How To Install Glass Block

Follow our 8-step guide to install glass block as part of your next DIY project!

Step 1: Measure The Area

• Using a tape measurer, measure the area where you plan to install the glass block.
• Determine exactly where the glass block will fit.
• Then use a level to even out the entire installation space.

Step 2: Choose The Right Glass Block

• Choose between diamond, ribbed or ice styles to determine which type of glass block fits your home best.
• Pick a clear glass block with a desirable pattern.
• If you wish for privacy, select a glass block with a stronger pattern for security.

Step 3: Mix Glass Block Mortar

• It is recommended to mix white cement, mortar cement and sand with the water.
• Some glass block products may not come with any mixing instructions.

Step 4: Use Mortar To Level The Surface

• Use a towel as you apply a bed of mortar to level the surface.

Step 5: Add Glass Block Atop The Surface

• Start by creating the bottom row of the glass block pattern.
• Apply the glass blocks one by one.

Step 6: Reinforce Installed Glass Blocks

• Fix the anchors and reinforce the rods every two feet.
• This will provide strength and stability to the glass block structures.

Step 7: Clean Any Leftover Mortar Residue

• Use a damp towel to clean any mortar residue after installation.
• Allow the mortar to settle into the glass for at least one whole day (24 hours).

Step 8: Seal Glass Blocks

• When the mortar has set completely, seal the perimeter and joints.
• Do this process using a glass block sealant.

Glass Block Benefits

So why choose to install glass blocks? Here are a few different benefits for your residential or commercial space:

Energy Efficient

Because single pane windows are not made where they will be sufficient for the winter months, homeowners essentially need to put plastic wrap over their windows to make them efficient in keeping the cold air from getting in.

Putting plastic wrap and taking other precautions when the winter months turn drastically cold cannot compare to the efficiency of having glass blocks insulation, which is going to prevent cold air from coming in and does not let the warm air inside get out. Thus, keeping your heating bills in the winter lower and those cooling bills in the summer reduced as well. The glass block windows create a mortared seal that single pane windows do not.

Light and Transparency

Some people prefer to have as much lighting as possible in a room and are constantly having to open and close their curtains day in and day out, but with glass block windows this would no longer be necessary for they let in the natural sunlight, which in return is going to save on their electric bill. Having glass block windows can help in lowering the cost of electric bills, as well as the need for any curtains, offering complete natural light.

Compared to artificial lighting, the glass block windows can provide an equal amount of natural light, usually even more. Besides that, you can get this lighting free of electrical cost! Why would anyone want to have to keep all of their lights on to see better and pay a higher electrical bill when glass block windows will utilize the natural sunlight to do the same thing for them? You can soft light through glass block windows at night from the moon, which gives off a soft light resembling being outside.

Privacy

All homeowners at one time or another have to decide which curtains and/or shades will give them the best source of lighting, yet, it still isn’t enough lighting to actually see indoors and does not give them true privacy. However, glass block windows provide a natural source of good lighting, also, true privacy. Furthermore, when you have glass block windows curtains are not necessary, as they have design patterns that distorts the vision from the outside.

Another benefit (this is a bonus)that glass block windows give is in noise reduction. Glass block windows give an extra layer that makes the windows a higher level in soundproofing, whereas a single pane is thin and cannot do that. People who live near noisy intersections, schools, and airports would most definitely appreciate having glass block windows.