What are glass blocks?
Typically a glass block is a 3 dimensional piece of glass like a brick, in fact some people call them glass bricks. In the past only one size was available, but today you can buy glass blocks in 3 different sizes, 19 x 19 cm the standard size, or 24 x 24 cm and 30 x 30 cm, thickness will vary from 5 to 10 cm.
These blocks can be used in a variety of ways to build windows or walls. They add a striking decorative element to your home. You would use the larger glass blocks for areas where you want more light. Joints can be gray or white but you can also tint them, and you can use either joint for inside or outside. In areas that are wet like a bathroom you would use silicone joints.
You will also find colored glass blocks, both in strong colors or pastels. Some of the more decorative blocks will have a wavy look, or they will be smoother, others will show specks, there is a fairly wide variety for you to achieve whatever decorative and functional project you have in mind. Of course what you intend to do with your glass blocks will in great part determine the kind you choose. For example for a glass block shower partition, where some privacy is needed you would want a more opaque block, thus one with more texture would be more suitable.
You can also find glass blocks suitable for flooring material. If you plan on using them for a floor you must specify that when you buy your supplies as these have different properties.
What can you do with glass blocks?
They can be used for windows.
This sounds a little obvious but you must realize that you will not end up with a typical window when you have a glass block window. First your window will not lose heat as much as any other window does because it will be sealed all the way around, and by virtue of the thickness of the glass blocks a thick layer or insulating air will be trapped, making it very energy efficient. Like with any other window light will come in the room but unlike traditional windows the light can be more diffused depending on your choice of blocks. One other advantage of glass block windows is that, since they do not open, they are safer against would be intruders than other windows. In some areas this safety issue is an important factor. There is another application for glass block windows and that is if you need a basement window. Glass block basement windows are the perfect solutions to a lot of problems. First they are weather proof and maintenance free windows, they are also easy to install for the average handyman, specially when you use a pre-made glass block window panel, they will also keep burglars away while giving you the light you need.
They can be used for showers.
Sometimes people call this the Italian shower, that is a shower that is surrounded by a glass block wall, or at least has a glass block shower separation from the rest of the bathroom. Regardless of how you decide to design your glass block shower it is sure to be a hit. Glass blocks are well suited to transform a small space like an unused closet in a bedroom into an additional shower. To accomplish this all you need to do is replace the existing walls with glass blocks or glass block panels. In this way you will not need to add any wall tiles or a fiberglass shower enclosure. Because such a small shower might be poorly lit with conventional walls, glass blocks make a big difference as light will shine through. This can also provide a very decorative element to your bedroom.
This is nearly a perfect solution because it is so easy to maintain, a simple wipe and you are done, it is beautiful, and you can add privacy as much as you want by choosing your blocks ingeniously. If you are planning to install your glass block shower by yourself the only thing to remember is to use silicon mortar.
Building walls.
Just as you can build a glass block separation wall in a bathroom you can build glass blocks walls anywhere you need a wall. Interior walls that are not load bearing are obviously the easiest to accomplish, but you are not limited to that. Some people have built beautiful glass block exterior walls that have allowed a maximum amount of light, have provided great insulation, and have clearly defined the style of the home. It is possible to use glass blocks on inside walls or outside walls however you should not use them for load bearing walls. In addition some limitations of size should be respected. When a wall exceed a certain size (around 6 yards) it needs to be reinforced with steel rods.
Decorating with glass blocks
For a more esthetic look you can fill the spaces where mortar was applied with a strip of wood to hide the mortar joint. If you prefer to simplify the task you can buy kits online that are designed specially for this purpose, for non professionals who want to do their own installation. For another esthetic variation there are trapezoid glass blocks that would give your wall or window a whole new dimension. Finally you should be aware that there are lighted glass blocks that can be used for a variety of purposes.
Some of the best ideas using decorative glass blocks came from the work of Seves a European glass block company. They have done extensive work with a wide variety of glass blocks. You can see some of their work in the images above, you can also visit any glass block sellers online to get ideas, as most of them provide images of work they have done and it can spark ideas of what you can accomplish in your own home.
