The Glass block is a versatile and convenient materialwhich has the advantage of ensure brightness to environments, but not only. In fact, in addition to being a quick solution, it is also economical and being available in different colours, it is possible to create customized modules. Let’s find out how build modern and designer wallseven through do-it-yourself procedures with glass block, how much does it cost this material and what are the alternatives glass brick construction.
What is glass block?
The glass-cement finishes, also known by the term glass brickare composed of a particular crystal block, mainly used for external walls, in order to give greater brightness to rooms without windows or which require more lighting, without neglecting privacy. This materialfunctional but also aestheticis used in many architectural constructions and has many advantages: it is resistant to low temperaturesensuring excellent resistance to cold and has a high anti-fog power; and resist fire and shock; And sound absorbing and allows rooms to be acoustically isolated. Finally, the glass block maintenance is simple and quickas unlike other materials, it is much easier to clean and does not require much maintenance.
How much does it cost to make a glass block wall?
THE factors main ones that affect the price of the construction of a glass block wall are the type and size of the wall to be built. Approximately, it can be stated that as regards the price of classic transparent brick glass, with dimensions of 190×190 mm and a depth of 8 cm, it starts from a cost that is around €50 per square meter, up to €130 per square meter approximately for the satin glass brick, not counting the labor required.
The necessary material and the procedure
The procedure for assembling a glass block wall can also be adopted do-it-yourself and the necessary material consists of:
- glass block tiles, it is a good idea to estimate the number of modules needed to purchase, after taking the measurements. This type of material does not require any cutting. There are various formats, including 19X19, 9X19, 24X24, etc.; with a thickness between 80 mm and up to 160 mm. In case there are walls that do not end on the wall there are also the respective angles of various types to create a finished wall.
- cement or glue specific;
- Maltawith a grain size that allows even minimal discontinuities to be filled;
- iron rods with improved adhesion, which increase adhesion to the cement conglomerate;
- spacers;
- sand paper;
- degreasing spray;
- sponge
Before proceeding with the assembly of a glass-concrete wall it is best to make sure that the bricks are hollow to obtain better thermal and acoustic insulation. To mount the glass block:
- Place the glass bricks along the entire first row without mortar.
- Mark with a pencil both on the bottom part and on the wall the exact point where you will drill with the drill to insert the iron rods.
- Remove the glass and drill at the point marked previously, approximately in the center of the thickness of the glass (for the upper part, measure the holes just made on the ground with a meter and bring them back up. Vertically, proceed by drilling from time to time as you go up with the rows of glass).
- Prepare the base for the layer of cement or adhesive.
- Spread a layer of cement or glue and lay the glass block horizontally at a distance of 1 cm from each other, paying close attention to the first course which must be laid with extreme precision for leveling and linearity.
- Fill the spaces between the modules with mortar and insert the metal plates between the rows, to ensure greater solidity to the wall.
- Spread a layer of cement also on the top of the glass bricks.
- Fit the other tiles between the metal slats and seal the empty spaces well by adding more mortar.
- Near the ceiling closing profile, the empty space must be filled with cement mortar. It is necessary to remove traces and excesses on the glass block before the material dries. A little trick is to use a small piece of flat wood to smooth out poorly finished areas by leveling the points where the glass-cement tiles join.
- To complete the work you will need to wait at least 24 hours for the mortar to dry.
- Once this time has elapsed, level the gaps, eliminate dust and mortar residues.
- Finally, before painting the side bands with the desired color, it will be necessary to clean the front part of the glass block with a degreasing spray and the sponge and then finish with sandpaper. Please also remember that white painting can maintain the brightness of the glass unaltered after installation.
Glass block kit: no holes and plugs
To install a glass block wall even more quickly and easily, you can use the mounting kit. This will allow you to do not make holes and do not use plugs, as it will be enough to fix it to the floor without damaging the subfloor. Using the appropriate kit for assembling the glass block, the blocks will simply be glued to the profiles. The special adhesive mounting bracket made for glass block walls adheres reliably and securelyalso ensuring a stable connection with the underbody.
Where to use glass block: external and internal walls
Glass block is a perfect material for building the external walls of your home. Indeed, this material is particularly suitable for homes with soundproofing problems and what they are built in areas with strong temperature excursions. Furthermore, although it is appreciated above all for its aesthetic qualities, it is good to remember that a glass block wall is to be considered a masonry work for all purposes, including legal ones.
Glass cement can also be used for internal walls of homes and is an excellent solution for: enhance and illuminate blind environmentsbuild dividing walls in living rooms or offices, to separate the kitchen from the living room, to create the shower area in the bathroom, for example build walls what a damage on gardens or open spaces.
Designer glass block walls
To make a unique environment it is possible to choose between different shapes and colors thus creating designer glass-concrete walls. In fact, they exist different shapes, textures and colors. Furthermore, you can choose between metallized perimeter profiles, roundings, trapezoidal shapessolid glass versions with the shape of a traditional clay brick and with i relief drawings.
What can be used instead of glass block: modern alternatives
The alternatives to glass block I am multiple and offer a very similar effect regarding brightness and translucency. Let’s see below what building materials are on the market with characteristics similar to glass brick.
- The glass: glass walls are an alternative to maximize brightness and transparency, in addition to the fact that they do not require the use of blocks or bricks. For greater privacy you can opt for opaque or sandblasted glass.
- The walls in plexiglass or polycarbonate: these transparent plastic materials can be used to create walls or dividers, ensuring greater resistance and flexibility than glass.
- The walls in steel and glass: a more modern and industrial solution made with steel frames and glass inserts
- Transparent metal mesh: expanded metal or steel mesh, with which lightweight walls or screens can be made.
- Advanced composite materials: transparent resins combined with fibers or lightweight materials, to create luminous and structural panels, ideal for modern architectural applications.
