Using glass blocks in a summer cottage. Glass blocks. Scope of use and installation methods. Forms and parameters

Many of us, when we hear the word “glass blocks,” recall Soviet buildings with bluish-green glass squares of glass that served as windows or partitions in various public buildings- from canteens to baths. In those days, it never occurred to anyone to use this building material as decoration. The use of glass blocks was due to the durability, affordability and obvious functionality of the products. Nowadays, this building and finishing material has undergone external changes and is used not only for its main purpose, but also to decorate the interior and facades of buildings. Over the past ten years, the use of glass blocks in residential design has been gaining popularity - modern designers offer options for constructing practical and aesthetic structures, using glass blocks locally as functional decor.

Glass blocks are wonderful soundproofing material, resistant to moisture and having good heat-saving properties. That is why it was so often used in utilitarian rooms for taking water procedures. And these days, glass blocks can most often be found in bathroom design projects, where partitions are created from translucent cubes, window openings are laid out and counters are installed.

The design of a glass block is simple - it is a hollow “brick” inside, the walls of which are 6-8 mm thick. The rarefied air inside the unit provides the product with high sound insulation properties and low thermal conductivity, which helps conserve room heat. As a result, industrial glass blocks are used both for the construction of load-bearing walls inside the building, and for cladding the external surfaces of buildings.

As a rule, glass blocks are produced square shape, but there are also products in the form of “bricks”, end (corner) blocks and even round shape. As for colors, transparent, colorless glass blocks have the advantage, but recently tinted products have been gaining popularity, with various decor inside (pebbles, shells and even herbariums), LED products look especially luxurious and modern. Glass blocks can be different sizes, but still the most popular option is standard forms: 19x19x8 cm and 24x24x8 cm.

Partitions, racks and more

One of the most popular options for using glass blocks in the interior is creating partitions in the bathroom. And there are several reasons for this popularity:

• glass blocks transmit up to 85% sunlight, but at the same time they create a barrier behind which you can retire;
• excellent moisture-resistant properties;
• structural strength;
• relative cheapness of the material;
• ease of care;
• excellent soundproofing properties allow you to muffle the sound of pouring water;
• glass block partitions are able to retain heat, creating a comfortable atmosphere for taking water procedures.

In order to create a safe and easy-to-use glass block partition, products with a rounded shape are used in the last row of the building. As a result, your opening, passage or niche in the partition will be ergonomic, safe and visually attractive.

Creation of semicircular partitions from glass blocks separating the shower space from common area, received greatest distribution V modern design projects. You get a bathroom space isolated from high humidity, but at the same time retain the presence of sunlight in the shower area.

Combining transparent and tinted glass when constructing partitions in bathrooms allows you to create not only functional protection rooms from moisture, but also to decorate the interior, to introduce an element of originality.

Products of different sizes and colors will help to bring originality to the construction of glass block partitions. Here is an original combination of transparent rectangular glass elements with square emerald blocks with a grooved surface.

When creating glass block partitions from colored glass, the main thing is not to overdo it with brightness and maintain harmony in the use of color solutions.

Partially laying out one of the walls of the bathroom with glass blocks will allow you to maintain the privacy of the room, but at the same time create the possibility of using light coming from the adjacent space. As a result, you may not use it during the day artificial lighting while visiting the bathroom.

Most often, glass blocks are used for construction window openings in utilitarian rooms - bathrooms and toilets. This is a logical choice because the result is a window that lets in almost as much light as double glazed windows, but also creates privacy without the need for curtains or blinds. Most often, glass block windows can be found in private urban homes or suburban households.

The use of glass blocks for window decoration allows you to create both panoramic monolithic window openings and entire compositions from small sections with a translucent composition.

The use of glass blocks of different sizes and shapes allows you to build not just window openings, but real decorative elements interior design that can raise the level of uniqueness of design to unprecedented heights.

Creating a glass block window in the bathroom allows you to use the resulting surface as a base. For example, when placing one or two sinks near such a window, you can hang mirrors and even small shelves.

Panoramic bathroom windows made of glass blocks can be used to attach various auxiliary elements. In the shower space, these can be handrails or small shelves or mirrors.

But it’s not only in bathrooms that glass block windows can be found. This one brings originality and practicality. inexpensive material into the living room space. In this case glass products are used not only for their functional qualities, but also as a decorative element.

When converting former industrial premises The use of glass blocks can often be seen in living spaces, as a nod to the times when these glass products were used solely for their functional qualities. Here is a design project for a spacious kitchen area With high ceilings and windows made of glass blocks.

Another example of arranging a glass block window in modern premises kitchen-dining room

Even in the interior of the hallway, the use of glass block windows looks organic. Modern and unique.

Windows and partitions made of glass blocks can hardly surprise anyone. But the use of this durable, but at the same time translucent building material as a basis for flooring can bring originality to any interior design. This is exactly the way to design an office with a seating area. The glass roof, complete with a glass block floor, made the room completely airy, bright, and light.

A semi-circular bar counter made of translucent glass blocks? Easily! The design will look especially impressive if you add lighting to the structure - color or monochrome.

Small glass block inserts in the walls are a unique opportunity to add originality to the interior of the room. The room is filled with light, glare plays on the surfaces, but at the same time the walls do not lose their strength and wear-resistant qualities.

Unusual uses of glass blocks can be found even in sleeping area. Windows made of this material can protect your space from prying eyes, but at the same time fill the room with muted sunlight.

Glass is a durable and environmentally friendly material. Its unique ability is to transmit light, and if it is painted, then to give color to the light. Thanks to the use of glass blocks, walls and other house structures can have these qualities.

Glass blocks are transparent bricks filled with air inside. They are designed for laying walls, partitions and other structures that divide space.

The use of glass blocks allows you to illuminate an isolated space or a separate area in the room directly through the wall, without using light openings for this. Moreover, by treating the surface of the bricks in such a way that the rays are refracted or scattered, the visibility of the separated room is eliminated.

By providing good insolation, glass blocks help save energy. Glass is not afraid of moisture and frost, and this allows it to be used in wet areas and external structures. The ability to use materials with different textures and colors makes glass blocks one of the original design tools.

Features of the material

The material has high mechanical strength and stability in various environments. Thick glass can withstand accidental impacts just as well as M150 brick, but from impact heavy object, for example, a stone, it will crack. But there are especially durable bulletproof products.

In case of fire, glass blocks do not burn and prevent the spread of fire and thermal radiation within 1-2 hours. They do not react to temperatures from -40 to +50 °C, are inert to the effects of acid rain and other aggressive substances, are not afraid of moisture, and do not absorb odors. For decades, glass blocks do not change their properties and appearance. At the same time, they do not require finishing and are easy to clean.

There are, however, a number of limitations when using glass blocks:

- it is impossible to lay inside the erected structure network engineering(electrician, water supply and sewerage pipes), as well as ventilation ducts;
— products cannot be cut, whole blocks are always used;
— it is strictly forbidden to hang cabinets, shelves, etc. on a wall made of glass blocks;
- a wall made of glass blocks cannot be load-bearing; it is impossible to build a structure from them on which rafters or ceilings rest;
— colored products painted on the inside are not recommended for external use due to paint fading.

Glass block - heavy material. Its weight is from 2.5 to 4.3 kg, depending on the thickness of the glass and the product. A wall made of glass blocks will weigh from 180 kg/m2, that is, it is heavier than a half-brick partition (130-150 kg/m2).

The heat transfer resistance of a glass block structure is about 0.40 m2 x C/W (which corresponds to a wall with one brick or a single-chamber double-glazed window), the sound insulation index is 40-45 dB (the norm for interior partitions is 46 dB). They also produce materials filled with argon and equipped with an additional internal partition.

They are distinguished by higher heat and sound insulation properties, such as those of filled inert gas or double-glazed windows. But these characteristics are still lower than those of traditional wall materials, and if high thermal and sound insulation, it is better not to use glass blocks.

Forms and parameters

A glass block is produced by welding two half-blocks together at a temperature of about 1500 °C. Inside finished product a sealed cavity filled with rarefied air is formed. The wall thickness is 6-10 mm, the thickness of the glass block itself can be 75-160 mm (the most common are 80 and 100 mm). Its ends are slightly concave (based on filling with mortar during installation).

Traditional shape - square standard sizes 190 x 190 x 80, 190 x 190 x 160 and 240 x 240 x 80 mm. They also produce rectangular half blocks measuring 190 x 90 x 80 or 240 x 115 x 80 mm and special products - triangular, corner, round and with rounded edges, intended for the construction of columns, arches, aesthetic completion of built structures and elements.

There are colorless and colored glass blocks. The glass in the product can be painted in the mass or from the inside.

What can be made from glass blocks?

Common uses for glass blocks are as follows:

1. As translucent partitions. They separate the living room, hallway, and kitchen from each other, and through them illuminate the corridor and staircase hall, located in the depths of the house, with a second light. In these cases, it is advisable to use glass blocks that are colorless or colored in dim tones, allowing a lot of light to pass through.

2. For fencing and at the same time lighting small utility rooms. For example, glass blocks can be used to separate a dressing room in the hall, a pantry in the kitchen or hall, a bathroom and a dressing room in the bedroom, etc. When entering such rooms, it will be possible not to turn on the light. Suitable colorless glass blocks with corrugated or matte surface.

3. To separate zones in the bathroom. This solution is effective due to the waterproof and hygienic nature of glass blocks, as well as the ability to provide visibility when exposed to light. Their main function in the bathroom is separating, not transmitting light, so you can use glass blocks bright colors, dark tones, grooved and matte.

4. In the external walls of houses. Glass walls convenient for illuminating places where good insolation is needed, but for some reason visibility is undesirable, for example in the dressing room and laundry room. They are also used in rooms where there is not enough space for large window, for example in narrow hallway, where the main light front is occupied by the door. It is better to use colorless blocks so as not to distort sunlight.

5. As enclosing structures winter garden. Here their use is effective due to their high moisture resistance. Taking into account the needs of plants, they should be colorless.

6. In the fencing of terraces, verandas, gazebos. By maintaining good lighting, you can protect the space from prying eyes, for example from neighbors or the street. It is possible to use any types of products (except those painted on the inside) depending on the situation. So, if the space is sufficiently illuminated from other sides or it is necessary to shade it from bright sun, it is better to use colored blocks.

7. As decorative elements, small inserts in walls. Exclusive glass blocks of expressive colors and textures with various effects are suitable.

8. In the form of luminous elements (thanks to lamps installed inside the structure) - columns, fences landings. It is better to use products with low transparency but rich colors.

9. It is also possible to construct the floor or steps of the stairs from glass blocks. Such solutions look impressive, especially with the use of lighting. However, using them is risky due to the fragility of the glass and the risk of scratches. The material thickness of 60-80 mm also causes inconvenience, since the floor will be higher than in other rooms. For horizontal planes it is better to use triplex (three-layer strained glass), and if they are glass blocks, then they are of increased strength.

Due to their fragility, glass blocks are contraindicated for loading. In a supporting structure, they can only serve as a filler between columns, crossbars, beams and other parts of walls built from durable material. However, in unloaded (self-supporting) elements, these products are reliable for both indoor and outdoor use.

The glass block structure must be stable. Even its slight deformations, which for brick wall will cause only barely noticeable cracks and will not affect its integrity; for glass blocks they can be critical - they will crack and crumble, since glass does not have the slightest elasticity. For free-standing structures made of glass blocks, it is important to provide a reliable foundation, like for a brick wall.

When using this material, it is beneficial to combine functionality with aesthetics. Glass blocks look spectacular when they refract bright Sun rays or when there is an artificial light source behind them.

Design Possibilities

An ordinary partition only zones the space, but one made of glass blocks gives it expressiveness. Therefore, their use is often determined by design needs. Glass blocks are distinguished by:

— big choice colors and shades - 8-16 from each manufacturer, and each of them has its own characteristic range. Colored glass blocks are used in cases where it is necessary to create a certain mood and color in a room;

— a wide range of textures and the ability to choose light transmittance. Completely transparent glass blocks with smooth front walls transmit 80% of light. Matte products scatter light; the corrugated surface can not only diffuse, but also direct light rays. Textured and matte blocks transmit 50% of light;

— availability of products with unusual effects. For example, they produce glass blocks that imitate the texture natural stones, kits with a pattern that allow you to create panels. There are exclusive glass blocks, inside of which are sealed various items made of glass or not afraid high temperatures materials (shells, animal figurines, etc.) Such products are used as a highlight of home design and are often equipped with lighting.

General installation rules

Glass blocks should always be installed strictly according to the rules, otherwise structural damage may occur. There are three installation methods - traditional, using modular systems and using the BlocLock system. The first is universal, suitable for interior and exterior work, allows the construction of structures of any size and shape, however, the use of cement mortar, glue for ceramic tiles and glass requires skill.

The other two methods are based on the use of special modular systems for installing blocks or guides to which they are glued. These technologies make it possible to assemble elements from glass blocks without any experience or knowledge in construction.

Glass blocks are laid indoors at the stage finishing, after screeding the floor and plastering the walls, but before performing finishing coatings. When used outside, for example in a wall, glass blocks are laid when the supporting structure is completed, and if a separate element is created, then after the foundation has hardened (after 28 days).

With the first method of laying, it will be necessary to accurately calculate the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the glass block structure so that each row can fit a whole number of products and leave 10 mm for seams between them. With other methods, the accuracy of the masonry is ensured by the structural elements on which the blocks are installed.

The surface prepared for installation must always be absolutely flat and horizontal. Every third or fourth horizontal and vertical rows are reinforced with steel rods with a diameter of 4-8 mm (from of stainless steel or with anti-corrosion coating). The reinforcement must be located in the thickness of the solution and not come into contact with the glass.

A wall made of glass blocks must be completely independent of the supporting structures adjacent to it. In the first installation method, the connection of the transparent section with the load-bearing main wall is made only through sliding spacers, the anchors are secured freely. The connection of the partition made of glass blocks to the ceiling and floor must be done using elastic gaskets.

Modular systems are rigidly fixed. The seams between glass blocks are made no more than 10 mm. When laying on the mortar, special mounting crosses made of plastic are used, which help to correctly align each element. Without crosses, if the mortar dries unevenly, the wall may become distorted.

Materials and tools (per 1 m2 of construction)

MATERIALS (seam -10 mm)
Glass blocks 190 x 190 x 80 mm - 25 pcs.
Glass blocks 190 x 90 x 80 - 50 pcs. Glass blocks 240 x 240 x 80 mm - 16 pcs.
Glue (for glass blocks or ceramic tiles) - 25 kg.
Mounting crosses - 36 pcs.
Stainless steel fittings with a diameter of 6-8 mm - 6-8 m.
Joint expansion joints (cork, felt, bitumen or PVC tape) - 1-4 m, depending on the presence of abutment to structures.

TOOLS
Trowel (for applying the solution).
Level and plumb line (to check the horizontality and verticality of the structures being built and adjacent to it).
Wooden slats (for setting the boundaries of the partition on the base). Rubber hammer(to align blocks).
Knife, grout, sponge (for cutting off protruding parts of crosses, making seams, cleaning the surface).

Laying blocks on mortar

1. Check the horizontality of the wall
2. Since the blocks cannot be cut, the size of the opening is adjusted using a metal insert

3. Mix the masonry mortar
4. Place a cross in the corner and lay the first block, applying the solution to its two sides and to the wall

5. Place the following crosses as evenly as possible
6. Mount the second block on the solution

7. Check the evenness of the first row
8. Place the reinforcement on the layer of glue and attach it to the wall

9. Clean the blocks from residual solution

Installation methods

1. TRADITIONAL MASONRY

The surface of the base is cleaned of dust and grease and two wooden slats to fix the direction of laying blocks. An elastic compensation material is placed between the slats on the base. On the support (to which the glass blocks are attached) holes are made for the reinforcement. A layer of mortar or glue about 30 mm thick is applied along the entire length of the base.

Installation of blocks begins from the wall (or other adjacent element), moving horizontally. On the first block in the bottom row, the mortar is applied to the side facing the wall and laid, leaving a 10 mm thick seam. When installing the second block, the mixture is applied to the side facing the previous one.

A mounting cross is inserted between the blocks at the top. Laying continues until the end of the row, the second row is mounted in the same way. If the solution gets on the front side, it is removed immediately (when chipping dried cement, you can scratch the block). The third row of masonry is reinforced with reinforcement. Two rods are placed directly on the mounting crosses, inserted into the holes in the adjacent wall, and secured with mortar (if there is no wall, the reinforcement will end flush with the outer blocks).

After every third row, check the verticality of the masonry with a plumb line and stop the installation for 1 hour when working with glue and for 1 day when working with cement-sand mortar. This is necessary for the composition to set (on glass it dries slowly).

After the masonry is completely completed and the solution has dried, the outer plates of the mounting crosses are removed and the protective film is removed from the glass blocks. Then the grout mixture is applied to the seams, after it has set, the surface is leveled and the blocks are cleaned. Cement and glue stains are removed using salt or acetic acid(alkalis, solvents, hydrofluoric acid cannot be used). To give waterproof qualities to the seams, they are treated with a water repellent.

2. USE OF MODULAR SYSTEMS.

This assembly method is only for interior works. The module is a lattice made of wood, plastic or MDF with cells calculated according to the size of the glass block. Typically, a module contains no more than 10 cells vertically and 2-4 horizontally.

For a longer wall, several modules are purchased. Maximum permissible dimensions designs based modular system-4 x 4 m, at larger size Metal profiles are mounted between its parts.

The system is attached to the floor, walls and ceiling using screws. Then the cells are filled with glass blocks, fixing them with rubber inserts (which make it easy to remove and replace the blocks) or sealant (it is used if it is necessary to improve the soundproofing qualities of the structure).

The frame frame takes on all the loads, protecting the glass block from them, allows you to increase the speed of construction, and make the structure level and vertical.

3. USING THE BLOCLOCK SYSTEM.

This installation method is also intended for interior work. It is based on the use of plastic guides, the width of which is equal to the thickness of the side wall of the block. The guides have different sizes: long ones correspond to the length of the structure, short ones correspond to the side of the block. The system uses special glass blocks - with a profile that matches the profile of the guides and is designed for a joining seam 2-5 mm wide.

When starting installation, the first, long guide is glued to a horizontal base. Then glass blocks are glued onto it, joining them together in a row through short guides and fixing them with glue.

Having laid out the entire row, glue the next long guide on top of it and assemble it further in the same way. This method allows you to create a smooth, strictly vertical, neat wall. Reinforcement is not provided, and the height of the structure should not exceed 2 m.

The kit, including glue for connecting the system elements, is purchased in the store, choosing the number of blocks and guides required for the intended design.

Special cases

You can lay out a curved structure from glass blocks. When laying from whole blocks, the minimum radius of curvature is 5 m; with a smaller radius, it is better to use half glass blocks. WITH inside The seam width is left 10 mm; on the outside it will be larger.

A template (for example, made of foam plastic or thick cardboard) is fixed to the base, fixing the direction in which the wall is laid out. The reinforcement is bent, also using a template. It is permissible to use rods with minimum diameter(this will not affect the strength of the masonry, since curved structures are more stable than straight ones).

Sometimes it is necessary to make a door in a glass block wall. Its box is attached to a U-shaped metal frame with a U-shaped profile, firmly attached to load-bearing structures. Glass blocks are laid around the frame, using a shock-absorbing pad with a thickness of at least 10 mm at the junction points. In a similar way, a window is built into such a wall.

Glass block construction can be used door frame width multiples of 20 cm - 60,80,100,120 cm. Do not hang a door that is too heavy (for example, metal), it is necessary to avoid sharp impacts when slamming by installing a braking device for door leaf. However, given the complexity of installing and operating a door surrounded by glass, if possible, it is better to make it in a regular wall.

Many of us, when we hear the word “glass blocks,” recall Soviet buildings with bluish-green glass squares that served as windows or partitions in various public buildings - from canteens to bathhouses. In those days, it never occurred to anyone to use this building material as decoration. The use of glass blocks was due to the durability, affordability and obvious functionality of the products. Nowadays, this building and finishing material has undergone external changes and is used not only for its main purpose, but also to decorate the interior and facades of buildings. Over the past ten years, the use of glass blocks in the design of residential premises has been gaining popularity - modern designers offer options for constructing practical and aesthetic structures, using glass blocks locally, as a functional decor.

Glass blocks are an excellent soundproofing material, resistant to moisture and have good heat-saving properties. That is why it was so often used in utilitarian rooms for water procedures. And these days, glass blocks can most often be found in bathroom design projects, where partitions are created from translucent cubes, window openings are laid out and counters are installed.

The design of a glass block is simple - it is a hollow “brick” inside, the walls of which are 6-8 mm thick. The rarefied air inside the unit provides the product with high sound insulation properties and low thermal conductivity, which helps conserve room heat. As a result, industrial glass blocks are used both for the construction of non-load-bearing walls inside a building and for cladding the external surfaces of buildings.

As a rule, glass blocks are produced in a square shape, but there are also products in the form of “bricks”, end (corner) blocks and even round shapes. As for colors, transparent, colorless glass blocks have the advantage, but recently tinted products with various decorations inside (pebbles, shells and even herbariums) are gaining popularity; LED products look especially luxurious and modern. Glass blocks can be of different sizes, but the most popular option is the standard shape: 19x19x8 cm and 24x24x8 cm.

Glass blocks in interior design

Partitions, racks and more

One of the most popular options for using glass blocks in the interior is creating partitions in the bathroom. And there are several reasons for this popularity:

• glass blocks transmit up to 85% of sunlight, but at the same time create a barrier behind which you can privacy;
• excellent moisture-resistant properties;
• structural strength;
• relative cheapness of the material;
• ease of care;
• excellent soundproofing properties allow you to muffle the sound of pouring water;
• glass block partitions are able to retain heat, creating a comfortable atmosphere for taking water procedures.

In order to create a safe and easy-to-use glass block partition, products with a rounded shape are used in the last row of the building. As a result, your opening, passage or niche in the partition will be ergonomic, safe and visually attractive.

The creation of semicircular partitions from glass blocks that separate the shower space from the common room has become most widespread in modern design projects. You get a bathroom space isolated from high humidity, but at the same time retain the presence of sunlight in the shower area.

Combining clear and tinted glass when constructing partitions in bathrooms allows you to create not only functional protection of the room from moisture, but also decorate the interior and introduce an element of originality.

Products of different sizes and colors will help to bring originality to the construction of glass block partitions. Here is an original combination of transparent rectangular glass elements with square emerald blocks with a grooved surface.

When creating glass block partitions from colored glass, the main thing is not to overdo it with brightness and maintain harmony in the use of color solutions.

Partially laying out one of the walls of the bathroom with glass blocks will allow you to maintain the privacy of the room, but at the same time create the possibility of using light coming from the adjacent space. As a result, during the day you may not need to use artificial lighting when visiting the bathroom.

Windows in rooms for different purposes

Most often, glass blocks are used to construct window openings in utilitarian rooms - bathrooms and toilets. This is a logical choice because the result is a window that lets in almost as much light as double glazed windows, but also creates privacy without the need for curtains or blinds. Most often, glass block windows can be found in private urban homes or suburban households.

The use of glass blocks for window decoration allows you to create both panoramic monolithic window openings and entire compositions from small sections with a translucent composition.

The use of glass blocks of different sizes and shapes allows you to build not just window openings, but real decorative interior elements that can raise the level of unique design to unprecedented heights.

Creating a glass block window in the bathroom allows you to use the resulting surface as a base. For example, when placing one or two sinks near such a window, you can hang mirrors and even small shelves directly on the glass structure.

Panoramic bathroom windows made of glass blocks can be used to attach various auxiliary elements. In the shower space, these can be handrails or small shelves or mirrors.

But it’s not only in bathrooms that glass block windows can be found. This inexpensive material brings originality and practicality to the living room space. In this case, glass products are used not only for their functional qualities, but also as a decorative element.

When converting former industrial premises into residential spaces, you will often see the use of glass blocks, a nod to the times when these glass products were used purely for their functional qualities. Here is a design project for a spacious kitchen space with high ceilings and windows made of glass blocks.

Another example of arranging a glass block window in a modern kitchen-dining room

Even in the interior of the hallway, the use of glass block windows looks organic. Modern and unique.

Original solutions in a modern interior

Windows and partitions made of glass blocks can hardly surprise anyone. But the use of this durable, but at the same time translucent building material as a basis for flooring can bring originality to any interior design. This is exactly the way to design an office with a seating area. The glass roof, complete with a glass block floor, made the room completely airy, bright, and light.

A semi-circular bar counter made of translucent glass blocks? Easily! The design will look especially impressive if you add lighting to the structure - color or monochrome.

Small glass block inserts in the walls are a unique opportunity to add originality to the interior of the room. The room is filled with light, glare plays on the surfaces, but at the same time the walls do not lose their strength and wear-resistant qualities.

Creation interior partition made of transparent glass blocks in the staircase space will help create a light, almost weightless image of this structure. Robust design will provide your staircase with the penetration of sunlight from adjacent spaces.

Unusual use of glass blocks can be found even in the sleeping area. Windows made of this material can protect your space from prying eyes, but at the same time fill the room with muted sunlight.

Glass blocks, by analogy with bricks, are laid on ordinary solution from sand and cement. However, we should not forget that this material is made of glass and must be handled carefully, even carefully. To avoid complications when laying glass blocks, it is better to adhere to simple recommendations that experts have developed over decades of practical work.

Protective film on the surface of glass blocks

Initially, glass blocks are covered with a transparent protective film.

It is necessary so that the glass surface is not damaged during transportation and installation. The film protects glass blocks from chips, small possible impacts and scratches. Particularly relevant protective film for glass blocks with a matte surface, where every defect will be noticeable.

Craftsmen who do not have sufficient experience often remove the protective film before installation, and thus make a mistake. Experts advise removing it after all the work is completely completed. Otherwise, glass blocks can be easily damaged.

This advice should not be ignored. What can a small scratch cause? It would seem that there is nothing wrong. However, any scratch in itself is an unpleasant phenomenon, and in addition to this, over time, dirt in the form of tiny particles will accumulate in it and very quickly the glass blocks will lose their “marketable appearance.”

If the glass blocks do not have a protective film (and this happens quite often), you can seal their surface with ordinary tape. This will ensure that nothing unpleasant happens during the installation process.

Cement mortar for laying glass blocks

An ideal solution for laying glass blocks should not contain large grains of sand or foreign impurities.

Again, glass blocks are very easy to scratch when laying, and a solution that contains coarse sand is essentially an analogue of sandpaper.

If during operation the solution gets on front surface block, you cannot scrape it off with tools. There's no point in waiting for it to dry either. Best to wash it off warm water ordinary soft cloth.

Metal rods for laying glass blocks

Professionals advise

Always reinforce glass block construction.

Especially if the structure is supposed to be massive. For example, a wall. The best decision- special metal rods that can be purchased at almost any construction supermarket. The rods must be selected with a cross-section of five millimeters. And they are installed both horizontally and vertically.

Phased construction

Any massive glass block structure should be built in stages. It is recommended to lay no more than three rows per day. Otherwise, if this rule is not followed, the wall may turn out to be uneven, and in some cases, the lower blocks may even crack under the weight of the upper rows.

The fact is that, unlike, for example, brick glass blocks adheres worse to cement mortar. Therefore, the structure can “move” under its own weight.

Spacer crosses when laying glass blocks

Mounting crosses significantly speed up the laying of glass blocks

and ensure strictly the same distance between the blocks - a wall made of glass blocks will turn out perfectly smooth and neat. They are made of plastic, are inexpensive, and can be purchased at any hardware store.

Seams in glass block construction

Immediately after erecting a structure made of glass blocks (and most likely beforehand), you need to think about seams and joints. Regular gray seams from ordinary cement-sand mortar They don’t look very attractive, it’s best to purchase special grout for joints. The range of grouts for joints today is huge. There is a choice among manufacturers, color scheme and by price.

Grouts are sold in the form of dry mixtures. You just need to add a certain amount of water to the mixture (see instructions on the package) and mix the contents thoroughly.

But it’s even better to lay glass blocks on colored cement. It can be purchased at the same construction supermarkets. Such cement will cost a little more than ordinary cement, but the result is worth it. Or you can simply purchase special pigments that can be used to easily color a regular gray solution.

Wooden modules for glass blocks

Sometimes, in order not to bother with the solution and, in principle, the rather labor-intensive process of laying glass blocks, you can use special modules. They are something like wooden lattice, each of the cells of which is designed for a glass block.

The process of “constructing” the structure is very simple. You need to insert glass blocks into the cells and secure everything with a gasket. The benefits are obvious - simplicity, convenience, ideal appearance. In addition, such a structure can be moved from place to place if the need arises.

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Finishing the facade of a wooden house
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Glass blocks as a construction and finishing material were used back in Soviet times, but after passing through decades and undergoing significant changes, glass brick has returned in a new form to perform decorative functions. IN modern construction found this material wide application thanks to their unique properties and vibrant variety.

Classification of glass blocks

Glass blocks are two glass half-blocks welded together. Hollow inside. They are distinguished by a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, which can be found in the catalog with photos. New production technologies make it possible to produce frosted and colored glass blocks, corrugated and with inserts, which will transform the interior of any room.

• Forms. Available in brick shapes, rectangular, half, hexagonal and corner. The last two are original, the first are the most popular.
• Color spectrum glass blocks in the interior:

1. colorless (from 70% to 90% transparency), colored (from 50% to 70% transparency);
2. matte (transparency less than 50%), transparent (transparent, light-directing, light-diffusing);
3. relief surface (drop, wave, cubes) and smooth;
4. with internal inserts and decorated in style stained glass(after looking at the photo, you can choose options with various decorative fillings);

• Painting technique performed in two various technologies. Color inner surface before soldering the halves or add color when melting glass. This indicator affects the ability to transmit light.
• Application area. The three main types are decorative, interior and industrial. A shower room with elements of any kind will be original and unique.

Thanks to your technical specifications glass bricks have a number of advantages that allow them to be used in the most different directions, and a wall made of glass blocks, made by hand as structural element will delight not only with beauty, but also with practicality.

Advantages

• Are different increased fire resistance. Withstands high temperatures.
• They are durable, have excellent heat-saving, energy-saving and sound-proofing qualities.

• Moisture-resistant, therefore suitable for showers and swimming pools.
• Glass blocks in the interior do not require plastering, painting, or lining with other materials.
• They have no contraindications for use in residential premises and comply with all hygiene standards.
• Installing glass blocks is easy to do yourself.

Glass blocks and interior

For a long time there was an unequivocal attitude towards them - boring, useless remarkable material, blows a chill, its place is in clinics and catering establishments. Then complete oblivion. Now they seem to have burst into our home as something new, original. Glass blocks in the interior make the room light and spacious. In construction they are widely used as finishing material for registration individual elements, kitchens, bathrooms, installation of partitions in residential premises. Glass blocks in the interior of the apartment create a unique atmosphere of comfort, as evidenced by numerous photos.

IN one-room apartment original solution will partition for zoning space from glass blocks. If we assume that there is still a sleeping area by the window, then the living room has lost natural light, but thanks to the partition made of glass blocks, there is enough light in the apartment, and the bedroom is hidden from prying eyes.

Glass blocks in bathroom and a shower is in demand decorative material. On the one hand, they are light-proof and at the same time transmit part of the scattering light. Thanks to glass blocks as a partition, the shower room will visually increase in size, and by covering the toilet area with such material, you will add originality to the overall style with your own hands.

Advice! Before buying blocks, check out the room design options in the photo and choose the most suitable one so as not to make bright element dissonance in the overall picture.