Installation Procedures for a Dow Corning Glass Block
Glass block provides a decorative solution for areas where you want light, but not the view. Providing a clean modern look, without allowing anyone to see into the area, Dow Corning glass blocks work great for basement windows, bathroom windows, or even a space between rooms you would like to separate. Installing the glass block is no more challenging than putting a window in the same space, and provides more versatility when it comes to size. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Measuring tape
- Level
- Latex paint or sealant
- Block spacers
- Tin Snips
- Expansion strips
- Mortar
- Trowel
- Mortar pan
- Glass blocks
- Power drill or screwdriver
- 1 inch flat head screws
- Polyfoam brushes
- Sponge
- Cloth
- Caulking gun
- Silicone caulk
Instructions
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1
Measure the rough opening where you plan to install the glass blocks. Add 1/2 inch to the sum of the block sizes. If the block space needed is 30 inches high, the opening needs to be 30 1/2 inches.
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2
Check the space for level. Be sure the bottom sill and the sides are level and square with the top and bottom.
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3
Prepare the surface of the sill. If made of wood, treat it with a coat of latex paint or sealant to keep it from absorbing moisture.
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4
Assemble the block spacers. The spacers come in two pieces that snap together. Modify the spacers using tin snips. Follow the instructions that came with your Dow Corning glass blocks to create the shape of the spacers you will need.
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5
Bend each anchor panel to a 90 degree angle with a short arm on one end, approximately 4 inches in length.
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6
Prepare and trim your expansion strips to size. Expansion strips slide down between the anchors, or edges of a piece of Dow Corning glass block, at the sides of the opening to fill the channel space where no block is connected. Trim the strip to the measurement between anchors.
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7
Prepare your mortar according to the instructions on the package.
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8
Add a 1/2 inch bed of mortar to the bottom sill.
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9
Place two spacers on the bottom corners of your first piece of Dow Corning glass block, using the type of spacer called for in the diagram that came with the blocks.
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10
Place a piece of extension strip between the block and the jamb and push the block firmly into place. Add a spacer at the top outside corner of the block next to the extension strip.
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11
Apply 3/8 inch layer of mortar to the edge of the glass block where the next block will connect. Add a spacer to the top right corner of the Dow Corning glass block you will place next, and one on the bottom left corner. Push the two blocks together.
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12
Repeat step 11 for all remaining blocks in the first row. For the last block, add a spacer at the top left corner of the block on the outside edge and insert the extension strip in the anchor channel on the outside jamb after sliding the last block down into place.
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13
Lay a 3/8 inch layer of mortar across the top of the first row of blocks. Lay the second row exactly as the first.
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14
Place a panel anchor at the jamb on top of the second row of blocks and secure in place with the drill and two of the 1 inch screws per anchor. Do this every second row of blocks.
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15
Install the top row of glass blocks without spacers at the top of the blocks. In this row, for every second block, install a panel anchor vertically from the top sill down along side the vertical edge of the second block to secure the top row. Insert expansion strips above the two block sections when the last row is in place.
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16
Push any mortar back into the joints using the polyfoam brushes.
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17
Twist off the spacer tabs on both sides of the panel. Use the polyfoam brush or a striking tool to make the mortar joints even. Using a damp sponge, remove excess mortar from the blocks. Allow the mortar to dry for two to three hours.
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18
Wipe down the glass block surface with a dry cloth to remove any film.
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19
Apply the silicone caulk to the perimeter of the panel on both sides.
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References
- Photo Credit glass block image by Sunshine Photos from Fotolia.com
