Home Building - Glass & Acrylic Block

Glass and acrylic block offer a unique, yet practical way to enhance most any home. It's beautiful, strong, sound-deadening, thermal insulating, good security and fire protection, and allows natural light to enter while still giving privacy. And with a host of exciting new products, colors, shapes and custom configurations, applications are limited only by your imagination.

Traditional Glass Block

Traditionally, glass blocks are set like bricks or concrete one block at a time in carefully constructed rows. Each individual block is set in mortar, and then the mortar is struck off as it dries to form clean joints. It's a process that usually takes an experienced installer and can be a costly upgrade but is a beautiful addition to any style home.

Since glass block has become very popular over recent years, a growing number of companies now offer a variety of options. Acrylic blocks, silicone grouts, preassembled window units, and even operable block windows make it more affordable to use.

To save money and the mess of building glass walls on the construction site, most manufacturers now offer pre-assembled blocks which are set into a frame that are delivered to the job site and installed as a single unit like a conventional window
To maintain that traditional look you can still get pre-assembled window units that utilize actual glass blocks set with mortar. Most frames come with a white or almond-colored aluminum frame. Vinyl-wrapped aluminum frames are also available. There are several styles, colors and block sizes to choose from. Window sizes range from a single block usually eight inches square or rectangular up to approximately four by seven feet.

With preassembled glass block windows, silicone grouting is another choice. Silicone offers easy maintenance, is lighter in weight, and improves flexibility in areas of high wind or where moving the window could be a problem.

Acrylic Block

For a surprisingly accurate imitation of traditional glass block without the weight and high cost, acrylic blocks offer a great option. Acrylic block is durable, energy efficient and easy to install. From shower walls and partitions to door inserts and block windows, they let light flow through your home like glass block also offering privacy. Since acrylic block isn't heavy like traditional glass block, they can be used almost anywhere without reinforcement and you have more options with windows that operate.

Acrylic blocks are manufactured in the same sizes and essentially the same surface textures as glass block, but are made from virgin acrylic instead of glass. Most acrylic blocks are preassembled with synthetic rubber caulk in aluminum or vinyl frames, and their lighter weight and greater flexibility in the manufacturing process results in a wide variety of shapes and custom configurations - triangles, half-rounds, octagons, and other interesting possibilities.

With acrylic blocks, the window sash is actually light enough that the entire window can operate. Awning and casement styles are both available, resulting in a window that looks like a traditional block installation when closed, but that opens easily with a crank for ventilation when desired. Curved walls are also available with acrylic blocks and can usually be prefabricated and shipped as one unit.

Combining Traditional Glass Block with Acrylic

If your tastes run to traditional glass blocks instead of acrylic, there is the option of combining a glass block assembly with an operable window in one unit. The window uses glass blocks grouted with silicone for flexibility, set into a common frame with an operable awning window which can be placed above, below, or even in the center of the block assembly. The entire unit is factory assembled, and the common frame gives the unit a unified look while making installation very simple.

Glass and acrylic block window assemblies are available by special order through most window companies and through some of the larger lumber yards and home centers.

Curved and Specialty Glass Block

Curved blocks are now available to provide unlimited possibilities for curved glass block construction. Imagine having the option to make beautiful columns with ease.

End blocks and double end blocks add to the design capability of any glass block project. Where once you had to enclose your design, now you can design walls without limitations

Glass Block Precautions

Don't put glass blocks in areas where they will be required to support part of your home's structure. They are not designed for bearing loads.

Will the blocks scratch?

With normal use, scratching isn't a problem with acrylic block. However, if your acrylic blocks do become scratched, those scratches are easy to remove using a plastic polish.

How do I clean the blocks?

If you use a high quality acrylic product your glass block will only require a small amount of care when cleaning. Wash only with a mild soap or detergent and lukewarm water, or a good quality plastic. Use a clean sponge or soft cloth to minimize scratching. Rinse well with water. Do not scrub or use brushes. Harsher cleansers are not necessary--always check with the cleanser's manufacturer for compatibility with acrylic.

DO NOT USE: Tile cleaners, or abrasive cleaners, such as Tilex®, SoftScrub®, or Clean Shower® and never clean in hot sun or elevated temperatures.

How long does it take to get a glass block window?

Depending on your location and particular manufacture, you will usually receive your windows in about two to four weeks. Some of the better glass block manufacturers offer quick ship programs where you can get a qualifying window in just 2 days, at no additional shipping charge.

How does acrylic block compare to glass block?

In most areas the installed cost of acrylic block window is about the same or less than traditional mortared glass block.