How to Install Glass Blocks Into a Frame Wall
Glass block walls allow light to flow easily into a room while still giving the privacy that a home needs. The materials for a glass-block wall are affordable. Having a professional install them, however, can be expensive. With a little effort, you can install glass block walls yourself in less than a day. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Mortar
- Stick
- 5-gallon bucket
- Water
- Mortar knife
- Trowel
- Glass blocks
- L spacers
- T spacers
- Level
- Expansion joint
- Reinforcement ladder
- Caulk
- Caulking gun
- Sponge
Instructions
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1
Measure the space of your frame wall. Your glass blocks should be able to fit the area perfectly. Buy glass blocks that would fit the area without having to cut the blocks. Although possible, it is not recommended to cut glass blocks because it requires specific cutting tools, and only professionals would be able to do the task correctly.
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2
Prepare the mortar in a 5-gallon bucket. Read the package instructions of the mortar to see what ratio of mortar mix and water you should use. Pour water into the bucket and stir the mixture using a stick. Mix the until the mortar has a dough-like consistency.
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3
Spread a layer of mortar on the base of the frame wall using a mortar knife or a trowel. You need to use enough mortar so that some will squeeze out when you put the block on top of it.
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4
Put a glass block on top of the mortar. Place an L spacer along the left corner of the wall frame. Apply mortar on the side of the glass block. Press the block on the L spacer. The side of the block that has mortar should be attached to the wall frame. Check if the block is evenly placed using a level. Remove any excess mortar and put it back into the bucket so that it can still be used.
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5
Place another glass block beside the first block that you installed. Apply mortar on the side of the block where it will be attached to the first block. Place a T spacer beside the first block that you installed. The spacers should be embedded in the mortar. Press the glass block into the mortar and against the adjacent block. Repeat this step until the row is complete. Constantly check if the row is even using a level.
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6
Insert an expansion joint up along the wall. An expansion joint is a strip of Styrofoam that allows the glass blocks to expand or contract without damaging or cracking the mortar. It should be positioned vertically along the wall.
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7
Spread mortar on top of the row of glass blocks you just installed and place spacers on top of it. Then place a reinforcement ladder on top of the mortar. The reinforcement ladder will be in between the first row and second row of glass blocks.
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8
Repeat Steps 2 through 6 in installing the rest of the glass blocks. Continue to install the glass blocks into the wall frame until the whole frame is completely filled.
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9
Wipe off the excess mortar from the glass blocks with a damp sponge. Caulk the outer edges of the glass block wall to keep moisture out. Allow the mortar to dry for 24 to 36 hours.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear eye goggles and gloves to protect yourself while working with mortar.
Make sure that the first glass block that you install is level. If the first block in the row is not level, the subsequent blocks will also not be level.
References
- Photo Credit glass blocks image by Stephen Orsillo from Fotolia.com
