This is donewithout drafts. Block wall units used in asouth facing wall or window panels function as solar glazing. The block should be sealed tightly against the spacers bypushing it snugly into place. Glass block mortar mix comes in bags of 25 lbs. for about $12 and 5 lbs. for about $18.5 . The interior ofthe block is hermetically sealed in order to prevent condensation. New York: Simon and Schuster. Block walls can be used in the entry way, bedroom, kitchen, bathroom,and indeed in any room of the house where a partition or designed wall isdesired. Installation of the blocks, themortar, wall anchors, and spacers, as well as curbs in those situationsrequiring curbs are required. ReferenceTenenbaum, D. These blocks can be used to create curving walls, with the minimumradius depending on the size of the unit being used (Tenenbaum, 199 , pp.45-46). Some blocks, however, are relativelytransparent, and special blocks have been designed to direct light upwardor downward for certain building requirements. Glass blocks are non-loadbearing masonry units which are made bymolding two sections of glass and bonding them together. Anexpansion strip is required between the glass block and adjacent material,and liberal use of joint reinforcement is recommended for glass blockwalls. The curbsare laid end to end and nailed to the floor. For panels over 25-feet square, it isnecessary to install panel reinforcing after every third horizontal coursefor 6 inch blocks, and after every other course for 8 inch and 12 inchblocks. Thecurb is not necessary on concrete, tile, or other non-wood surfaces, butall framework surfaces should be clean, free of debris, and moisture. Different patterns provide differentcontrols over light, privacy, and energy, and again these can affect theprice. These walls are also practical to reduce streetnoises and to muffle room-to-room noises. Cleaning is simple - theinterior can be wiped with a damp cloth, and the exterior surfaces can behosed. Metal or plastic spacers shaped like a plus signare used in some instances to ensure accurate spacing between the glassblocks. Fiberglass strips sell for $1.79 apiece. The recommended sizes for glass blocks, always square, are 6 inches,8 inches, and 12 inches, each with a recommended 1/4-inch mortar joint.Round-ended blocks are also available to cap the sides or tops of blockwalls. The mortar-bearingsurfaces of the glass blocks have been roughened to accept mortar. (199 ). They can be purchased at home supply stores like HomeDepot or Armstrong's.

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