Glass Block Windows
 

I am installing some glass block windows in my basement and garage. Looks
like there are a few different options -

1) glass block and mortar
2) glass block and silicon
3) glass block with silicon assembled under high heat and pressure

I had the work quoted by several places that use these different methods.
Every quote is $100/windows plus $25 for a vent. Each supplier of course
says their method is superior in strength, durability, realiably, etc to the
other. So if price is the same, which really is the best method? Are there
pros/cons between each method?

Greetings,

I am very interested to hear why each method is the best method.
Please share.

I have some glass block and mortar. It has NEVER been a problem so,
for me, I would be happy to go with it again. I also know I could
repair it myself if I wanted which is a plus as I do much of my own
work. Also, mortar is cheaper than silicon from a materials
perspective which might come into play if you kept pressing the
contractors for a lower price.

Hope this helps,
William

"Steve" wrote
I am installing some glass block windows in my basement and garage. Looks
like there are a few different options -

1) glass block and mortar
2) glass block and silicon
3) glass block with silicon assembled under high heat and pressure

I had the work quoted by several places that use these different methods.
Every quote is $100/windows plus $25 for a vent. Each supplier of course
says their method is superior in strength, durability, realiably, etc to
the
other. So if price is the same, which really is the best method? Are there
pros/cons between each method?

I've seen some silicon jobs after they've been in place for some time. The
windows with exposure to the sun, the silicon was peeling. Maybe UV
problems? I dunno.

Here are a couple, remember these aren't things that I am saying but rather
that of those the provided bids -

"Mortar provides the strongest, most durable assembly with the longest life.
The silicone system windows aren't going to last as long and definately
won't provide the strength"

"Silicone is the way to go today. Mortar is the old way and it was fine, but
today the silicone systems are stronger and last longer. They look better
too."

See http://www.securityglassblock.com for this clip - "In terms of quality
and consistency, other companies simply cannot compete. We assemble the
glass blocks with a 100% silicone reactive hot-melt [formulated specifically
to bond glass], extruded by a highly sophisticated German engineered bulk
melter under high temperature and pressure, by a computer controlled
three-axis robot. The result is a far stronger, lighter weight, cleaner
glass block panel, without the dirt absorbing mortar joints inherent in the
"old" glass block panels. The finished glass block panel is installed by
honest, courteous, fully insured professionals. "

I have about 7 bids from various placed because I got confused after the
first handful of each touting why the certain method is superior. I care
more about a quality installation than what method is used - out of my bids,
I think there are several quality companies and I know others that have used
them. My problem is - since pricing is the same - is there really a superior
one or all the same?

" wrote in message
oups.com...
Greetings,

I am very interested to hear why each method is the best method.
Please share.

I have some glass block and mortar. It has NEVER been a problem so,
for me, I would be happy to go with it again. I also know I could
repair it myself if I wanted which is a plus as I do much of my own
work. Also, mortar is cheaper than silicon from a materials
perspective which might come into play if you kept pressing the
contractors for a lower price.

Hope this helps,
William

Silicone has only one advantage, its flexable and not skill intensive.
Unless kept really clean, the bond will fail using silicone.
Mortar and ribs are skill intense and very permanent. Have laid thousands
and never seen one fail yet.
If i had a dollar for every drop of mortar sweat i wiped from a glass block
while laying them in bone dry white cement mortar mix.

--


Remove the obvious to reply. Experienced and reliable
Concrete Finishing and Synthetic Stucco application in the GTA.
"Tick-Tock" wrote in message
...

"Steve" wrote
I am installing some glass block windows in my basement and garage.
Looks
like there are a few different options -

1) glass block and mortar
2) glass block and silicon
3) glass block with silicon assembled under high heat and pressure

I had the work quoted by several places that use these different
methods.
Every quote is $100/windows plus $25 for a vent. Each supplier of course
says their method is superior in strength, durability, realiably, etc to
the
other. So if price is the same, which really is the best method? Are
there
pros/cons between each method?

I've seen some silicon jobs after they've been in place for some time.
The
windows with exposure to the sun, the silicon was peeling. Maybe UV
problems? I dunno.

Greetings,

Thank you. I feel like I learned something. I don't think I'll ever
be tempted to try silicon now.

"Today the silicone systems are stronger and last longer [than silicone
systems of the past]" says nothing to me that makes me think it is
better than mortar. I know no one is ever going to bring "a computer
controlled three-axis robot" to my house to fix a broken block. Based
on those descriptions I am most impressed with mortar which "provides
the strongest, most durable assembly with the longest life."

Thanks,
William

Gayguy wrote:

If i had a dollar for every drop of mortar sweat i wiped from a glass block

--



If you had a dollar for every cock you sucked you'd be rich.

If you had a dollar for every cock you sucked you'd be rich.

Oh, don't mind Mr. Henslee, he's just jealous.

put in a real openable window with a screen and enjoy using your
basement.