2023 Author: Philip Bishop | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-24 22:24
- Why are we going back to glass blocks?
- Erection of walls from glass blocks
- Glass block stacking technology
- Tips for installing glass blocks
- The use of glass blocks in design
- Frame technology
Glass blocks are also one of the masonry materials, which can perform both demarcation and decorative functions. They were especially popular 10 years ago and were almost the only way to make a spacious and bright room where there is little sunlight or it is not possible to equip the room with additional light sources. Today, glass blocks in interior design perform the same functions as before, but at the same time they are of a higher quality. The latest technologies today make it possible to create materials not only of excellent quality and strength, but also of excellent appearance.
Why are we going back to glass blocks?
The reason for the re-introduction of glass blocks into mass construction can only be explained by its unique properties and parameters, which can become decisive in the choice of material, the method of its installation and the place of laying.
First of all, glass blocks in their bulk, as before, are used for the construction of partitions, which will not be subject to further stress. Load-bearing walls made of this material can become critically dangerous, both for the building itself and for the residents. Because glass, even as thick as glass blocks, still breaks and can be broken by any solid object. There are other ways to build decorative partitions.
Even despite the possibility of injury in case of accidental damage to the blocks, they can still be the best means for creating a universal partition that will not only perfectly prevent sound waves, but also become a means of amplifying light rays, partially absorbing them, and partially amplifying them, like a lens. Hence the second reason why they are becoming popular again is to provide good lighting in the room.
Modern production of glass blocks is not the same process of creating dim green bricks with a curved shape. Modern production produces masonry material that is ideal in terms of geometric and practical parameters, which can be:
- crystal clear;
- gently matte;
- raised;
- a huge number of colors and shades are produced;
- with drawings on the inside and even with objects inside.
All of the above can not only become a decisive fact for the inclination to this particular material to create a decorative and at the same time multifunctional partition in the living room, kitchen or hall, but will become the main reason to use it in the bathroom for dividing the room into zones. After all, glass, as a hard and very dense material, generally does not absorb moisture, it is easy to clean and, if necessary, polished. But for laying the glass block, accordingly, high-quality glue will be required.
That is, it turns out that for self-assembly of glass blocks, waterproof glue is needed, and after laying it, all seams must be covered with a fugue. This is a special composition that prevents moisture from entering the adhesive layer, which excludes the possibility of the formation of fungal microorganisms inside it.
Glass blocks are a fairly light material that can be used not only in a private house, but also in an apartment. But it should be remembered that a large number of them can still lead to an increase in the load on the floors, so you should think carefully before proceeding with the installation of all partitions made of this material. Glass blocks in the interior of an apartment, the photos of which can be seen below, can play a significant role, because only with their help it is possible to create such a flavor and contrast of colors. It will play incredibly beautifully with the sun's rays. After all, probably, everyone noticed in his life that when a ray of light passes through glass, uneven in its thickness, it refracts and even breaks down into spectra, like a diffraction grating. And this creates simply extraordinary coziness and comfort of arrival in an apartment, house or even in an office.
Looking through the glass blocks in the interior in the photo, you can notice a huge variety of not only their colors, but also styling combinations. Even having some ability to fantasize or zeal for art, using glass blocks, you can create a truly unique and unique design. Blocks can be combined in different colors and shades. In addition to a wide variety of colors, today many manufacturers offer simply unique solutions - blocks with various inserts and color patterns. Also, modern technologies make it possible to produce engraved glass masonry materials. But, of course, not everyone wants to arrange a museum or exhibition environment at home.
Only glass blocks for partitions have such a unique property as to transmit light, but at the same time it is impossible to see the real contours of an object through it, which allows you to build partitions with confidence even between a bathroom and a living room or kitchen.
Glass blocks can be used to decorate a window opening in bathrooms in private houses. This allows you not to reduce the degree of illumination and at the same time create a reliable barrier from the eyes of others.
Erection of walls from glass blocks
Glass blocks can become one of the ways to create not only blind partitions, but also part of a small decorative structure that decorates the room. Here, undoubtedly, it is worth remembering about colored glass blocks. Only by combining several shades can you create a truly unique setting that will add dynamism and originality.
But even blank walls made of this material do not create such a massive visual sensation that opaque structures usually create. This suggests that with their help you can visually expand the room.
Geometric parameters are one of the excellent properties of glass blocks. Each block has almost imperceptible dimensional deviations, which allows the construction of perfectly flat structures. A small layer of adhesive and evenly distributed over the corrugated end surface perfectly holds all structural elements, creating a single whole.
Glass glass blocks, in addition to the advantages, also have not entirely positive properties. For example, the smooth front surface does not allow laying tiles or any other finishing material on them. Also, you should not mount furniture, appliances, shelves, etc. on such a wall.
Glass block stacking technology
Installation of glass blocks is similar to the technology of laying any block materials.
The first step is to prepare the base, level it with a screed, treat it with a deep penetration primer, and so on.
Although the glass blocks are of almost perfect geometry, it is still necessary to install beacons and marks for even masonry. This can be done using a laser level or conventional hydro level and plumb bob. To simplify the masonry along the walls, it is worth attaching wooden guide rails to them, and a string will be attached to them during the masonry process to align each row.
Glass blocks can be laid in different ways, just like brickwork:
- in wire dressing;
- staggered with alternating shades;
- seam to seam.
To create a partition, you can use several methods of laying glass blocks, which depends on the preferences of the customer. In principle, you can not think about the strength of the structure, as, for example, with foam blocks or bricks. But all the same, considering all the options, the best way of laying will be the bandage. It will make the wall more durable and stable.
The first layer of blocks is laid on a reinforced base, for this it is necessary to use thin reinforcement and lay in the base. In this case, it is better to lay two rods each, this will eliminate the peppery deformation of the masonry when it solidifies.
Tips for installing glass blocks
- The glass block has a smooth structure, therefore, when applying the adhesive, it is important to remember that the mixture should not fall on the front surface. And if it does, then it is quickly necessary to wash it off with a sponge. Because in the future, when you remove it, you can damage the drawing.
- Also, when transporting blocks, you must remember that this material is quite fragile. And the slightest shaking and impact can lead to chips and loss of its appearance.
- Glass blocks are difficult to cut, rather, generally not amenable to it. Therefore, when creating a partition from them, it is worth taking this into account and calculating each action in advance. To simplify masonry, manufacturers produce half blocks.
- High-quality laying of glass blocks with your own hands or on your own should be carried out slowly, because each block is a dense and slippery material that does not adhere well to each other even with high-quality glue. Therefore, no more than 3-4 rows of blocks should be settled in one approach. And to align the seams, you must use special crosses.
- So that the seams do not spoil the appearance of the overall picture after the installation of glass blocks, it is necessary to use a light, mainly white adhesive composition.
- To create arched or dome-shaped structures to strengthen the masonry, it is necessary to use thin reinforcement. It is laid in such a way that it cannot be seen from the back side.
These tips for laying glass blocks will be decisive when creating a truly unique partition or structure, which will be designed to become the main element of decorating a residential building, apartment or office.
The use of glass blocks in design
Glass blocks can be used not only for the construction of partitions and walls. They can be used to decorate partitions made of brick or block masonry, as if highlighting some of its aspects or advantages. These can be niches, patterns, and more. They can also be used to make original and no less attractive stationary furniture. These can be coffee tables, chairs, armchairs, pedestals, and more.
Frame technology
In addition to the traditional technology, there is another way of installing glass blocks. It consists in using a framework. It can be made of wood or purchased ready-made from metal-plastic. The sections are assembled as a constructor and glass blocks are tightly inserted into them. This way of stacking blocks allows you to get a more aesthetic and neat partition. But the cost of laying it is quite high, and the process requires a certain skill. In addition, such a partition has poor sound insulation properties.
For each glass block, its own cell is made, into which it is then inserted. Elements of one section are fastened together with transparent silicone sealant and wire. For the construction of such a partition, 8-10 hours are enough, which cannot be said about the traditional method, which will require up to 3-4 days.
And in addition to the article on how to lay glass blocks with your own hands, the video will be an excellent addition.
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