Glass block windows are a good choice as they reduce light penetrating the house. The durable glass block windows are also difficult to see through and beautify your home. However, the glass block window is expensive, difficult to install, and doesn’t have room for ventilation. A good alternative is using a regular window. But is it a good idea to replace the glass block window with a regular window?
Yes, You can replace the glass block window with a regular window. When you opt to do this, you have to re-frame the rough opening. Additionally, you need to introduce curtains on the regular windows as they are not opaque and can interfere with your privacy.
If you intend to install glass block windows, this article will help you understand more about them.
Are Glass Blocks Outdated?
The glass block windows have been in use since the early 1900s, with most factories preferring them because of their durability and better insulation. As time passed, most homeowners stopped using glass blocks as they considered them outdated.
However, it didn’t take long before the glass blocks picked up their popularity and are currently in high demand as designers use them for different purposes. This can be attributed to their high quality, durability, and versatility.
Why Are Glass Blocks Back in Use?
Even though glass blocks’ popularity has reduced for some years, they are currently the in-thing in the real estate industry. The interior designers prefer the glass block over the regular glass because it’s durable and versatile. You can use the glass blocks in your kitchen, bathroom, bedroom foyers, bedroom, or basement.
The glass blocks are also opaque, improving the privacy of individuals in a home by keeping prying eyes away, which more people are after. Furthermore, the clear glasses enable you to have panoramic views, especially when used on balconies or entrances.
How do Interior Designers Use Glass Blocks?
Homeowners and interior designers use glass blocks to construct walls that allow light but distract the neighbors from viewing your property. With such, your privacy doesn’t get interfered with while enjoying the desired amount of light.
The blocks also help decorate a kitchen or bathroom, making it look beautiful and unique from the rest. Some designers also use glass blocks on the floors. For example, you can install glass blocks on your bathroom floor with underlighting. This will help enhance the warmth of this room and make it have soft indirect light that brightens it.
Some also construct glass block walls to help separate rooms in open-floor houses without affecting the original concept. This allows unrestricted airflow plus enough light in the portioned room. For example, you can use glass blocks to separate the toilet from the bathroom area.
Can You See Through Glass Block Windows at Night?
Block glass windows don’t allow you to see through them. This is regardless of the time, as the glass block offers a high privacy level due to its opaqueness. It can allow a given amount of light to pass through, but if you try peeping through, you won’t see anything. Even if you try prying at a close range, you won’t see anything meaningful except hazy pictures, shadows, and movements.
However, some transparent glass blocks allow someone to see to some extent. You can prevent them from the see-through feature by installing a window covering like a blackout fabric. Alternatively, you can have vinyl wall banners that are not expensive to improve the privacy level in the room with transparent glass blocks.
How to Remove Glass Block Gout? (Step-To-Step Guide)
You can remove gout on the glass block if the glass blocks on your windows are broken or if you want to replace the entire glass block window.
Follow the below process to remove the glass block gout;
- Remove any furniture near the window or wall. Also, cover your carpet and unremovable furniture with a drop cloth.
- Then put your protective gear like gloves on your hands and goggles on the eyes.
- Use a cold chisel to remove the glass block gout. You should start with the top glass blocks when removing the whole window.
- After that, use a hammer to tap the chisel. Ensure the chisel holds better between the mortar and glass block to remove them easily.
- Repeat the above process until all gout you want to be removed is off. But be careful not to break the glass to avoid incurring losses.
Bottom Line
Glass blocks are ideal if you want to decorate your house or separate a room with a wall without interfering with the original floor plan. The glass block also improves the privacy and security of your house. But since it offers no ventilation and is expensive to fix, you can consider replacing them with regular window glasses. You should, however, know how to remove gout to have an easy time replacing the windows without damage.
