Tim - good points about the vinyl stacking system. This system can be also be used to create framed glass block windows (for either new construction or remodeling projects) and also for shaped prefabricated walls (curved, angled - like you show in your video or L shaped).
The vinyl framed windows and shaped walls take more skill to prefabricate so it may be best to have a skilled glass block fabricator put them together.
@AsktheBuilder... First off great video and very informative.... now for the question ..would the same system be used for placing glass blocks on either side of a external door of a property ? or woild i need to use a different method for security reasons ?.
@truecreation If someone wants to get in that badly, they'll get in. Done the way I show in this video and another one I have about this topic - and when the silicone cures, it's very secure. But just to be sure, get yourself a .40 Glock and inscribe on the end of the barrel: SMILE, Wait for the Flash.
Thanks for the tip on using plain silicone caulking. Judging by the nature of the material, I am kind of assuming that grouting is not altogether necessary between the blocks either, and that I would be able to simply apply a silicone sealant between the blocks once they are assembled.
Seems obvious now, but... I wish I'd been more careful about removing the barcode stickers on the horizontal spacers. Like flies in amber. That's gonna haunt me forever. Also, I wish I'd done my own width measurement for framing rather than going by the one listed in the P-C pamphlet. Thanks for the video!
Great timing for me. Want to install some Glass blocks in one wall of my shower for light. Is there a name for the system you are showing? If so were can I get these blocks and Equpment? Is it at home depot etc.? Thanks for the video. Peace Richard
Really looks easy and ready to start, but my only question is the last row. How should this be installed and how much space should I leave for the last row. Thanks for your help with the news letters and videos.
Great video Tim! You've helped me on many projects with your videos and I can't thank you enough. One suggestion I have for this video would be addressing how to install the last row/block. It got me held up for a while. Thanks again!
Outstanding video. Thanks for the very helpful instruction. I think I just developed the guts to replace our very tired, leaky old greenhouse window (can you say 1981?) with a nice, energy efficient glass block window!!
Thank you Tim for all of your home inprovement videos for the DYI's out there. Anytime you get negative feedback on any of your videos its because there is alot of insecure pridefull hacks that aren't humble enough to admit there is a better way to do something ; plus where are their videos at? Some of these PRO'S couldn't do or don't know the first thing about how to tackle a project at home..PLease keep up the great informative videos that 99.9% of the people out there on YOUTUBE appreciate!
Many Thanks! One does grow weary of the negative comments. There seem to be 10 negative ones for every positive one. You should see the ones I delete because of profanity and just plain rudeness. Oh my!
Your very welcome.Your videos save people money and time on their projects...plain and simple...anybody that is willing to offer their time and advice to help someone else out should be thanked.Maybe there are better ways to do some projects than other ways but criticising someone with kindergarden comments and profanity isn't the way to go about it.Thanks again and keep up the great advice!
Why do you use spacers? can i just glue the blocks together without spacers? and when you put the spacers in, after the installation is done, what happens? in tile floor installation we have to remove the spacers and grout it, what about glass blocks? what do we do? and what if the blocks don't fit nicely into the wall? can we cut the blocks to fit? what do we do in this case? and how much does it cost to have a professional do it for me? do they charge by the block? square feet? how?
Well, you didn't answer my question about the grouting but it's obvious that it needs to be grouted, that was a dumb question. How much would you charge for this method? estimated about 10 dollars a block?
I want to replace an old basement window with glass block. My foundation is quarry stone. My ? is ,what would I use to attach the frame to the stone? This would affect the bottom and sides of the frame.
Simple. Go to my AsktheBuilder website and type "glass block" in the search engine on my home page. Read all my columns on the topic. I have one that takes you step by step through the process. Your exact situation.
I am thinking of using glass block as exterior wall of a new room extension, using mortar mix. The wall is about 10ft by 10 ft. In temperature of -30C to +30C, will the wall shrink or crack? Your method of using silicon glueing spacer may not be as strong as mortar for exterior wall. please comment. thanks
If the wall has an excellent foundation, it will not shrink or crack. As for the caulk vs. mortar method, you need to consult with the code officials and manufacturer to see if caulk is an approved method in your application. Always check with the manufacturer when you have a question as to *how* to use it. Failure to do this could void a warranty.
I've used your advice on almost every renovation project in my house so far. I think I'm going to put these in my basement window. Thanks for all the help!
Tim - good points about the vinyl stacking system. This system can be also be used to create framed glass block windows (for either new construction or remodeling projects) and also for shaped prefabricated walls (curved, angled - like you show in your video or L shaped).
The vinyl framed windows and shaped walls take more skill to prefabricate so it may be best to have a skilled glass block fabricator put them together.
glassblockinfo 7 months ago
@AsktheBuilder... First off great video and very informative.... now for the question ..would the same system be used for placing glass blocks on either side of a external door of a property ? or woild i need to use a different method for security reasons ?.
truecreation 7 months ago
@truecreation If someone wants to get in that badly, they'll get in. Done the way I show in this video and another one I have about this topic - and when the silicone cures, it's very secure. But just to be sure, get yourself a .40 Glock and inscribe on the end of the barrel: SMILE, Wait for the Flash.
AsktheBuilder 7 months ago
Thanks for the tip on using plain silicone caulking. Judging by the nature of the material, I am kind of assuming that grouting is not altogether necessary between the blocks either, and that I would be able to simply apply a silicone sealant between the blocks once they are assembled.
abyssquick 8 months ago
THAT WAS TOO FAST WHAT ABOUT THE 45 DEGREE RETURNIG WALL
SuperMazorquero 9 months ago
Seems obvious now, but... I wish I'd been more careful about removing the barcode stickers on the horizontal spacers. Like flies in amber. That's gonna haunt me forever. Also, I wish I'd done my own width measurement for framing rather than going by the one listed in the P-C pamphlet. Thanks for the video!
ormati1 10 months ago
Very good! thank you.
adam8707 11 months ago
hello there,Tim Where can I buy the spacers...hangers ..ect. Iv'e been looking but not much luck yet...Thanks
MrTimaines 11 months ago
Does the temputure out side matter?Can I install glassblock on basement windows in cold tempertures?
fishmeer 11 months ago
Great timing for me. Want to install some Glass blocks in one wall of my shower for light. Is there a name for the system you are showing? If so were can I get these blocks and Equpment? Is it at home depot etc.? Thanks for the video. Peace Richard
boscobear33 1 year ago
@boscobear33 Pittsburg Corning
AsktheBuilder 1 year ago
Tim, thanks for the video. Great info clearly presented!
sk4p 1 year ago
Really looks easy and ready to start, but my only question is the last row. How should this be installed and how much space should I leave for the last row. Thanks for your help with the news letters and videos.
maximuslo 1 year ago
Great video, good info. Thanks!
0samuraisister 1 year ago
Great video Tim! You've helped me on many projects with your videos and I can't thank you enough. One suggestion I have for this video would be addressing how to install the last row/block. It got me held up for a while. Thanks again!
wardogtg 1 year ago
Thanks, very clear.
ellaelizabeth 1 year ago
Exactly the info I was looking for. I knew there must be something more modern than mortor. 5 stars & subscription. Thanks Tim!
PackedFunk 1 year ago
wow..instant subscription !! & 5 stars + !!!!.I've never used that method before !!! or actually seen it done
looks really nice !!!! I'm doing a big walk-in shower soon and might use that idea..
still love the old school mortar way though lol but ya...is way harder than your way there
Thanks :)
STMN69 2 years ago
wow, i never knew. i was given about 50 blocks and had no idea how to work with them. thanks!
MrGsimms 2 years ago
Outstanding video. Thanks for the very helpful instruction. I think I just developed the guts to replace our very tired, leaky old greenhouse window (can you say 1981?) with a nice, energy efficient glass block window!!
c120flyer 2 years ago
Thank you Tim for all of your home inprovement videos for the DYI's out there. Anytime you get negative feedback on any of your videos its because there is alot of insecure pridefull hacks that aren't humble enough to admit there is a better way to do something ; plus where are their videos at? Some of these PRO'S couldn't do or don't know the first thing about how to tackle a project at home..PLease keep up the great informative videos that 99.9% of the people out there on YOUTUBE appreciate!
1965blowncomet 2 years ago 5
Many Thanks! One does grow weary of the negative comments. There seem to be 10 negative ones for every positive one. You should see the ones I delete because of profanity and just plain rudeness. Oh my!
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
Your very welcome.Your videos save people money and time on their projects...plain and simple...anybody that is willing to offer their time and advice to help someone else out should be thanked.Maybe there are better ways to do some projects than other ways but criticising someone with kindergarden comments and profanity isn't the way to go about it.Thanks again and keep up the great advice!
1965blowncomet 2 years ago 3
Why do you use spacers? can i just glue the blocks together without spacers? and when you put the spacers in, after the installation is done, what happens? in tile floor installation we have to remove the spacers and grout it, what about glass blocks? what do we do? and what if the blocks don't fit nicely into the wall? can we cut the blocks to fit? what do we do in this case? and how much does it cost to have a professional do it for me? do they charge by the block? square feet? how?
cleberinthearea 2 years ago
Watch the video again.... Sigh....... Get quotes. Each charges using a different method.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago 2
Well, you didn't answer my question about the grouting but it's obvious that it needs to be grouted, that was a dumb question. How much would you charge for this method? estimated about 10 dollars a block?
cleberinthearea 2 years ago
I want to replace an old basement window with glass block. My foundation is quarry stone. My ? is ,what would I use to attach the frame to the stone? This would affect the bottom and sides of the frame.
dshedder1 2 years ago
Simple. Go to my AsktheBuilder website and type "glass block" in the search engine on my home page. Read all my columns on the topic. I have one that takes you step by step through the process. Your exact situation.
AsktheBuilder 2 years ago
theyre from germany :)
premiermc 3 years ago
Can old (recovered) glass blocks be used with the new spacers? Or do you need to buy new blocks?
meatgrowingrobot 3 years ago
If your block are the same size as current glass block in all dimensions, then you should be good to go.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
I am thinking of using glass block as exterior wall of a new room extension, using mortar mix. The wall is about 10ft by 10 ft. In temperature of -30C to +30C, will the wall shrink or crack? Your method of using silicon glueing spacer may not be as strong as mortar for exterior wall. please comment. thanks
vincentwsl 3 years ago
If the wall has an excellent foundation, it will not shrink or crack. As for the caulk vs. mortar method, you need to consult with the code officials and manufacturer to see if caulk is an approved method in your application. Always check with the manufacturer when you have a question as to *how* to use it. Failure to do this could void a warranty.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
I've used your advice on almost every renovation project in my house so far. I think I'm going to put these in my basement window. Thanks for all the help!
Zoth77 3 years ago
could you provide the length of spacer
asz1222 3 years ago
I believe they were about 40-inches long
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
I want to put glass blocks on a knee wall in my shower. How would I attach the shower door to these blocks?
ActressAlyssa 3 years ago
With significant difficulty...... Visit a shower-door showroom in your area and see how the different models work with glass block.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
How energy efficient are the Menards style glass blocks?
HereticHulk 3 years ago
I would look on the label and see the R-value.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
I would like to know what happens if one of the blocks breaks?how can you replace it?do you have to bring down the whole wall?
weareboo 3 years ago
You can replace it. The wall does not have to come down. It is not easy, but can be done.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
Can a hammer strike the glass block and break it? Is a glass block window stronger than a regular glass window?
ionxi 3 years ago
yes and yes only because it is thicker
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
Give it a try to find out. Do it on your neighbors house not your own. hahah
dailycrow 3 years ago
Lowes carries the blocks and supplies
RetiredAFGuy 3 years ago
can I get supplies like that from a home depot or lowes? Thanks for the great vid!!
judojon31 3 years ago
Possibly...... Or a glass-block dealer.
AsktheBuilder 3 years ago
This really made me think it was possible to do my bathroom window myself, THANK YOU!
allenellisdewitt 4 years ago
Thanks for the tips I've added a lot of your handy tips videos to our Australian Group for property investors.
ForPropertyInvestors 4 years ago