Glass blocks save energy.
Replacing an existing window with glass blocks can be done with a few simple tools. Other than purchasing the glass blocks, the materials needed to do the job aren't extensive. Before taking out the existing window, you'll want to shop for the right size block for the window opening. Also glass blocks come in a variety of patterns. Choose the one that gives you the amount of natural light flow and privacy you require.
Instructions
Masonary Opening
1. Put on safety glasses and work gloves. Remove the old window, including the frame, using a hammer and crowbar.
2. Set a level horizontally on the windowsill. If there are high spots, use a hammer and chisel to bring them down to level. If there are low spots, the first bed of mortar will bring them up to level.
3. Set the glass blocks in the window opening for a trial run. Set out one horizontal row of blocks on the windowsill and one vertical column of glass blocks going up the right or left side of the window opening. Cut a bunch of cardboard tabs. Stack the tabs to a 1/4-inch thickness to simulate the thickness of the mortar. Place the tabs between and under every glass block in the trial run. Place tabs between the vertical side wall of the opening and the glass block too.
4. Take a pencil, and make a mark on the bottom and side of the window opening where every glass block begins and ends. These marks act as a guide to follow for positioning all the blocks in the window opening when mortaring them in place.
5. Mix up a bucket of pre-mix mortar with water to the consistency of bread dough.
6. Take a brick layer's trowel and put mortar on the window sill. If there are low spots, fill them in, smooth the mortar and set the level on the mortar to check for level. After that, add enough additional mortar to create a 1/4-inch mortar bed.
7. Trowel on mortar to the inside of the vertical window opening. Make it 1/4-inch thick, and set the first glass block in place, lining it up with the marks placed on the windowsill and side wall during the trial run.
8. Trowel on mortar to the other side of the glass block to a thickness of 1/4-inch. Set the next glass block in place to the side of the first one. Check for level regularly throughout the installation of all the glass blocks. Repeat until all the glass blocks are mortared in place.
9. Wait two hours after the last block is in place. Come back and smooth the mortar joints using a striking tool, which is a narrow, curved spatula used to run over the mortar between the block to smooth and compress it.
10. Wait for the mortar joints to become firm, and clean off any mortar that got on the face of the glass block. Do this before the mortar completely dries on the block. Use a soft, damp cloth. Never use anything abrasive to clean off the mortar from the glass.
Wood Frame Opening
11. Paint all exposed wood with wood preservative after the old window and window frame have been removed.
12. Only apply mortar between the glass block, not between the glass block and the wood frame opening. Use wood shims around the perimeter of the glass block installation to lock them in tight to the wood frame opening.
13. Cut and fasten wood moulding to fit the opening on both the inside and outside. The moulding should overlap the glass block by 1/2 inch.
14. Caulk inside and out where the wood trim makes contact with the glass block.
Tags: glass block, glass blocks, window opening, block place, between glass
