Glass Blocks in Construction

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Glass blocks or glass bricks are wall bricks made of glass. They provide visual opacity and light transmission at the same time, making them an amazing architectural element to upscale interior design. Glass block walls help divide the room without blocking light transmission.

Glass blocks are commonly used for wall fabrication, flooring, skylights and as decorative elements.

This article explains the essential features and uses of glass blocks in construction.

Features of Glass Blocks

1. Glass blocks are usually 2 to 3 inches thick and transmit less light than regular windows.
2. Glass blocks can vary in color, size, texture, and form.
3. They can be square or three-dimensional in shape, e.g., like hexagon with curved shapes.
4. The typical sizes of glass blocks are 4 x 8’’, 6 x 8’’, and 8 x 8’’.
5. Glass blocks with different textures and colors give different ranges of transparency.
6. Glass bricks pressed with different patterns provide differing effects. To obtain the desired decorative effect, glazes or inserts are added to glass blocks.
7. The R-value of glass bricks is generally between 1.75 and 1.96, closer to thermopane windows. In addition, new types of glass bricks injected with argon gas are available for improving insulation properties.
8. Glass block walls are not considered load-bearing. Instead, they are located and strengthened using a steel reinforcing rod positioned in the mortar or on a frame into which blocks are fitted.

Different Styles of Glass Blocks

Glass blocks are manufactured in numerous textures, finishes, and colors to suit specific construction requirements. The typical glass block styles available are:

1. See-through
2. Frosted
3. Random wave
4. Vertical/horizontal
5. Diamond
6. Leather
7. Crystalline
8. Grid

1. See-Through Glass Blocks

This type of glass block does not distort the vision. Instead, it allows maximum transmission of light. See-through glass blocks are commonly used in a grid pattern.

2. Frosted Glass Blocks

Frosted glass blocks have a frosted texture on the inside faces of the glass. All patterns formed are within the glass, making surface cleaning easy. Frosted glass blocks look good even without any pattern.

3. Random Wave Glass Blocks

These blocks have a random wave pattern inside them, providing an elegant appearance and increased privacy.

4. Vertical/Horizontal Rib Glass Blocks

These glass blocks have a ribbed design in both the vertical and horizontal directions. Therefore, it does not allow a lot of light transmission and does not compromise with privacy.

5. Diamond Glass Blocks

Diamond glass blocks have diamond patterns provided within them. 

6. Leather Glass Blocks

Leather glass blocks follow an elegant design on their own. It provides privacy and permits light transmission.

7. Grid Glass Blocks

These blocks follow a grid pattern and are excellent for eliminating glare. It also provides adequate privacy and acceptable light transmission.

Advantages of Glass Blocks

1. Glass blocks permit natural light to pass through the space without compromising with privacy.
2. Glass blocks are customizable.
3. They provide good thermal and sound insulation.
4. They are strong and provide safety.

Disadvantages of Glass Blocks

1. Glass block structural units are unsafe for earthquake-prone areas.
2. Alkali solution can cause corrosion of glass blocks.
3. Glass blocks are brittle
4. The manufacturing of glass requires high temperatures for processing raw material which results in high energy consumption.

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