How To Install Glass Block Window In Wood Frame

Most people install glass block windows in their basements and bathrooms. These are translucent, thick blocks of glass that allow light rays to pass through them while distorting vision. Only the privacy they offer isn't the simply reason why y'all may want to learn how to install drinking glass block window.

Since these windows are made of thicker glass than regular windows, y'all can count on them to enhance the overall security of your home. They are ordinarily sealed in the wall with mortar to eliminate the chance of air leakages and improve your home's energy efficiency.

How to Install Drinking glass Block Window

Follow these steps to install glass block window on your ain:

Step 1: Gather the supplies

You're going to need the post-obit tools to finish the job with perfection:

Measuring tape
Safety gloves
Circular saw
Dry out vacuum cleaner
Pry bar
Utility pocketknife
Cedar shims
Cement and sand
Trowel
Caulking gun

Step 2: Size the glass block window

Use a measuring record to size the current window frame. Brand certain that you lot measure downwardly to the masonry and not just the frame. Accept pictures of the unabridged frame and have them to the vendor if y'all're unsure where the frame ends and the masonry starts.

Measure out twice to ensure that the dimensions are spot-on as getting them correct is crucial. Then decrease ½'' from both sides (width and length). This will let you to compensate for the mortar joints which be on each side of the console.

Pace 3: Purchase a new glass block window

Take the measurements you have noted to a vendor. They will testify you several designs to help you lot select the one that meets your middle. If yous're going to accept the panel home in your car, asking the vendor to identify band clamps around the window. They will go along the blocks of the larger panel from snapping off as you're transporting the window.

Step 4: Remove the sometime frame

Provided you lot're going to pause the sometime window, wear safety gloves. Use a circular saw to make the first cut into the old frame as it will get in easier for you to pry out the frame later on on. Afterward, vacuum the entire area with a shop vac to safely remove all the shards.

Pace 5: Rip out the old frame's jamb

Rip out the old frame's jamb 1 — prototype

The material of structure of the frame will determine how easy or otherwise this process is going to exist. In most cases, yous'd only need a uncomplicated pry bar to rip out the old jamb. Notwithstanding, if the jamb is secured in place with mortar or physical, you might have to chisel some of them abroad.

Footstep 6: Remove caulking

Since you're going to need the entire frame equally clean and clear as possible, you cannot let the old caulking stay in place. Besides, the new frame volition require y'all to add new caulking, which won't be possible every bit long as the old caulking stays in place.

Identify an old paper or any cloth beneath the frame to collect the falling caulking. Then, use a utility knife to chisel away and remove caulking.

Footstep vii: Install cedar shims

Cedar shims are required for the even placement of the new window'due south panel in the space. Install them at the bottom of the frame, starting from the corners. They should be about ½'' in width and must be placed at 3'' intervals from each other. The shims should be long plenty to remove once the commencement glaze of mortar has ready in.

Footstep viii: Mix mortar

Measure iv parts sand and 1 part cement and mix them dry. Use a shovel to create a crater in the eye of the sand-cement mixture. Add a full saucepan of h2o on top of the crater. You tin also add together appropriate amount of mortar additive or lime afterward to strengthen the mortar.

Once you have prepared the mortar, use a trowel to add together a small corporeality of information technology to the bottom of the frame. The layer shouldn't exist thick as its only purpose is to help the shims form a base.

Footstep ix: Identify the panel over the shims

As you might have gauged during its transportation, the panel is heavy. Get a helping hand if you are having trouble lifting it on your own. Some of the shims might motility while you lot're setting the console. Reset them while you're tilting or sliding the panel in place.

After placing the panel in place, you lot might notice a few gaps at the bottom. Pack them with mortar using a trowel.

Step 10: Mortar the sides

After the mortar at the bottom has become hard to touch, get-go applying the mortar to the sides. Once it has gear up in besides, get-go removing all the shims one by one. Give the mortar at to the lowest degree three hours to dry before using a striking tool to smoothen it out.

Stride xi: Caulk the top of the window

Caulking the top of the window volition identify downward pressure level on the entire panel, thereby helping it set firmly in place. Use 100% silicone caulking to fill up the entire gap at the top. To apply the caulk, remove the encompass on the inlet of the caulk gun, place the caulk tube inside, so screw the cover back.

Slightly clasp the gun'due south handle to adhere its plunger cap against the rear of the tube. Then, use a utility knife to cutting the tip of the tube at a 45-caste angle. Press the tip you've simply cut confronting ane corner of the window, and start applying the caulk in a continuous bead.

Determination

Are you unhappy with the (lack of) privacy your bathroom window provides? Not sure why your home'due south energy bills are going upward all the time? If your reply to either of these questions is in the affirmative, then you lot can certainly practice with a glass block window.

Sure, the entire process of removing the erstwhile window and replacing it with a new one requires a lot of time and effort. But the benefits that a glass cake window provides in terms of energy savings, enhanced indoor entreatment, and more than privacy brand it a worth-having option.

Please feel free to arrive touch if you take whatsoever questions.