Laying partitions from glass blocks instruction. What to glue glass blocks on

Glass blocks are used not only for the decoration of industrial-type buildings, they are used in modern interiors, they make various decorative inserts or completely walls. The material is made of glass mass, it turns out to be transparent, which allows more light to pass into the room. The blocks are hollow inside, the glass thickness reaches 7 millimeters. With the help of glass blocks of a modern look, you can create original interior, they are used to create columns, partitions, make wall and ceiling inserts.

Characteristics of glass blocks

Glass blocks can have different colors and textures, they are transparent or multi-colored, matte and decorative, that is, with patterns. The material can have various shapes, rectangular square, triangular, glass blocks are also end, corner or in the form of columns.

Thanks to the glass material, the blocks are transparent, non-flammable, and have an aesthetic appearance... A vacuum is created inside the blocks, due to this, the material is considered energy-saving, and it also performs thermal insulation functions. The glass block is in good contact with water, so it can be used for finishing swimming pools and wet rooms.

Also, the glass block has a high rate of sound insulation, fire safety, the material is environmentally friendly, and not picky about cleaning. If one unit is damaged, it is not necessary to disassemble the entire surface, it is enough to replace an element or a separate section.

Glass blocks are resistant to low temperatures, a special material is also made that can withstand a significant load.

The surface of this material does not require further finishing, for example, plastering, painting or wallpapering. To clean the blocks from dirt, they can be washed plain water or various glass products.

Methods for stacking glass blocks

Let's consider how to lay glass blocks. The material can be laid in three ways. The first method is laborious and resembles brickwork... First, the site of the proposed structure is cleaned of contamination, after which an adhesive mixture is prepared. To connect the glass blocks to each other, you can use special compounds or adhesive mixtures that are suitable for ceramics.

Then two rods are laid on the floor surface, which are made of stainless steel, they serve as a reinforcing material. Special holes are made in the wall, where the ends of the rods are inserted. After that, holes are made in the floor, and the rods are fixed vertically. The blocks are laid according to the type of brickwork, the seams must be expanded, and the material itself must be cleaned of mortar. The surface is left to dry for up to ten days, and then the seams are rubbed. special composition matching the color of the blocks.

In the second method, laying is carried out using a solution, so that the distance between the blocks is the same, special crosses are used. First, the first row is laid using a level construction type and beacons, crosses are placed between glass blocks, and rods, which serve as reinforcing material. Using a spatula, a solution is spread on the surface of the laid row and the side part, then the block is pressed against the crosses. Excess solution is removed from all joints, and after drying, grout is performed. On the final stage, the surface of the blocks is washed out with a sponge.

The third method of laying takes place using a special frame, while cement-type mortars are not used. First, a frame is made of wood or plastic, the cells of which correspond to the dimensions of the glass block. The finished frame is fixed on all sides with screws to all adjacent surfaces, that is, the floor, and walls. A glass block is placed in each cell, and its fixation is carried out using special inserts made of rubber or sealant. By using rubber pads, the blocks can be easily pulled out and swapped if necessary. The frame can be of any shape, square, rectangular or in the form of steps.

The frame can be made not only of plastic or wood, for its manufacture they also take aluminum or polyurethane in a soft form. Such walls will not have high sound insulation, they are used only as decorative elements.

What is the texture of glass blocks?

Glass blocks may differ in appearance. Their textured surface can be smooth, embossed, light-scattering, that is, matte from the inside or outside, and light-guiding, namely, embossed from the inside.

In order to increase the permeability of light, the ends of the blocks can be covered with amalgam. Ends of Euro glass blocks, covered with paint white... Thus, after laying them, the solution will not be noticeable. Also, sometimes a hole is made at the ends to fill the block with paint.

Advantages of glass blocks

The material is durable and reliable, resistant to moisture, low temperature, and fire.
The glass block has a high light-transmitting function, thanks to this, the room can be made visually spacious and bright.
With the help of this material, you can give the interior an original design.
Glass blocks can have different sizes, shapes and colors, this allows you to combine the material, and get an unusual surface.
Due to the tightness, inner space does not get dirty, but outer surface easy to clean with a sponge.
The material has high rates thermal and sound insulation, it is able to absorb noise, is fireproof, environmentally friendly, resistant to humidity and subzero temperatures.
The surface made of glass blocks does not require subsequent finishing.

Adhesive way of laying glass blocks

The block located on the edge is fixed to the guide horizontally.
To connect vertical surfaces, use special dividing strips.
Before you start laying the second row, set the guide horizontally again, and attach it to the wall.
The glue can harden both quickly and for a long period, it depends on its type.
At the end, all joints are grouted with the required color, and then the blocks are washed out of the solution that has fallen on them.

Laying glass blocks on cement mortar

The solution must be spread not only on a horizontal surface, but also on vertical walls.
Using a building-type level, the evenness of the laying is measured.
In order to strengthen the structure, reinforcement with rods is performed.
After the solution has solidified, the seams are rubbed with the required color, and the surface is washed out of contamination.

Basic rules for laying glass blocks

The solution used when laying glass blocks should not contain large grains of sand, otherwise the product can be scratched.
As soon as the solution dries up a little, dirt from it must be removed so that the surface has a beautiful appearance.
If the material is smeared with grout, then it must be removed wet until the stains have dried. For this, acetic acid is used.
When laying glass blocks of a matte look, the protective film is removed after all joints have been grouted.
A rod for reinforcement should only be galvanized or steel, its diameter reaches 6 millimeters. The rods are placed vertically and horizontally. Iron will quickly deteriorate, that is, it will be covered with corrosion due to a thin layer of solution.
At a time, you can lay glass blocks in no more than three rows so that the structure does not shift and does not bend. You can hit the glass blocks with a rubber hammer.
If laying is done outer walls, then their area should not be more than 15 m2, in otherwise the bottom row of blocks can burst due to significant weight.
Since glass blocks are made of built-in surfaces, some kind of support should be located along their edges.
When manufacturing the frame, the cells must correspond to the size of the glass block, the permissible deviation is 2 millimeters. The void from above is filled with a sealant or a rubber gasket is laid.

With the help of glass blocks, you can get an original surface, their installation does not require special knowledge, you can do it yourself. The material is easy to care for, and has a number of advantages, differs original decor in the interior.

Almost all glass blocks available on the open market are coated. This film is needed to protect front surface glass blocks in order to exclude possible damage during transportation and installation. Especially relevant protective film for frosted glass blocks, on the surface of which any scratch or chip will be noticeable.

Sometimes, inexperienced craftsmen or home craftsmen who expect to lay blocks on their own, remove the protective film during installation. In no case should this be done, since it is during operation that glass blocks are most often damaged. Usually these are small scratches, but over time, even the smallest of them will get clogged with dirt and ruin all the beauty for which everything is started.

It happens that glass blocks are not initially covered with such a protective film. In this case, experienced experts advise you to simply cover the front of the glass blocks with ordinary tape.

Mortar for laying glass blocks

As mentioned above, glass blocks are laid on cement-sand mortar... But it is better that this solution is of the highest standard. It should be borne in mind that glass adheres poorly to cement, and if the cement is of poor quality, then the entire structure may simply crumble over time under its own weight. V best case, the wall of glass blocks will "go".

In addition to high-quality cement, you need to take care of the best filler available. Ideally it should be river sand, which does not contain foreign impurities. Moreover, sand that does not contain large grains of sand - again, there will be a higher risk of scratching the surface of the glass blocks, because sand in this case is like sandpaper.

Metal rods to strengthen the structure

Professionals advise using additional fasteners so that the construction of glass blocks turns out to be really strong and monolithic. Especially if the wall is supposed to be massive enough.

For this, metal rods are used, which must be placed in the seams between the blocks - vertically and horizontally. You can buy rods at a home improvement store. Their cross section should be approximately five millimeters.

Laying glass blocks in stages

Since glass adheres relatively poorly to cement, it is best to lay the glass blocks in layers. In this case, there is no risk that, under its own weight, the still "raw" structure will bend and end up uneven. And sometimes, if you hurry and do not give the cement a little more time to harden, the lower glass blocks can crack at all ...

To speed up and facilitate the laying of glass blocks, you can use special plastic crosses. They use them, as well as when laying. ceramic tiles- inserted between the individual blocks. This makes it easy to control the evenness and neatness of the masonry. In addition, the seams in the construction are guaranteed to be the same size.

Spacer cross for laying glass blocks

Final processing of joints

After the work is completed, the joints between the blocks are filled with special grouts. This is necessary because ordinary gray cement in the joints does not look very presentable. The grout is sold as a dry mix and is used on a “just add water” basis. True, there is another option - to use colored cement right away. In this case, there will be less additional work.

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If you still associate this material with unpresentable glass squares from the recent past, it's time to get to know it better. The scope of application of modern glass blocks is practically unlimited, the design solutions are practical, beautiful and original, and the installation of glass blocks with your own hands can be done even without special skills in construction.

Features and technical characteristics of glass blocks

Modern glass blocks are a hollow material that is formed of two glass plates 6-9 mm thick, hermetically connected by pressing. Currently they are produced at automatic lines, which guarantees the immutability qualitative composition molten glass and seam tightness. The glass block can be transparent, matte, colored or corrugated. According to their light-optical properties, they are divided into translucent, light-scattering and light-guiding. The thickness of the tiles is 7.5-10 cm, the weight is within 4.3 kg. In addition to standard square and rectangular blocks, they produce triangular, corner, round and half-pieces. There are also decorative glass blocks... They are presented in a wide range of colors and textures, which allows them to be used in different styles interior.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other material, double-glazed windows have their pros and cons. This, in turn, affects the ability to use them for specific purposes.
Advantages.
Moisture resistance.
Light transmittance.
Soundproofing.
Fire safety.
Frost resistance.
Easy to care for.
Does not require additional finishing.

Disadvantages.

The wall remains intact. It is impossible to drive a nail into it or screw in a screw, as well as to conduct an electrical wiring or sewage system inside.
Glass blocks are not processed. They cannot be cut to use the correct size. All measurements must be calculated in advance.
In the room where the window opening is glazed with glass blocks, it is necessary to carry out additional ventilation systems.

Glass blocks in the interior (hallway)

Variants of using glass blocks in the interior

Not so long ago, glass blocks returned to fashion and began to be widely used in interior design. With their help, you can bring to life the most daring and original ideas, it is beneficial to play with light. Glass blocks in the interior of an apartment are photographed in the creation of walls, partitions, windows, furniture and much more.

Glass block wall

During the redevelopment of apartments, it is often necessary to remove or move some walls. This helps to plan the space and create a comfortable layout for the rooms. Glass wall - original and interesting solution... Visually, it lightens the space. There is only one drawback in this option. The glass block itself looks cold and does not contribute to the creation of comfort. Therefore, it is often combined with other materials, for example, plasterboard, or using multi-colored elements. This combination makes the interior more interesting.
This type of decor is especially popular in corridors, lobbies and other darkened rooms, where a wall made of glass blocks will be not only a functional element, but also an additional light source. Glass blocks will look gorgeous if there is an opportunity to lay out a wall rounded like in the photo in the interior of the apartment.

Partitions

Partitions of varying complexity, width and height from glass blocks are often installed in the bathroom. Glass here looks the most harmonious, goes well with tiles, is not afraid of moisture, is not affected by fungus and is easy to clean. Frosted glass blocks allow not only to zone the space and organize the so-called intimate zones, but also to create practical shower cabins the right size and forms from glass blocks according to the photo. A small overhang can advantageously divide the kitchen into a working and dining area, and a living room into a bedroom and living room.

Window

This method of connecting external and internal space by means of transparent or frosted glass blocks is best suited for baths and swimming pools. As a decorative element, a glass panel is made in the form of a window. Decorate it if desired light curtains... Glass blocks in this form are laid not only in the bathroom. Original windows can share a living room or kitchen with a corridor. When glass blocks are used as windows, openings usually take on the most incredible shapes.

Floors

The strength of the material allows glass blocks with a rough texture to be used as flooring. Backlighting is usually placed under such transparent areas, the effect is impressive.

Do not lay glass blocks on the floor in the bathroom or corridor, here their surface can become dangerously slippery.

Furniture

Modern glass "bricks" are comfortable and practical material for creating furniture designs... In the kitchens, islands or bar counters are built from them. In the bathroom, you can erect a console under the sink, and a narrow wall of glass blocks can smoothly transition into a small functional table. Glass furniture looks impressive and original, but rearrangement will be difficult.

Individual decor elements

When decorating the walls of rooms, glass blocks are often placed pointwise. Recessed into the wall, they do not transmit light, but reflect it very beautifully. One tile is placed on an approximate area of 1 m2. The options for using the material are limited only by the designer's imagination. Glass tiles decorate kitchen apron, frame door and window openings, mirrors. Risers of stairs, podiums and even false fireplaces are laid out from them. The shower cubicle made of glass blocks looks interesting as a proof.

Glass blocks in various interior styles.

When developing the design of a room, it is important to take into account that glass blocks must harmoniously fit into the style of the room and create a single composition with it. Special attention you need to pay attention to color and texture building material, choose the right form and method of constructing. The most harmoniously transparent or monotonous glass block looks in modern styles, urban, loft or high-tech. Baroque or art deco decorativeness can be emphasized by multi-colored tiles, as an addition to the main material. Art Nouveau interior will fit in the best way stained glass, they will also be appropriate in oriental stylizations and modern classic interior... They practically do not use the material in the interior, made in country, rustic or retro style.

Installation of glass blocks

Having mastered the theory, you can safely start practice. Installation of any element of glass blocks can be done in one of two ways:
on the frame;
on glue or mortar.

Regardless of the method chosen, before proceeding with the installation, you need to take into account a number of features of working with the material.
The floor on which the glass blocks will be laid must be perfectly flat and clean.
The total wall area should not exceed 15 m2, otherwise the blocks in the lower rows may crack due to their heavy weight.
Any wall made of a decorative glass block cannot be used as a load-bearing one.
The protective film of frosted glass blocks is removed only after filling the joints.

Technique "On the frame"

This mounting technology is quite simple. It is sometimes called dry. The glass block is fixed on special modular systems. This method allows you to quickly lay out ideal smooth walls without plumb lines and level. Usually, frames are made of plastic or wood, aluminum and polyurethane are also found. Each block has its own cell, its size is selected depending on the dimensions of the glass block. The frame is fixed to the wall with screws, also fixed to the floor and ceiling. The blocks are fixed in the cells by means of special rubber gaskets. This method of installation does not require special skills, but is used only to create decorative or interior partitions, where good sound insulation is not needed.

On glue or mortar.

This technique is more complex, time consuming and requires some knowledge. The material is fixed on a special glue for glass blocks. Reinforcement is performed at the place of laying. Two rods are laid on the floor of stainless steel parallel to each other. The width between them should be less than the depth of the glass block. Vertical reinforcement is performed with a step equal to the width of the block. For better sealing, an insulating tape is fixed to the base of the frame. On it, the place of joining of the blocks is marked with the help of spacer crosses. After laying each row, the structure is reinforced, two reinforcing rods are laid in parallel and sunk into the solution.

Laying glass blocks

Glass blocks are used not only for the decoration of industrial-type buildings, they are used in modern interiors, they make various decorative inserts or completely walls. The material is made of glass mass, it turns out to be transparent, which allows more light to pass into the room. The blocks are hollow inside, the glass thickness reaches 7 millimeters. With the help of modern glass blocks, you can create an original interior, they are used to create columns, partitions, wall and ceiling inserts are made.

Characteristics of glass blocks

Thanks to the glass material, the blocks are transparent, non-flammable and have an aesthetic appearance. A vacuum is created inside the blocks, due to this, the material is considered energy-saving, and it also performs thermal insulation functions. The glass block is in good contact with water, so it can be used for finishing swimming pools and wet rooms.

Glass blocks are resistant to low temperatures; a special material is also made that can withstand significant loads.

The surface of this material does not require further finishing, for example, plastering, painting or wallpapering. To clean the blocks from contamination, they can be washed with plain water or various glass detergents.

Methods for stacking glass blocks

Let's consider how to lay glass blocks. The material can be laid in three ways. The first method is laborious and resembles brickwork. First, the site of the proposed structure is cleaned of contamination, after which an adhesive mixture is prepared. To connect glass blocks to each other, you can use special compounds or adhesive mixtures that are suitable for ceramics.

Then two rods are laid on the floor surface, which are made of stainless steel, they serve as a reinforcing material. Special holes are made in the wall, where the ends of the rods are inserted. After that, holes are made in the floor, and the rods are fixed vertically. The blocks are laid according to the type of brickwork, the seams must be expanded, and the material itself must be cleaned of mortar. The surface is left to dry for up to ten days, and then the seams are rubbed with a special compound to match the color of the blocks.

In the second method, laying is carried out using a solution, so that the distance between the blocks is the same, special crosses are used. First, the first row is laid using a building-type level and beacons, crosses and rods are placed between the glass blocks, which serve as a reinforcing material. Using a spatula, a solution is spread on the surface of the laid row and the side part, then the block is pressed against the crosses. Excess solution is removed from all joints, and after drying, grout is performed. At the final stage, the surface of the blocks is washed out with a sponge.

What is the texture of glass blocks?

In order to increase the permeability of light, the ends of the blocks can be covered with amalgam. The ends of euro glass blocks are covered with white paint. Thus, after laying them, the solution will not be noticeable. Also, sometimes a hole is made at the ends to fill the block with paint.

Advantages of glass blocks

The material is durable and reliable, resistant to moisture, low temperature, and fire.
The glass block has a high light-transmitting function, thanks to this, the room can be made visually spacious and bright.
With the help of this material, you can give the interior an original design.
Glass blocks can be of various sizes, shapes and colors, this allows you to combine material, and get an unusual surface.
Due to its tightness, the interior is not contaminated, and the outer surface is easy to clean with a sponge.
The material has high rates of thermal and sound insulation, it is capable of absorbing noise, it is fire-resistant, environmentally friendly, resistant to humidity and freezing temperatures.
The surface made of glass blocks does not require subsequent finishing.

Adhesive way of laying glass blocks

The block located on the edge is fixed to the guide horizontally.
To connect vertical surfaces, use special dividing strips.
Before you start laying the second row, set the guide horizontally again, and attach it to the wall.
The glue can harden both quickly and for a long period, it depends on its type.
At the end, all joints are grouted with the required color, and then the blocks are washed out of the solution that has fallen on them.

Laying glass blocks on cement mortar

The solution must be spread not only on a horizontal surface, but also on vertical walls.
Using a building-type level, the evenness of the laying is measured.
In order to strengthen the structure, reinforcement with rods is performed.
After the solution has solidified, the seams are rubbed with the required color, and the surface is washed out of contamination.

Basic rules for laying glass blocks

The solution used when laying glass blocks should not contain large grains of sand, otherwise the product can be scratched.
As soon as the solution dries up a little, dirt from it must be removed so that the surface has a beautiful appearance.
If the material is smeared with grout, then it must be removed wet until the stains have dried. For this, acetic acid is used.
When laying glass blocks of a matte look, the protective film is removed after all joints have been grouted.
A rod for reinforcement should only be galvanized or steel, its diameter reaches 6 millimeters.
Laying installation of glass blocks

The rods are placed vertically and horizontally. Iron will quickly deteriorate, that is, it will be covered with corrosion due to a thin layer of solution.
At a time, you can lay glass blocks in no more than three rows so that the structure does not shift and does not bend. You can hit the glass blocks with a rubber hammer.
If external walls are being laid, then their area should not be more than 15 m2, otherwise the bottom row of blocks may burst from significant weight.
Since glass blocks are made of built-in surfaces, some kind of support should be located along their edges.
When manufacturing the frame, the cells must correspond to the size of the glass block, the permissible deviation is 2 millimeters. The void from above is filled with a sealant or a rubber gasket is laid.

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Hello everyone! For the construction of partitions inside rooms, glass blocks are increasingly used today. Such designs look aesthetically pleasing and stylish, they transmit light and therefore do not visually clutter up the space, performing the zoning function. Another plus of the material is absolute resistance to moisture and aggressive environments, and the installation of glass blocks is not very difficult work. But how to properly lay glass blocks, read below.

Tools and materials

To install glass blocks, you will need:

roulette, building level, scribe pencil, construction square;
special crosses for laying glass blocks and plastic wedges for leveling the floor;
a grinder or nippers (for trimming crosses, cutting reinforcement), an electric drill, 6 mm drill bits for tiles or concrete and a whisk;
tile adhesive white, fiberglass reinforcement with a diameter of 6 mm, a container for the preparation of glue;
medium spatula, beta-contact primer, masking tape, sponge and quick-setting glass glue;
glass block and end glass decorative strips.

Preparatory work

First of all, you should decide on the size of the partition. Please note that its width and height will depend on the dimensions of the selected blocks, since the elements cannot be cut to size. The standard glass block format is 19x19x8 cm or 24x24x8 cm, but manufacturers may offer other options. The thickness of a glass block usually varies between 7-10 cm. In addition to solid blocks, a number of manufacturers also offer "halves" - blocks that are half the width of the standard.

On the market there is a wide selection of colorless and painted glass blocks, smooth and with a relief surface, as well as elements with decorative filling. When buying, make sure that the blocks are of the same standard size, check for cracks, chips and scratches.

Before starting work, lay the future partition on the floor if you decide to use blocks with different decorative designs. Please select suitable option the location of the decorative elements and sketch the diagram so that later nothing will be confused during installation.

At the preliminary stage, markings should be made on the wall and floor. Be sure to check the verticality of the lines. Apply masking tape on both sides along the line if there is a fragile wall decorative trim(paint, wallpaper), then inside the resulting strip, the width of which is equal to the thickness of the glass block, it is better to remove it, but the wall tile and flooring do not need to touch. The space between the strips of masking tape is primed with "beta contact" to ensure the necessary adhesion to tile adhesive... Glass blocks are laid after the primer has completely dried.

Instructions for laying glass blocks

Mix the adhesive according to the manufacturer's instructions using a drill with a whisk attachment. Cut some of the crosses for glass blocks oriented to all 4 sides so that they can be installed end-to-end against the wall and on the floor.

The technology of laying glass blocks requires particular attention to the installation of the first block adjacent to the wall. It is displayed using a construction square and a level. The glass block must be located strictly vertically, strictly at 90 ° to the wall, otherwise the geometry of the entire partition will be violated.

The first block is set using cropped crosses. A reinforcement bar is placed on it to mark the place on the wall where the hole for the reinforcement fasteners will be made. The same mark is made on the floor, below the reinforcing bar, which will be positioned vertically. Then the second block of the horizontal row is exposed (using cropped crosses) and a second mark for reinforcement is made on the floor.

Then remove the blocks and drill holes to a depth equal to the thickness of the tiles, or about 5 to 6 mm if holes are drilled directly into concrete wall... A restrictive sleeve made of electrical tape can be wound around the drill. Sweep away dust from drilling or remove with a vacuum cleaner.

Then, on the floor and wall, apply a volumetric layer of the prepared glue with a spatula, the same glue is applied to the two sides of the block, which will adjoin the wall and floor. A cropped cross is installed against the wall, the first block is placed and leveled. If necessary, wedges are placed under the block to level the floor.

Top and side ends installed unit a layer of glue is applied. Also, using a spatula, glue is applied to the floor in the place where the second block will be installed, and to the two ends of the second block. Then a vertical reinforcement bar is inserted into the prepared hole in the floor and the second block is installed, right next to the first. Do not forget to put crosses under it. Next, a horizontal reinforcement bar is inserted into the hole in the wall, which rests on the first two blocks.

Check the location of the second block with a level, remove excess glue near the floor and wall with a spatula, you can also use a damp sponge. Apply glue to the horizontal surface of the second block, securing the reinforcing bar. Further, according to the same principle, the third block of the lower row is placed - after the installation of the second vertical reinforcing bar.

The next stage is the preliminary installation of the first block of the second row (on the crosses) in order to mark the place of the hole under horizontal reinforcement... Remove the block, cover the surface of the lower block with cardboard and drill a hole in the wall. Carefully remove the cardboard with dust and mount the unit by applying glue to its lower surface and the end adjacent to the wall, as well as to the wall surface itself.

Mount the entire bottom row of blocks to the end (pre-marking and making holes for vertical reinforcement), as well as the second horizontal row. Use crosses and check that the structure is vertical and horizontal. Use plastic wedges to align the bottom row if necessary.

When the whole structure is laid out, carefully remove excess glue and its traces on the surface of the blocks with a damp sponge. After adhesive composition completely dry, it is necessary to break off the outer petals of the crosses - the rods that set the thickness of the seam remain embedded in the masonry.

Note! It is recommended to lay out no more than 5 - 6 rows of glass blocks at a time to avoid increased stress on the structure before the glue sets. You can continue work on the construction of the partition the next day.

Laying glass blocks with your own hands

The verticality and horizontalness are checked after the installation of each row.

At the final stage, the open side end and the upper surface of the glass block partition are closed with decorative glass strips of a suitable width. They are attached with a fast-setting glass glue. While the glue sets, the strips can be fixed with paper tape.

Then the seams of the masonry must be carefully filled with grout. After it has solidified, the glass block partition is completely ready.

About installation

Installation (laying) instructions for glass blocks

on traditional pattern laying on the example of masonry blocks SEVES / VETROARREDO / BASIC (vertical wall structure)

Previously, the installation of glass blocks was carried out using ordinary masonry cement mortar with the addition of coloring pigments or without them, adding PVA glue for plasticity, or using ceramic tile / porcelain stoneware glue. However, after the advent of glue for glass blocks and glass mosaics, we would recommend using it. This dry building mixture contains all the necessary components for laying glass blocks (plasticizers, clarifiers, etc.) and is freely sold in hardware stores. As a last resort, use for cooking adhesive solution dry mix for laying ceramic tiles.

First of all, it should be borne in mind that the construction of glass blocks can only perform the function of an attached partition, and not a load-bearing one. That is, it is strictly forbidden to mount any floors, fasteners for furniture or heavy interior items on glass blocks!

The reinforcement for imparting strength to the glass wall should be made of stainless steel or coated with an anti-corrosive compound. It should also be ensured that during installation it does not come into contact with the glass. Diameter 6-8 mm.

Select grout and glue in accordance with the color of the glass blocks. Choose moisture resistant grout grades.

The construction of glass blocks is not recommended to be erected more than four rows in height per day in order to avoid its curvature due to subsidence on unsecured mortar. This rule is best observed even when using plastic mounting crosses and special mounting glue. The glue has much more short term hardening than cement slurry, but this does not prevent the risk of accidental mechanical impacts on still insufficient solid construction at work.

If it is necessary to erect a structure with an area of more than 15 sq.m. it is necessary to provide for the division overall design into parts horizontally and, if necessary, then vertically. In this case, the length of one section in any case should not be more than 7.5 m, and the height should not exceed 6 meters. The sections should be fixed with load-bearing steel struts securely attached to the main walls, floor and ceiling with expansion joints.

After laying out a part of the glass blocks, do not forget to promptly remove excess mortar before it hardens from the surface of the glass blocks and clean the seams for their subsequent grouting.

Material consumption:

Cross consumption calculate according to the diagram in the figure (enlarge the figure by clicking the mouse)

Consumption of glass blocks 19x19x8 cm with a seam of 16 mm - 23 pcs per square meter... With a seam of 10 mm - 25 pcs. per sq. m.

Consumption of glass blocks 19x9x8 cm with a seam of 16 mm - 46 pieces per square meter. With a seam of 10 mm - 50 pcs. per sq. m.

Consumption of solution or glue- 25 kg. per square meter.

Metal consumption. reinforcement 6-8 mm / d- 12 running. meters per sq. meter.

Joint expansion joints consumption(PVC tape, foam, etc.) - based on the length and height of the masonry walls.

Consumption of grout for joints- based on the area of the masonry.

Beginning of work:

Use a spirit level to check the horizontal and vertical position of the supporting surface / attachment surface. Clean contact surfaces. Outline dimensions walls (thickness, length and height). With two wooden slats outline the boundaries of the base of the wall. At a distance of about 60 - 80 cm, install movable squares to check the verticality of the wall.

Styling:

Take the first glass block and apply the mortar with a trowel on one side. If the glass blocks are covered with a protective film, then you need to remove it not over the masonry, but at the end. Place the block against the wall, aligning it with the mortar. In this case, the side with the mixture is laid on the expansion joint, while maintaining a distance of about 1 cm from it. Fill the created space with the mixture.

Take the next block and repeat the above steps. In this case, the block is laid with the side with the mixture applied to the previously laid block. Install the first plastic mounting cross between the two blocks. Repeat the operation of laying glass blocks and crosses to the end of the row.

Install the first stainless steel bar in a horizontal position; in this case, the base of the rod is placed in a previously made hole in the wall. After installing the rod, fill the hole with material to eliminate possible movements. The rod is mounted directly on plastic mounting crosses. At the end of the row, check the verticality and horizontalness of the wall. Provide for the installation of reinforcing bars for both horizontal and vertical gaps, avoiding their contact with the glass. If the laying is done on cement mortar, it is not recommended to lay out more than three rows of glass blocks per day in order to avoid the appearance of irregularities in the surface of the structure. The solution should set. Install an expansion joint at the ceiling before laying the last row. Remove excess mixture between glass blocks, between glass blocks and perimeter structures before hardening.

To close wide and high openings with glass blocks, to erect structures of a large area, it is better to additionally use side steel U-shaped holders. They will give the glass wall more strength. When using side holders, remember to leave a compensation layer of at least 1 cm.

How to lay glass blocks

With a masonry area of less than 4 sq.m. no holders needed.

Finishing, polishing, protection:

Before the start plastering works check if the solution is dry. Remove the outer plates of the plastic mounting crosses with a non-scratch tool. Remove the protective film from the glass blocks, if present.

Apply the grout mixture with a soft grout, making sure to evenly fill the gaps. Wait for the mixture to set and start a thinner grout with a damp, clean sponge. While the grout is still damp, start cleaning the individual panes using a clean and damp sponge or soft cloth. In this case, it is necessary to frequently rinse them in clean water and try not to scratch the glass.

Use diluted hydrochloric acid (for example, hydrochloric acid, anti-limestone or similar products) or acetic acid (for example, white wine vinegar) to remove possible streaks or mortar stains that have hardened on glass blocks. At the same time, make sure that the solution does not get on the seams, and take the necessary measures for personal safety.

Do not use oily solvents, hydrofluoric acid or solutions with a high alkali content (eg soda or similar) for cleaning. After cleaning the wall and completely drying it, seal the perimeter points of contact with the wall with an appropriate material to prevent water penetration.

For the same reasons, protect the wall from water penetration by applying a silicone-based waterproofing liquid to the gaps. These fluids are completely transparent and provide another guarantee of a long life for the glass block surface.

Note: when laying glass blocks with a satin-finished surface, the protective film should be removed only at the time of sealing the joints. Possible glue residues from the film can be removed warm water with a little lather. If it is difficult to remove them, it is possible to apply acetone or acetylene trichloride using a non-abrasive sponge. With regard to the use waterproofing mastics based on silicone and sealants, carefully follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Connecting glass blocks to the door:

In a shower or other place where it is necessary to install an entrance in a glass structure, U-shaped doors should be used for fastening metal profiles on the sides of the adjoining glass blocks.

Absorbing material with a thickness of at least 1 cm must be inserted into the profiles.When laying glass blocks, it is necessary to accurately calculate the dimensions doorway... The profiles are attached to door frame preliminarily.

To prevent rough mechanical impact on the glass wall from slamming the door, be sure to install a brake device for the door leaf.

To prevent damage to the glass surface from impacts by the door handle when the door is opened excessively, be sure to install the lock for the end position of the door leaf when opening.

Do not use heavy metal doors for use in the case of an entrance in a glass block partition. Glass walls are not designed for constant rough mechanical stress on them.

Laying out curved surfaces:

Surfaces of non-straight glass blocks can be laid using the Posavelox system from Italian manufacturers. In fact, this is a constructor and you can figure it out without difficulty yourself. We will consider a more traditional styling using the same Supplies as when laying out straight surfaces.

The main difference between the laying of straight and curved surfaces is that it is necessary to bend the reinforcing bars at the joints of the glass blocks along a given radius. Mounting crosses in this case fix the glass blocks vertically only inside the curve. The outer part fixes only horizontal gaps. With a small radius of curvature, whole glass blocks can be used. When making smoothed right angles or laying out a surface of a small radius, glass blocks are used - halves. This approach avoids ugly wide seams on the outside.

To bend the reinforcement, use any simple template that allows you to give the same specified angles. You can use thinner reinforcement than when laying out straight surfaces. This will facilitate the work and will not compromise the strength of the structure, since the curved surface itself is stronger and more stable.

Frame method for installing glass blocks:

This method facilitates the construction of glass blocks, makes it easy to disassemble, reconstruct, replace elements. Aesthetically, this design benefits a lot. But there are also disadvantages - this is impractical for rooms with high humidity, more expensive installation.

In accordance with the dimensions of the room and the dimensions of the glass blocks, a frame is made of dry polished boards. Each glass block has its own cell. The gap should not exceed 2 mm. The frame is glued or screwed onto hardware. Naturally, it is difficult to make such a frame yourself without the necessary carpentry equipment, you will have to order.

Next, the frame is painted in the color corresponding to the design, dried and screwed to the floor, ceiling and walls with anchors. Next, a glass block is inserted into each cell (of course, starting from the bottom), fixed with a colorless silicone sealant in the places of contact of the glass block with the frame. After the sealant has dried, the structure is ready for use.

Rubber inserts can be used instead of sealant. This will further simplify the replacement of glass blocks if necessary. On sale you can find ready-made wooden modules (frames) for the installation of glass blocks. Special rubber gaskets are included in the kit.