Doors and Windows - Glass Block Windows
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07-11-01, 08:18 PM
Hello, I'm new to this group and I'm looking for some info. I would like to install Glass block windows in my basement. I would like to know where I can get good information on doing this job. Plus, if anyone has any tips I would greatly appreciate it.
Thanks in advance.
Jason
Thanks in advance.
Jason
lefty
07-11-01, 11:12 PM
A couple words of caution about installing the glass blocks. If you will be replacing what is presently a window, don't get carried away. The glass blocks have no provision for ventilation. Replacing one or two windows with the blocks won't create problems as long as you leave 4 or 5 other windows in tact for ventilatio. Also, if the room you are putting them in happens to be a bedroom, MAKE SURE there is another operable window in that room that is large enough for egress (And use the bldg. dept's definition of "large enough", not yours!!)
gjinx
07-14-01, 04:19 AM
Hint #1: Follow the moderator's advice always. They often give us gem's of information about building codes that us ordinary people often fail to take into consideration.
Hint #2: I learned that putting glass block in your basement windows can be very easy and only take about an hour. How you ask? . . well if you have the traditional sized basement window you can buy the preassembled glass block window. These have air vents (for ducts) or even small hinged windows in them (with a screen). They took all the guess work out of me doing the job myself.
Hint #3: See my post asking a question a day or two after you about installing preassembled glass block windows.
Good Luck!
Hint #2: I learned that putting glass block in your basement windows can be very easy and only take about an hour. How you ask? . . well if you have the traditional sized basement window you can buy the preassembled glass block window. These have air vents (for ducts) or even small hinged windows in them (with a screen). They took all the guess work out of me doing the job myself.
Hint #3: See my post asking a question a day or two after you about installing preassembled glass block windows.
Good Luck!
lefty
07-14-01, 09:32 PM
gjinx, RE: hint #1: Thanks, my friend, I needed that!! There are a lot of us (moderators or not) in these forums who have been in the building trades for more years than we care to admit(and we have the knees to prove it!!). When JayW, as a homeowner, posts his questions, he is only thinking about the solid glass blocks and how the finished project will look. There are issues, like egress and ventilation in this case, that he can't possibly know enter into the equation. When we are able to point these things out and keep them from unknowingly making a very serious mistake, we have done out job. That's what makes this thing work.
JayW, I am assuming that your basement is divided up into romms. There will be an issue here with YOUR description of the use of those rooms, and a BLDG. DEPT. description of the use of those rooms. This is one area where the codes have changed recently. Used to be that you could put a battery powered smoke detector in a basement bedroom and be done with it. NOW, those smoke detectors will have to be the hard-wired type, and ganged to the smoke detectors on the main floor level of the house. Can the average home owner be expected to know that? NO WAY! Half of them don't even realize that a smoke detector is required in every bedroom! Keep picking our brains, pal, and we will try to keep giving you the best advice possible.
JayW, I am assuming that your basement is divided up into romms. There will be an issue here with YOUR description of the use of those rooms, and a BLDG. DEPT. description of the use of those rooms. This is one area where the codes have changed recently. Used to be that you could put a battery powered smoke detector in a basement bedroom and be done with it. NOW, those smoke detectors will have to be the hard-wired type, and ganged to the smoke detectors on the main floor level of the house. Can the average home owner be expected to know that? NO WAY! Half of them don't even realize that a smoke detector is required in every bedroom! Keep picking our brains, pal, and we will try to keep giving you the best advice possible.