Most glass blocks made and sold today are either 3 or 4 inches nominal. The actual thicknesses are 37/8 inches, and 31/8 inches. Regular glass block, the thicker of the two, is intended for applications that require durability, insulation against temperature changes and sound, and resistance to fire. This thickness offers the greatest variety of surface patterns and block sizes. Thin glass block is usually meant for use in ready-made panels, such as sidelights for entryway doors. This glass block can only support its own weight, not any other materials.
When used in exterior walls, glass block must meet the same requirements as other materials. One factor that affects exterior walls and not interior ones is wind resistance. To be approved for outside use, a glass block panel has to resist 20 pounds of pressure per square foot, the equivalent of hurricane winds. The maximum area for glass block panels allowed by most building codes is 144 square feet - 12 feet squared or a rectangle of the same or less surface area. The limit for overall height is 20 feet, while the greatest length allowed is 25 feet.
Interior walls made with glass block have far fewer restrictions. They do not need to hold back the elements, just lateral loads of 5 pounds per square foot. That means interior walls can use up to 250 square feet of glass block, or nearly twice as much as exterior walls.
In either location, glass block can only support itself. An opening for a glass block panel should have support above, just the same as for doorways or large windows. A header beam distributes the weight to the sides of the glass block, and from there to the foundation. A glass block panel that is used to support additional weight is likely to crack and fail over time.
Available as individual bricks, in panels, or as part of larger assemblies such as vented basement windows, glass blocks are made in many sizes, shapes, and patterns. Most are hollow, although solid blocks are made as well. Square, flat blocks of 6, 8, or 12 inches are the most common; rectangular blocks, curved shapes, angled pieces, bullnose edgers, and other variations increase your design options.
Dozens of surface patterns are available from several manufacturers, giving you almost unlimited choices for combinations of transparency and privacy. From clear surfaces to waves, ribs, stippling, and cross hatching, glass blocks offer visual variety along with safety, security, durability, aesthetic qualities, and low maintenance.
If you plan to install glass block yourself, make sure you read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Some of the differences between glass block and other masonry products may surprise you. For example, cleaners that contain acid may work well for concrete, brick, or stone, but they can defeat the waterproofing qualities of the mortar used with glass block.
And while some general rules apply to most glass block installations, such as adding horizontal reinforcement at least every 16 inches, some makers will have specialized materials, accessories, or techniques that vary from standard practices.
Before you buy the tools to install glass block on your own, contact at least two or three professional contractors. They may be able to complete the job for only a little more money than the cost of materials alone. That leaves you free to handle other tasks, and then just enjoy the results.
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