Today’s glass block windows are no longer simply the clear, colorless, functional block cubes of yesteryear. As Emeril Lagasse would say, these blocks have made it a little better! Yes, the benefits of the product’s past still hold true: increased security and difficulty in breaking, greater energy efficiency than the windows they are replacing, and increased privacy. Contemporary block windows take it to the next level – they’re cooler, more modern, safer, easier to install and environmentally friendly. Let’s take a look at what’s new:
Hot styles and patterns for your windows
Boring is out, cool is in! Why go plain when you can mix and match today’s most popular designer colors? With the new wave of blocks, match (or contrast) the color of your blocks with your tiles, your walls, your furniture, you name it. Put a strip of color on a transparent wall, or just randomly place a few blocks of color on a wall for style and pop.
In addition to colors, there are now artistic and decorative colored glass blocks with murals to expand your imagination. There are over 60 standard murals that you can place on windows, walls, or design a custom scene to your exact tastes and interests. Some of the pre-designed murals include:
o Places: Manhattan, Acropolis, Santori and Rome.
o Flowers: irises, calla lilies, tulips and hibiscus.
o Interests – Golf, other sports.
o Famous artists: Warhol, Van Gogh, Miró, Michelangelo, Picasso.
There are cool new patterns available on the blocks and bevels are also being cut on the blocks with the new products made today. Pittsburgh Corning has introduced the Bevel Series line, where numerous architectural designs can really put a distinctive edge on your windows and walls. There is a pattern that may remind you of the sea, called Seascapes by Pittsburgh Corning or Bubble by Mulia. There is also a Focus pattern block with a circle in the center – very contemporary and attractive! Architects, designers, and homeowners will have a blast creating unique windows and walls with these products.
Fire resistance and security to keep you safe
The thickness of the blocks (they can range from about 2″ to 4″ thick depending on size and style) has always been recognized as an excellent deterrent to minimize theft, but the following new features make today’s blocks even more safer and more fire resistant.
o 60 and 90 Minute Fire Rated Safety Glass Block – Pittsburgh Corning and Mulia manufacture fire rated window assemblies that allow homeowners, commercial developers or home builders the option of meeting with fire codes while providing light and privacy to those who occupies the buildings and homes. If you’re looking to get light in multi-family housing units, narrow lots for new homes, stairwells or hallways, fire-rated block 60 or 90 minute fire may be the design answer for you.
o Vistabrik Security Glass Blocks for Added Security – If you are looking for the ultimate in window security, Pittsburgh Corning’s Vistabrik product is for you. This product is 3″ solid glass, resistant to graffiti and is excellently used in public buildings or commercial spaces where security is of the utmost importance: heavy blocks, incredibly difficult to break.
Easier to install glass block windows and better for the environment
Whether you’re looking to install block on a new home, commercial building, or remodeling an existing space, systems and processes have never been easier. Here are some basic installation recommendations to consider:
o Upper Story Windows or Wood Framed Openings: For framed openings, consider vinyl clad glass block window system in new construction or remodeling projects. Available with or without an integral nailing fin, this product installs like a traditional vinyl window and is silicone bonded for an all-glass look. Some of the most popular uses have been over a bathtub or jacuzzi in a bathroom, over a shower surround in a smaller bathroom, garage windows, closet windows, and stairwells.
o Improve health problems, increase ventilation and improve the environment – with this product you do not have to block the entire window system. In residential and commercial applications, the use of vinyl vent products has become quite common. Standard air vents can be used at any window location and there are even exhaust fans, dryer vent options, and removable sash windows. Since glass blocks are extremely durable and long lasting, they are also an eco-friendly product.
Today’s glass block windows are truly cooler, safer and more secure, and easier and more flexible to use than ever before.