Glass Supplies
Glass Supplies where can I find stained glass supplies in Southern Ca. ? 91344 zip code try the yellow pages. If you can find some art catalogs they have a lot of good stufff - google. Call a ...
Glass Supplies
Do-it-Yourself - Install a Glass Block Window, Yes You Can!
Classic glass block windows have been around for decades and for good reason. Where ventilation is not needed or desired, glass block windows allow natural light to pass through while providing privacy or blocking out unwanted views. With styles and patterns that let you choose from complete privacy to a totally translucent view, you'll find glass blocks that will let you get exactly the look and level of light control and privacy that you desire. From diamond patterns to stripes and wave patterns, the beauty of glass blocks is that they require no window treatment and they allow the architecture of the glass and the room to take center stage.
What you may not know is that it is relatively simple to install a glass block window yourself. Skip the expense of professional installation and read on to learn how to make this stylish upgrade to your home.
Getting Started: Glass Blocks and Supplies
First you need to know how many glass blocks you need to fit the window opening. Measure your window and take the measurements to the home improvement or glass supply store. Depending on the style of block you choose, the professional at the store can determine how many blocks you need, as well as the configuration. Before you leave the store, pick up whatever supplies you don't already have: a sharp utility knife, plastic putty knife, plastic tracking and spacers, silicone sealer and caulking to match the tracking and the exterior window frame. You will also need a drill for creating pilot holes, a marking pencil, measuring tape and wood screws.
Step-by-Step Procedure
1. If there is an existing window, remove it and its accompanying tracking system. Scrape away any residual adhesive and caulking.
2. Measure the opening and then measure, mark and cut the plastic tracking to fit all four sides. Install the bottom piece of tracking, as well as the side pieces by marking pilot holes in the tracking for screw locations with a pencil. Drill the holes, and then attach the tracking to the window with wood screws. Don't install your top piece of tracking yet.
3. You will be installing the glass block from starting at the bottom of the window and working toward the top. In order to accommodate the last block on the top row, you need to cut a notch in the plastic tracking that will be installed at the top of the window: Use a sharp utility knife to cut a notch that is one inch longer than the width of one block. The notch must also be half the width of the tracking. In other words, you are going to cut a notch lengthwise in the top section of tracking that is half as wide as the track and one inch longer than the width of your glass block.
4. Set this smaller notched out piece aside for installation with the final block and install the remainder of the top track, with the opening that you notched in, marking pilot holes and screwing it to top of the window. The notched section of track should face to interior side of the window, with the full length of tracking to the exterior.
5. Begin laying block at a bottom corner. Use a trimmed spacer to keep your vertical spacing consistent; place your next block and check that the blocks sit securely in the tracking channel. Finish laying blocks for the bottom row and use a horizontal spacer to set the next row; continue with vertical spacers between blocks on the same row, to keep your blocks level and evenly spaced. Continue in this fashion until you reach the top row at the notched area for the final glass block.
6. Cut the tip off a tube of silicone sealer and run a thin bead along the edge of tracking that you previously set aside. Adhere the tracking to the edge of the glass block, press gently to smooth out an air bubbles, and set the final block securely in place.
7. Seal all the blocks along horizontal seams first with silicone sealer; run silicone along vertical seams, skipping over the horizontal bead you just created. Seams must be sealed on both the interior and exterior of the window. Use a putty knife to smooth the bead and wipe away excess with a clean wet rag. Finally, seal the interior and exterior of the window frame with latex caulk.
About the Author
Additional free ideas are offered by senior staff writer and home decor specialist Danita Lickfelt at Metal-Wall-Art.com. The store also specializes in distinctive music wall art and contemporary wall art.