| Energy and maintenance costs from inefficient old | | | | window sashes. |
| windows can be huge profit drains on commercial, | | | | Take a look at the structural materials around the |
| industrial and factory building alike. Traditional solutions | | | | window frame. Look above the window for the |
| have ranged from storefront windows (which are | | | | condition and type of header. For most metal framed |
| easy for vandals to break) to blocking openings up | | | | windows in masonry construction there will be a |
| (which can reduce employee productivity and detract | | | | metal lintel (i.e. steel plate at the top of the opening |
| from a commercial building's looks). With | | | | that is carrying the weight of the masonry above the |
| advancements in prefabricated glass block window | | | | window). See if the lintel is in good shape or if it's |
| panel systems any size factory or industrial building | | | | excessively rusted or sagging. If you see a sagging |
| can simultaneously improve curb appeal while reducing | | | | header plate it may need to be replaced prior to a |
| heating and cooling costs. | | | | glass block commercial window installation. Also look |
| In this article you'll learn 7 practical steps for a | | | | at the condition of the supporting angles or beams |
| successful commercial or factory glass block window | | | | the windows may be attached to. |
| installation. | | | | Step 5 - Determine the size of the block panels and |
| Step 1 - Choose where you want to use the block | | | | any structurally supportive material needed - For |
| windows and the main benefits desired- Glass blocks | | | | most smaller openings no additional structural |
| can be used as an interior window (to move light | | | | materials (i.e. angles, I-beams etc.) is usually needed. |
| through interior spaces) or for exterior openings (for | | | | In these instances after you have the measurements |
| basement, bathroom and upper story windows, | | | | call a block panel fabricating company to see how |
| transoms, stairwells, corridors, and sidelights etc.). | | | | many glass masonry units will be needed to fill your |
| Some of the main reasons to consider block | | | | opening (note - the blocks can be made in 2" size |
| windows are to improve safety and light | | | | increments and the final panel sizes can be varied |
| transmission, reduce energy and maintenance costs, | | | | through the type (either mortar or silicone) and size |
| and to increase a building's marketability and curb | | | | of the joints). |
| appeal. | | | | Step 6 - Installing the commercial block assemblies - |
| Step 2 - Identify any special performance | | | | Since each individual block weighs about 5 ½ |
| requirements - There are several specialty lines of | | | | lbs. the size of the panels will be determined by |
| glass blocks used in industrial factory and commercial | | | | trading off the ability to handle the units with the |
| projects. For higher security applications there are | | | | desire to minimize the number of panels that need to |
| solid 3" thick Vistabriks, for increased 60 and 90 | | | | be joined together. Another consideration will be |
| minute fire ratings choose the Thickset series blocks, | | | | given to who(m) will be installing the assemblies (how |
| and for more decorative looks for interior and | | | | much weight they can comfortably handle) and the |
| exterior windows consider colored and etched blocks. | | | | location of the windows (how high are they to the sill |
| In addition there are high privacy patterns and | | | | and how easy they are to get to). |
| frosted glass blocks that create more muted light | | | | For smaller openings most window panels are set |
| transmission into interior spaces. | | | | plumb and level and then are mortared into place |
| Step 3 - Consider ventilation needs - Most people | | | | (then the mortar joints can be field grouted). |
| think about using block windows in factories and | | | | Larger openings will often use mill finished aluminum |
| architectural applications as solid expanses of glass, | | | | channels at the tops (heads) and jambs (sides) to |
| but operable air vents can be used inside the panel | | | | provide more ability for the assemblies to expand |
| assemblies to increase air flow into building spaces. Air | | | | and contract. In projects with larger panels the |
| vents are available in both aluminum and vinyl hoppers | | | | channels are first screwed into the openings and |
| and sliders to combine the need for security with the | | | | expansion foam material is put inside the channels. |
| benefit of a fully operable windows. If security is a | | | | The panels are set plumb and level in the openings, |
| concern smaller air vents in 16" x 8" and 24" x 8" | | | | anchored to the channels and caulked into place. Vinyl |
| sizes are common. | | | | stack panel assemblies then can be field grouted. |
| Step 4 - Measure the size of the openings and | | | | Step 7 - If you're unsure get technical help and/or |
| evaluate the structural elements surrounding the | | | | seek out a professional glass block installer - If this |
| windows - When installing block windows in masonry | | | | process seems a bit challenging for you call an |
| openings measure the height from the top of the sill | | | | experienced block fabricator and installer or general |
| to the header plate and the width from each side of | | | | contractor. Make sure their company has commercial |
| the window opening (in most commercial remodeling | | | | window expertise to perform the correct installation |
| projects the existing metal, aluminum or wood | | | | for your project. |
| framed window will be removed for a successful | | | | Now that you're equipped with these 7 steps you're |
| block window installation). For commercial wood | | | | ready to order your glass block windows for a |
| framed openings measure the area inside the existing | | | | commercial or industrial factory. |