Real Estate

How to make acrylic and glass block window installations easier and improve quality at the same time

“I’m too scared to do this glass block window installation,” a customer recently said. “Don’t you have a way to make it easier, lighter and maybe even reduce clutter for my window project?” Fortunately, the answer is yes: it’s through the use of vinyl or aluminum framed windows built with acrylic blocks and glass. In this article you will learn the following:

1. Why framed window systems can make your project easier
2. What products and sizes are available
3. In which rooms will a vinyl framed window system work best?
4. Where to use both glass windows vs. acrylic block window systems
5. Cool and unique project ideas.

1) Why framed window systems can make your life easier

Let’s face it, mortar block window installations are messy. Getting the mortar mix right isn’t easy, and there’s always the concern that the precast window assembly will break just as it’s placed in the opening. Framed window systems take much of the guesswork, weight, and worry away.

Framed windows are pre-assembled with silicone gaskets between the blocks (eliminating the need to mix mortar) and are typically made from 2″ thick glass or acrylic units (reducing weight by 1/3 to ½ compared to traditional block. Units made from 3″ and 4″ thick block.) With integral nailing fins, windows install like standard vinyl windows (nail into opening for new construction or build without fins for a replacement window application) without the mess usually associated with a mortared glass window Since the windows are silicone bonded within a vinyl frame, they can be shipped nationwide and have been used in states with standards varied climates, from Florida to Minnesota, California and Maine.

2) What product and size options are available?

Factory assembled framed block window systems can be made with vinyl or aluminum frames using glass or acrylic block inside the windows. The most commonly used glass block sizes are 8″ x 8″ x 2″ (for reduced weight), 6″ x 6″ x 3″ and 8″ x 8″ x 4″ in a wide variety of sizes. patterns and colors the most commonly used sizes are 8″ x 8″, 6″ x 6″ and occasionally 9″ x 9″ and are generally 1 ½” to 2″ thick. Frame colors may vary, being the white and almond the most common.

3) In which rooms should you use a vinyl framed window system?

The main reasons for choosing a block window system are where you want privacy, a fresh clean look, style and privacy all wrapped up in one window solution. Since these windows meet tempered window standards, they are stronger and harder to break than standard glass windows, making them safe to use in bathrooms and other higher-risk areas of a home or business.

Acrylic or glass block windows are used in bathrooms as transom windows over tub surrounds or over soaking tubs and hot tubs on the side of the house for privacy. Kitchen and study backsplashes are becoming a more popular application for natural light under cabinets. These windows are being used on stairwells in commercial buildings and for churches that want light, safety, and color in their windows (a church in New Mexico is looking to put green, purple, red, and orange glass blocks in a framed window ). Assembly). Side stained glass around the front doors and cabinets use block windows for security and light without compromising privacy. For most basement windows considering frameless block windows, it is generally better to mortar these windows into their masonry foundation and poured walls than to have a vinyl frame around the windows.

4) Where to use glass and acrylic framed window systems

There is a lot of debate about whether glass or acrylic is better for your window projects. The simple answer is that both have their place and that is why both materials are successful in the market. Here’s a quick look at where each product is best used.

Advantages and where to use framed glass block windows

– Where you want the strength and durability of a real glass window for scratch resistance and quality – If you want to incorporate a wide variety of colors into your windows
– When you are worried about what cleaning products can be used on the windows
– (acrylic blocks can have problems if abrasive cleaning agents are used on the surface of the block)
– If you like a thinner frame around your window Advantages and where to use framed acrylic block windows
– Whether you want a fully operable sash, casement, awning or sliding window (acrylic windows can be provided with fully operable window cranks and sashes). Additionally, acrylic windows can be used in arch top, hexagon, octagon or round top window designs.
– If you need an Energy Star or Low E rated window.
– If you want a lighter window for easier installation.
– If you need a custom fit block size for a replacement window app.

5) Cool and Unique Project Ideas

Here are some different ideas to consider with your block windows:

– An almond vinyl framed glass block window was used over a soaking tub at a homebuilder’s Parade Home in Columbus, Ohio.
– A therapist in New Orleans, Louisiana, plans to use an acrylic block slider window in a waiting room within an existing glass block wall for privacy and to maintain the all-block look.
– A home being remodeled in Dallas, Texas is considering installing a window framed block art mural with an ocean scene applied directly onto the glass (this decorative art mural uses glass frit that is fired directly in glass, making it a permanent part of the glass).
– A church in Arkansas is seeking to place a ruby-red cross inside a framed window. Featuring acrylic block and framed glass windows and a wide selection of styles, patterns, colors, sizes and designs.
– Projects have never been so easy, cool and neat to do!

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