“I’m really scared to do this glass block window installation” a customer recently said. “Don’t you have a way to make it easier, lighter, and maybe even cut down the mess for my window project?” Fortunately the answer is yes – it’s by using vinyl or aluminum framed windows built with acrylic and glass blocks. In this article you’ll learn the following:
1. Why framed windows systems can make your project easier
2. What products and sizes are available
3. What rooms a vinyl framed window system will work best in
4. Where to use both glass windows vs. acrylic block windows systems
5. Cool and unique projects ideas.
1) Why framed windows systems can make your life easier
Let’s face it mortared block window installations are messy. Getting the right mortar mix is not easy, and there is always the concern of the pre-fabricated window assembly breaking just as you go to set it into the opening. Framed window systems take much of the guess-work, weight, and worries away.
Framed windows are pre-assembled with silicone joints between the blocks (getting rid of the need to mix mortar) and are usually made with 2″ thick glass or acrylic units (reducing the weight by as much 1/3 to ½ vs. traditional block units made of 3″ and 4″ thick block). With integral nailing fins the windows are installed like standard vinyl windows (they are nailed into the opening for new construction or built without the fins for a replacement window application) without the mess usually associated with a mortared glass window. Since the windows are siliconed together inside a vinyl frame they can be shipped nationwide and have been used in states with varied weather patterns – from Florida to Minnesota to California to Maine.
2) What product and size options are available?
Factory assembled framed block windows systems can be made of with vinyl or aluminum frames using either glass or acrylic blocks inside the windows. Glass block sizes used most often are 8″ x 8″ x 2″ (for the reduced weight), 6″ x 6″ x 3″, and 8″ x 8″ x 4″ in a wide variety of patterns and colors. Acrylic block sizes used most frequently are 8″ x 8″, 6″ x 6″ and occasionally 9″ x 9″ and are usually 1 ½” to 2″ thick. Frame colors can vary with white and almond being the most common.
3) What rooms should you use a vinyl framed window system
The main reasons to choose a block window system are where you want privacy, a cool clean look, style, and privacy all wrapped in one window solution. Since these windows meet tempered window standards they are stronger and harder to break than standard glass windows which make them safe to use in bathroom and other higher risk areas of a home or business.
Acrylic or glass block windows are being used in bathrooms as either transom windows above tub surrounds or above soaking and Jacuzzi tubs on the side of the home for privacy. Kitchen and den backsplashes are becoming a more popular application to get natural light underneath cabinetry. These windows are being used in stairwells in commercial buildings and for churches who want light, security, and color with their windows (a church in New Mexico is looking to put in green, purple, red, and orange colored glass blocks into one framed window assembly). Sidelites around front doors and closets are using block windows to get security and light without compromising privacy. For most basement windows considering using block windows without frames – it is usually better to mortar these windows into their masonry and poured wall foundations than to have a vinyl frame around the windows.
4) Where to use glass and acrylic framed window systems
There is much debate over whether glass or acrylic is better for your window projects. The simple answer is they both have their place and that is why both materials are successful in the market. Here is a quick look at where it’s best to use each product.
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