How To Replace Basement Windows With Glass Block

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Installing glass block windows is the most practical way to weatherproof your basement or to create an bonny dividing wall in your bathroom. The installation process is relatively uncomplicated, so merely about anybody can do it themselves. Follow these steps to guide you as you learn how to install glass block windows.

1. 1

   Measure out your space. Installing glass block windows requires removing the current window frame, then ensure that you measure down to the masonry and non but the current window frame.^[i]

   • If you are in uncertainty concerning where the masonry is in relation to the current frame, take several pictures of the window and have them to the fabricator for your drinking glass panels. They tin requite you a more proper estimate.^[2]
   • Ever measure out twice. Getting the correct dimensions is crucial.

2. 2

   Subtract 1/2" (one.27cm) from both the width and the length. This space will actually exist a one/four" mortar articulation on each side of the panel, just y'all can simply subtract i/2" for your measurement.

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3. iii

   Take your measurements to your vendor. Whether you are purchasing from a dealer or having your panels made, you lot will need to take your measurements down to the company where they will show you several styles to suit your needs.

   • Since fabrication won't be a same-day procedure, it is recommended that you leave the current window installed until your block panels are ready.
   • If your panels aren't being delivered straight to your home, you may want to request a ring clench around the windows. This will aid you transport them with less adventure of snapping any of the blocks off the larger panel.^[three]

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1. 1

   Remove the old window. If you break the old window, be extremely careful immigration the shards. Ensure the you sweep upward or clear the area with a shop vac and vesture gloves.

2. 2

   Cut through the frame. Use a round saw or a mitt saw to brand the first cut into the current window frame. This will make information technology easier to pry out the frame.

3. iii

   Rip out the old jamb. The frame'south material will determine how difficult this procedure is. For many frames you lot may be able to utilize a unproblematic pry bar to rip out the frame.^[4]

   • If the jambs are ready in physical or mortar, chisel some of information technology away to ease removal. When dealing with metallic frames cast in the physical, it is unremarkably best to leave these in identify. Ask your glass fabricator for suggestions. ^[5]

4. 4

   Remove caulking with a utility knife. You desire the space to be as clear and even every bit possible earlier installing the block panel, so remove any leftover caulking and articulate the space of whatever droppings.

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1. 1

   Install cedar shims at the bottom of the frame. The shims volition assistance agree the console in place, and they will ensure an fifty-fifty placement of the panel in the space. The shims should be well-nigh 1/2" (i.27cm) broad and long enough to easily remove once the get-go round of mortar sets.^[vi]

   • Install the shims at 3" (seven.62cm) intervals, moving away from the corners.

2. ii

   Mix small batches of mortar. You lot can mix batches about 5 or 6 trowel amounts at a time. It should ideally have a consistency close to bread dough, which will end the panel from floating in the infinite equally its sets.

3. 3

   Apply a small corporeality of mortar to the bottom of the frame. This should just be a thin layer between the shims to help course a base earlier placing the window.

4. 4

   Tilt or slide the panel into position over the shims. The panel will be heavy, so take assistance on manus to identify the panel. Reset whatever shims that motion while setting the panel.

5. 5

   Slide shims into the top of the window until it is snug. Assure the window is plumb and square earlier standing.

6. 6

   Pack the gaps at the bottom with mortar. Use a trowel and pack the gaps around the shims at the bottom of the panel.^[vii]

   • Allow it to set, hard to the touch, before mortaring the sides. From inside, scrape away whatsoever clumps of mortar with your trowel.^[8]

7. 7

   Mortar the sides of the panel. Clinch that the mortar is firmly ready earlier applying pressure to the window.

   • Slide all of your shims out and finish mortaring the gaps once the mortar has set.
   • Allow the mortar to fix for two hours and so smooth it out with a hitting tool.
   • Clean any backlog mortar off the panel with a sponge while it is still wet.

8. 8

   Apply caulk to seal the top of the window. Applying mortar at the top gap of the window can produce down pressure level every bit it sets that can compress and fissure the drinking glass. Let the mortar set up for a total twenty-hour hours, and then fill the entire gap with 100% silicone caulking.^[9]

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Add New Question

• Question

  Does the lock keep superlative or on lesser?

  

  The lock to open the window goes on elevation. The window pivots inwards from the lesser. On my window at that place is a chain that can hold the window at two unlike degrees of aperture. This enables gravity to help y'all open the window and sends rain in a preferable management.

• Question

  How do I replace a broken unmarried block?

  

  Break the remaining block into small chunks with a hammer and punch. Vacuum upwardly the debris. Install a single block with shims and caulk it into identify.

• Question

  Can I install a block window in a metal frame?

  

  They can fit, but it probably won't be the best fit. You may need to do some adjusting, but I would not install a block window in a metal frame if it were my project.

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• When installing a ventilator, simply install it in place of one or more blocks, depending on the unit of measurement's size.

• Generally, panels are stock sizes of 14" ten 32" (35.56cm x 81.28cm) or 18" x 32" (45.72cm x 81.28cm), but specific sizes can be custom ordered in a diverseness of styles.

• You may want to recruit a helper to assist you in lifting glass block panels, every bit they weigh more than 100 pounds (44.36 kilos).

• If the individual blocks don't remain firmly in place, try mixing firmer mortar.

• Always check with your local building inspector, as some codes mandate that windows have ventilation.

• Don't utilize steel wool or whatever other abrasive to clean glass blocks every bit this will scratch them.

• Inquire the manufacturer to wrap the drinking glass slab in a band clamp to assure that the console won't be damaged during transport.

• Be sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear throughout this entire process.

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Things You'll Need

• Gloves
• Pry bar
• Trowel
• Mortar
• Shims
• Sponge
• Level
• Caulking gun

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Commodity Summary X

To install glass block windows, first by cutting through the existing window frame, and ripping out the window and frame. So, place cedar shims forth the bottom of the opening to concur the new window console in identify. Adjacent, apply a thin layer of mortar between the shims, then slide the new panel into place over them, calculation more shims at the acme to go on it in identify. Later that, pack any gaps around the lesser shims with mortar, and so let it dry earlier mortaring the sides. Finally, remove all the shims and caulk the top of the window. To learn how to figure out what size windows you demand to supersede your existing block windows, keep reading!

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Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Install-Glass-Block-Windows

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