Vents in Glass Block are a Terrible Idea
We get multiple requests a year for basement glass block windows with vents and we have to explain why they are a terrible idea. Here’s why: Humidity In the summer, your basement tends to be cooler than the rest of the house. Warm moist air rushes into your basement when you open a vent and then it condensates. This contributes toward that mildew smell in the basement. Homeowners often try to mitigate that problem by running a dehumidifier which uses a lot of electricity a…
Venting Glass Block
Venting Glass Block is a not a good idea. As a masonry product, it’s not really made to have a plastic vent inserted into it. Some of the glass block windows you may have seen that are close to 100 years old do not have them in them and if you really think about it, when was the last time you actually opened, or even wanted to open your basement windows? Before considering venting, consider this — many homeowners run a dehumidifier in their basements. For the most part, a…
3 Key Reasons to choose Glass Block Windows
Choosing to install Glass Block windows is a great way to subtly improve your room but it should be done with planning and a solid understanding of what you hope to accomplish with what could transform into a new space in your home. A properly installed glass block window tends to brighten up the room while also keeping bugs and critters out. Basements, bathrooms, and garages are common areas for glass block windows. The best time to have the windows installed is before you …
Glass Block adds light
Glass block windows add light to a space and if done well, can improve the overall feel of a room. It is an affordable option, costing less than double or triple pane windows, while not requiring the framing. Eliminating the Framing, Improving the Light By eliminating the wood frame around the window the homeowner is able to pick up a minimum of 3/4″ on each side. That’s 1-1/2″ total. By eliminating the sashes, which average about 2-1/2 inches on each side, you’re picking …
What Kind of Variables Affect Price of a Glass Block Window?
The first thing you should know is that there is no such thing as an honest “ballpark” estimate. There’s no easy answer but here’s a few things that might help you. Here’s what an installation company is looking for: Identify the location the block will be put in. Basement Bathroom Identify the purpose of the block. Privacy Security Low maintenance High Water Protection Other Will this be for an installation above grade or below grade? Above grade windows means they won’t be…
Debunking the “Standard Size” and “Quick Install” Myth
When a glass block company receives a call and the customer tells them that they have “just standard size” windows, professionals cringe. The Professional knows that there will be a disconnect between what the customer expects, and what can be delivered and for what price it can be installed. So here’s a quick checklist to better understand what makes a quick install: Are the basement walls block walls or are they poured? Poured walls oftentimes have windows that are plac…
To Vent or Not to Vent
We often hear, glass block “vents give you great air flow”, or so my customers tell me that “Joe” down the street told them. Now I’ll be honest — if you want vents, we will sell them to you, but not because you need them and as long as we’re being honest, not because they’re beneficial. We sell them because our competitors sell them and because some people were convinced by a friend who believes they understand everything they know about glass block windows, that they need v…
Q: How do I know if a company mortars their glass block?
A: This is a common question and in order to get the straight answer from a company you have to ask a few more questions. Here’s why: Many homeowners who do their homework prior to having a company come out for an estimate know that mortar is the best way to put together a window, but some companies are evasive or misleading. Here’s an example of a call that will not give you the information you need to make a good decision: Company: Hi this is John from XYZ glass block windo…
Should I Do All Of My Glass Block Windows At The Same Time?
Some companies try to pressure customers into doing all of their basement glass block windows at the same time. They’ll give lots of reasons, but here’s a quick checklist of what you really need to understand. You don’t need to do all of your windows at the same time if you go with a classic design. There are many trendy styles of glass block out there. Some go in and out within a 5 or 10 year span. Some last even less. For basements, the wave pattern has stood the test o…