Unlike traditional window panes that are easy to shatter, glass blocks are thicker and more robust, making it extremely difficult for intruders to break in. This added layer of protection can give you peace of mind, especially if your basement houses valuables or serves as a family gathering area.
Casement windows, double-hung windows, and sliding windows are the most secure windows to prevent intruders.
You can still see vaguely into some types of glass block windows at night. Although there won't be clear definitions, passersby may still see shapes, shadows, and movement through the glass. If you want complete privacy, consider installing diamond glass block windows rather than the typical clear or wavy glass blocks.
If the blocks are not laid and sealed properly, you're looking at damage not only to the windows but to the rest of your house as well, thanks to potential water leakage.
In the past 90 years, glass block has fallen out of the public image's favor; however, it always makes a comeback. Despite fluctuations in trends, glass block remains a popular choice of residential, commercial and public building owners as a window material.
Where Does Window Rot Most Likely Occur? Rot leaks occur through or around the frame of the window. The frame is the fixed part of the window that is attached to the structure of the home. Rot leaks through the frame typically occur at the lower outside corner joints of the exterior window sill.
Improved Security
Unlike traditional window panes that are easy to shatter, glass blocks are thicker and more robust, making it extremely difficult for intruders to break in.
Hiring a pro to install your glass block windows ensures they will be uniform, aligned, and custom fit to your space and needs. Window replacement projects average around $400, and glass installation specifically costs $150 to $1,000 for prefabricated windows and up to $4,500 for a custom job.
Glass block windows are not only visually appealing but also built to last. On average, glass block windows have a lifespan of around 20 to 30 years or even longer if properly installed and maintained.
34% of burglars enter through the front door; 23% enter through a first-floor window; 22% enter through the back door.
Acrylic blocks offer a great alternative to traditional glass block. It looks just like the real thing, but weighs and costs less. Acrylic is durable, energy efficient, and easy to install. You can use them for partitions, shower walls, or clock windows.
Helps Prevent the Spread of Fire
Glass block windows are incredibly effective at containing a fire to its point of origin, preventing the spread of flames from one room to another. The solid structure of the glass blocks acts as a non-combustible barrier, stopping both the fire and smoke from moving to adjacent areas.
The reason for the intense pressure is generally that there is no expansion joint in the panel (if the glass bricks or the surrounding structure can't expand then the glass bricks tend to break because they are generally weaker than the surrounding brick, steel or concrete structures).
The cost of installing a glass block window can vary depending on the size and complexity of the installation, but it's generally less expensive than installing a regular window. Plus, since they're strong and durable, they require little maintenance aside from the occasional cleaning.
Glass block windows cost homeowners an average of $720 but typically range from $250–$3,900 per window.
The key to a weatherproof, attractive glass block window both inside and out is to encase it in a custom-built wooden frame (Fig. A) The inside dimensions of the frame should be 1/2 in. taller and wider than the panel itself.
Double-hung windows are often seen as the most secure windows to install. They open and close through an upward and downward motion and feature two glass panes. The locks are situated indoors, and some are fitted with extra hardware at their tops to provide more security.
Tornado Resistant. Seves Glass Block has engineered a high-performance window that provides effective protection against air pressure and flying debris caused by tornado-force winds.
Are glass blocks load bearing? All glass blocks are not load bearing. A lentil or header must be used in an opening to support the wall material above the glass block.
The bad news is that the longer something like wood rot and mold growth goes unattended, the worse things will get, not just for your home but for your wallet too. What many homeowners don't realize is that window leaks during rain are often the result of improper home construction or poorly installed windows.
Install flashing (a thin metal strip) around your windows and doors to prevent water intrusion in spaces where two different building surfaces meet. Install shutters over the windows to help to keep water off the windows and window frames. Apply sealant to the joints of the windows.
Single- and double-hung. Both sashes slide vertically in a double-hung window. Only the bottom sash slides upward in a single-hung window. These sliding windows generally have higher air leakage rates than projecting or hinged windows.