How to Remove Glass Block Caulking

Removing glass block caulk has to be done manually.

Decorative glass block walls and windows offer privacy, while still allowing light to filter into a room. Made of either glass or acrylic, removal is necessary to complete the replacement of a chipped or broken block. Silicone caulk is used to hold these blocks in their frame. Successful removal of this caulk is a manual, rather than chemical process. This project takes anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours, depending on how many glass blocks are needing replacement.

Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• Safety glasses
• Sharp utility knife
• Putty knife
• Rubber mallet

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Instructions

1. Cut through the center of the caulk bead using a sharp utility knife. Cut completely around each block needing removed.

2. Slice from the edge of the caulk in toward the center from both the top and bottom of the caulk bead. Pull the caulk free from the glass block using your fingers.

3. Remove the silicone caulk from the other side of the glass block using the same method of cutting through the center, and slicing from the top and bottom. Pull the caulk free and discard.

4. Wedge a small putty knife carefully between the block and the frame it rests in. Work the putty knife slowly around the entire edge of the frame and block.

5. Loosen the block from the other side by running the putty knife between the frame and block. Free the glass block by tapping lightly with a rubber mallet and pulling it out. Scrape the remaining silicone off of the frame using the edge of the utility knife blade held at a 45 degree angle.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use any chemical products to remove silicone caulking. Products that claim to make the job easier by chemical application will more than likely cause damage to the frame or remaining glass blocks.

• Use a gloved hand to remove any pieces of glass block.

• Always wear safety glasses when working with glass products.

References

• Crystal View: Replacing a Glass Block

Resources

• Ask the Builder: Silicone Caulk