What is the difference between the actual and nominal glass block sizes?
Actual glass block sizes are slightly smaller to allow space for the application of mortar.
The Premiere Series block has an actual thickness of 3-7/8″. The actual width and height are undersized by 1/4 “. For example, an 8″ x 8″ x 4” nominal has an actual measurement of 7-3/4” x 7-3/4” x 3-7/8”.
The Thinline Series block has an actual thickness of 3-1/8”. The actual width and height are undersized by 1/4 “. For example, an 6” x 8” x 3” nominal block has an actual measurement of 5-3/4” x 7-3/4” x 3-1/8”.
Metric sized block (Basic, Design and Technology) has an actual thickness of 3-1/8”. The actual width and height are undersized by 1/2 “. For example, a 1919/8 or Q19 sized block has an actual measurement of 7-1/2″ x 7-1/2″ x 3-1/8”.
What is the difference between Metric and Imperial sized glass block?
Imperial sized block are sized using the Imperial System measurement of inches. Metric sized block are sized using the Metric System measurement of centimeters, and are typically slightly smaller in size.
Always measure to ensure which block is best for your project. Can’t decide which sized block is best for your project? Our Customer Service team is available to help. Give us a call at 877-427-8775.
Is glass block load-bearing?
Glass block is not a load-bearing material. Provisions should be provided at the head to accommodate the support of loads above the glass block panel.
Is mortar or silicone best for installation?
There are certain advantages to installing with silicone or mortar, and the decision to use one or the other varies from project to project.
Silicone is a preferred installation method when an all-glass look is desired. Silicone is much lighter than
traditional mortar, making it easier and more cost effective to package and ship glass block. Additionally, silicone provides great insulation. Because it can be easily applied with a caulking gun, silicone is typically easier and cleaner for homeowners to install.
Mortar is the traditional installation method for glass block. The “old school” method of applying mortar is pouring, where glass block windows or sections are laid on a table with 1/4 inch joints and mortar is poured over top to adhere the sections together. Mortar is extremely tough and durable, making it extremely difficult to break a window or panel.
I want to install glass block in my basement window. How do I measure it?
Windows should be measured from jamb to jamb and from sill to head.
What is the insulation value of glass block?
Glass block can provide more than two times the thermal resistance (R-value) of single-glaze 1/8″ thick plate glass. The differences between the shading coefficient of glass block and flat sheet glass are also significant. Contributing to this is the louvering effect of glass block’s horizontal mortar joints, which helps reduce light transmission from the higher summer sun. The size and orientation of the block can greatly affect the amount of shading that can occur.
Glass block is also a dense barrier to sounds from trains, traffic, crowds, sirens and machinery with a 53 STC level. Thickset Series Block STC ranges between 48-50, and a Premiere Series glass Block is 35-40.
What kind of mortar is best for installation?
Premixed glass block mortar is consistent and convenient, but if you want to mix your own you can follow
the formula for Type S mortar listed in the product specifications.
I checked out as a guest. Why can I not look up my order?
Guest orders are not linked to any account. If you would like to check the status of your order, please contact Customer Service at 877-427-8775.
What items can I return?
Listed below are returnable items. See the full return policy for additional information.
- ACCESSORIES – May be returned in the original packaging only.
- PANEL AND WINDOWS – (Non-Refundable) All Panel and Windows are custom made and, therefore, are not returnable. Be certain you are ordering the correct size and please verify all finishing sizes prior to placing order. All sales are final and no returns will be accepted.
- GLASS BLOCK – Any Imperial glass block stocked in our warehouse is returnable. Non-stocked (Special Ordered) glass block is Non-Refundable. Special ordered glass block include some Basic Line, all Design Line, and some of the Technology Line.
- HARD TO FIND GLASS BLOCK – (Non-Refundable) All sales final. No warranty applies.
I am not sure which items I need for my glass block project.
We have a dedicated sales team that is readily available to answer any questions and provide product
information. Contact 877-427-8775 for more information.
What are your hours of operation?
Our hours of operation are Monday thru Friday, 8 AM – 5 PM EST.
How long will it take for my order to ship?
Transit times depend on the type of product ordered, as well as your area and accessibility. See the information below or refer to our full shipping policy for more details.
- Imperial Line Glass Block: Ships in 1-3 business days after you place your order online.
- Basic Line Glass Block: Few items in this line are stocked in our warehouse. Special order product, allow 3-4 weeks to arrive.
- Design Line Glass Block: Special order product, allow 3-4 weeks to arrive.
- Technology Line Glass Block: Few items in this line are stocked in our warehouse. If needing to be ordered, allow 6-8 weeks to arrive.
- Glass Block Accessories: Ships in 1-3 business days after you place your order online.
- Pre-Assembled Glass Block Panels: Allow 5 business days for the production of your product.
- Clear Choice Windows: Allow 7 business days for the production of your window.
I cannot find the item I am looking for on your website.
If you cannot find an item on our website, please give us a call at 877-427-8775. We can special order any item and are available to assist with additional questions you may have.
How do I cancel an order?
Orders cannot be changed or cancelled online. Please contact Customer Service at 877-427-8775 for assistance. Because orders fill very quickly, the window for cancellations or changes is extremely short. Custom built panel and window orders can only be cancelled or changed if you reach us prior to the production of your order.
