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, design solutions 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 decorative glass blocks as well. 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 partition can advantageously divide the kitchen into a working and dining area, and living room to the bedroom and living room.

Window

This way of connecting the external and interior space with transparent or frosted glass blocks, it is best suited for baths and swimming pools. As decorative element make a glass panel, 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 the use of glass blocks with a rough texture 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 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, by analogy with bricks, are laid on an ordinary mortar of sand and cement. Nevertheless, one should not forget that this material is made of glass and must be handled with care, even with care. To avoid complications when laying glass blocks, it is better to adhere to simple recommendations that have been developed by experts over decades of practical work.

Protective film on the surface of glass blocks

Initially, the glass blocks are covered with a transparent protective film.

It is necessary so that the glass surface is not damaged during transportation and installation. The film protects glass blocks from chips, small possible impacts and scratches. A protective film is especially relevant for glass blocks with a matte surface, where every defect will be noticeable.

Craftsmen who do not have sufficient experience often remove the protective film before laying, and thus make a mistake. Experts advise you to remove it after all the work is completely completed. Otherwise, the glass blocks can be easily damaged.

This advice should not be neglected. What is the risk of a small scratch? It would seem - it's okay. However, any scratch is already an unpleasant phenomenon in itself, and besides this, over time, dirt in the form of the smallest particles will be crammed into it and very quickly the glass blocks will lose their "presentation".

If a protective film is not provided on the glass blocks (and this happens quite often), you can glue their surface with ordinary tape. This will ensure that nothing unpleasant happens during the installation process.

Cement mortar for laying glass blocks

The ideal solution for laying glass blocks should not contain large grains of sand and impurities.

Again, glass blocks are very easy to scratch when laying, and a solution that contains coarse sand is, in fact, an analogue of sandpaper.

If during operation the solution gets on face surface block, you cannot scrape it off with tools. It is also not worth waiting for it to dry. Best to wash it off warm water ordinary soft cloth.

Metal rods for laying glass blocks

Professionals advise

always reinforce the glass block structure.

Especially if the structure is supposed to be massive. For example, a wall. The best solution- special metal rods that can be purchased at almost any building supermarket. The rods must be selected with a cross section of five millimeters. And they are installed both horizontally and vertically.

Phased construction

Any massive construction of glass blocks should be erected in stages. It is recommended to lay no more than three rows per day. Otherwise, if this rule is not followed, the wall may turn out to be uneven, and in some cases the lower blocks may even crack under the weight of the upper rows.

The fact is that, unlike, for example, bricks, glass blocks adhere worse to cement mortar. Therefore, the structure can "go" under its own weight.

Spacer crosses when laying glass blocks

Mounting crosses significantly speed up the laying of glass blocks

and provide strictly the same distance between the blocks - the wall of glass blocks will turn out to be perfectly flat and neat. They are made of plastic, are inexpensive, and you can buy them at any hardware store.

Seams in glass block construction

Immediately after the construction of the glass block structure (and most likely in advance), you need to think about the seams and joints. Ordinary gray joints made from ordinary cement-sand mortar do not look very attractive, it is best to purchase special grout for joints. The assortment of grouting for joints today is huge. There is a choice among manufacturers color scheme and for the price.

Grouts are sold in the form of dry mixes. You just need to add a certain amount of water to the mixture (see instructions on the package) and mix the contents thoroughly.

But even better is to lay glass blocks on colored cement. It can be purchased at the same building supermarkets. Such cement will cost a little more than ordinary cement, but the result is worth it. And you can buy just special pigments, with which it is easy to paint an ordinary gray solution.

Wooden modules for glass blocks

Sometimes, in order not to mess with the solution and, in principle, a rather laborious process of laying glass blocks, you can use special modules. They represent something like a wooden lattice, each of the cells of which is designed for a glass block.

The construction process is very simple. Glass blocks must be inserted into the cells and everything must be fixed with a gasket. The benefits are obvious - simplicity, convenience, ideal appearance... In addition, such a structure can be moved from place to place, if the need arises.

We build and repair ourselves

How to cut a circle out of glass
If you need to cut a complex curvilinear shape or circle from a piece of glass, you can resort to several proven tactics. But I must say right away that such work ...

Modern building and decorative material in the form of glass blocks provides ample opportunities for interior design. Using these glass "bricks", you can implement the most unexpected solutions for decorating rooms. Such structures are very convenient in operation - they perfectly transmit light, are characterized by high rates thermal and sound insulation. To mount a wall or a partition made of glass blocks, you will need to take into account some of the features of working with this material.

Many people remember fragments of walls and blind windows industrial buildings and public spaces made of glass blocks. Further this material for some time was undeservedly forgotten. Currently, glass blocks are experiencing a rebirth - using these products of a new format, you can create unexpected and original solutions not only for exterior decoration private houses, but also to create original and unique interiors of various premises.

Glass blocks are products of two glass plates of thick glass (opaque, transparent, colored in the mass or with a pattern), connected to each other in a hermetically sealed structure. The air gap gives this building material excellent sound and thermal insulation characteristics... Glass blocks are made with a smooth or corrugated surface. Depending on the relief, they can be transparent, diffuse or direct light. On sale are glass blocks of rectangular and square shape, as well as triangular, angular and even round products, with a thickness of 7.5 to 10 cm, with a weight of about 2.5-4.3 kg. Standard sizes glass blocks are 19x19x8 or 24x24x12. Samples of Euro glass blocks are on sale, in which the ends are covered with paint - thanks to this, the seams from the solution do not shine through in the masonry.

This material has a number of advantages, among which are the following:

• natural composition;
• high wear resistance and durability - walls made of glass blocks are resistant to abrasion, mechanical damage, moisture, and temperature extremes;
• thanks to the presence air gap, glass blocks perfectly retain heat and provide excellent sound insulation, approaching this indicator to the characteristics brick wall or modern plastic double-glazed windows;
• a glass brick wall can withstand even a mild earthquake. In addition, glass blocks are not flammable; in the event of a fire, they do not melt or crack for a long time;
• ease of assembly and ease of use - glass blocks are a unique building material that does not require subsequent finishing in the form of cladding or painting, as they themselves have pronounced decorative properties;
• moisture resistance, thanks to which glass blocks can be used for construction interior partitions and walls, as well as glazing of windows in rooms in the mode high humidity(in pools, bathrooms, toilets).

Glass blocks effectively diffuse the sun's rays, without hindering their penetration into the room, making the lighting soft and comfortable. At the same time, transparent products provide the effect of a panoramic view, and corrugated ones close the room from prying eyes.

The use of glass blocks

Decorative glass blocks in the interior of various styles of premises look very impressive. It is convenient to embed them in various surfaces for decorating walls, windows and partitions.

This material is used in construction for the following purposes:

• when redeveloping housing for the construction of walls in a new convenient option, since glass blocks allow you to build walls without making the space heavier. Please note that this material cannot be used for construction load-bearing walls, since such a load may be excessive for a given building material. It is worth considering that a wall of glass blocks separating the room from the hall or corridor allows sunlight and will add illumination to this room, and embossed glass blocks will protect the room from prying eyes;
• a partition made of glass blocks with a flat or stepped top can be erected quickly and without special costs labor and time. This design is especially relevant in bathrooms and toilets. Since this material is moisture-repellent, it can be used to equip bathing areas. Glass blocks in the bathroom allow you to zone different zones, protecting from prying eyes when swimming and protecting the room from splashing water. Such partitions made of glass blocks look very harmonious in a room with high humidity. Showers made of glass blocks are distinguished by higher operational safety compared to glass counterparts.

How to mount glass blocks with your own hands

To carry out the installation of glass blocks with your own hands, you will need to take into account a number of nuances of working with this construction and decorative material... It is important to note that glass blocks can only constitute a built-in structure, which requires support in the form of a wall or an end post.

There are several methods for stacking glass blocks:

• the classic way - using a wooden guide frame or a module made of metal profile that is attached to the floor, walls and ceiling. To fix the masonry, use cement mortar In addition, tile adhesive can be used as an adhesive for glass blocks. Tile adhesive is more viscous and elastic, while it dries quickly and fixes glass blocks with high quality;
• frame method - it is convenient to mount glass blocks on a base in the form of a special frame, while they must be fixed with a seal of a non-coarse structure. Silicone sealant, liquid nails, etc. can be used to secure the masonry to the frame.

The classic way of installing glass blocks

Before laying, clean the surface to be treated from debris, dust and residues. old finish... Then you need to apply the markings to the base base. To determine the size of the wooden module (frame) for fixing the masonry, it is necessary to lay out a row of glass blocks and insert plastic spacers between them. After that, you should measure its length and height and calculate the required dimensions of the frame, which will be installed in the place of the future laying of glass blocks. Having drilled holes in the frame, it must be attached to wall structure with 50 mm dowels and screws. To level the frame module, you can use chips placed between the wall and its supporting surface.

After preparation base surface you will need to prepare an adhesive mixture. You can use tile adhesive to lay the glass blocks or prepare cement-sand mortar in a ratio of 1: 3. In order to increase the plasticity of the mixture, it is recommended to add PVA glue to it (at the rate of 200 g of glue for five buckets of solution). For laying transparent glass blocks, it is preferable to use adhesives white- in this case, the seams of the structure will look more aesthetically pleasing. Please note that you should not cook right away a large number of adhesive solution, as it tends to quickly harden.

Before laying, it is necessary to check the integrity of the glass blocks, since the manufacturers provide a guarantee for this material before starting installation works. Protective film the blocks should not be removed before the completion of work in order to exclude damage to the glass plates. If there is no such film, you can use any polyethylene film, fixing it on the surface of the blocks with paper tape.

When installing glass blocks, reinforcement should be used, laying vertically and horizontally in the seams of the masonry rods made of galvanized or stainless steel wire - so that they constitute metal mesh fixing the structure. For this, the reinforcing rods must be fixed in the wall structure by fixing them in the holes prepared in advance. Metal rods are laid on plastic mounting crosses, while their contact with glass should be avoided. At the end of the work, the crosses remain inside the masonry and are overwritten.

For laying glass blocks, you can apply the following step-by-step instructions:

• you will first need to install vertical reinforcing bars in the holes on the bottom of the frame;
• then apply an adhesive solution up to 1 cm thick on the horizontal surface of the frame at the bottom;
• having laid the solution for fixing the first glass block on the side surface of the frame, install the first glass "brick" and fix it by pressing it into the solution layer;
• according to this principle, it is necessary to lay out the bottom row, leveling it with a mallet, and then install mounting crosses between the glass blocks, apply a layer of adhesive mixture on top and install a reinforcing horizontal rod, fixing it in a previously prepared hole;
• then it will be necessary to sequentially lay glass blocks in rows according to the above technique, alternating them with reinforcing rods.

To avoid subsidence and curvature of the erected wall, it is recommended to carry out the installation gradually - 3-5 rows, leaving time for further drying of the seams at least 12 hours. After fixing the glass blocks, remove excess adhesive mixture with a sponge.

After the end of the installation, you should wait until the structure is completely dry - this will take several days. Next, you need to carefully chop off the parts of the plastic crosses protruding from the masonry, if any. In addition, attention should be paid to the seams - in order for them to look quite aesthetically pleasing, it is necessary to apply a grout of a suitable shade. To seal the seams, you will need to use a silicone sealant.

After completing the specified work, carefully wipe the glass blocks with a clean cloth. If necessary, leftovers adhesive mixture can be removed from the glass surface with an anti-lime agent or hydrochloric acid solution - in this case, you need to make sure that this liquid does not penetrate the seams.

The same classic installation method is used for the installation of round structures made of glass blocks. The only difference is that with arched laying it is necessary to bend the horizontal reinforcement, giving it the desired shape to get a rounded wall. In this case, the mounting crosses for adjusting the thickness of the laying joints should only be used with inside constructions. For laying the rounded part of the wall, it is recommended to use halves of glass blocks, since in this case a thicker reinforcement mesh, strengthening the structure. In addition, by using smaller bricks, it is easy to minimize the discrepancy between the outside and inside seams, resulting in a cleaner wall.

Frame method for installing glass blocks

For the installation of glass blocks, you can use a convenient in implementation, but more expensive method of laying without cement mortar. This design is lighter and looks more aesthetically pleasing compared to the classic installation method.

To do this, you will need to use a specially made frame system in the form of a metal module or wooden (made from dry polished boards) - with cells suitable size, into which glass blocks are inserted. In this case, it is necessary that the cell size coincides with the size of the glass blocks with an accuracy of 2 mm. Such a structure will need to be painted in a suitable color and securely attached to the walls, floor and ceiling - for this, dowels or anchors should be used. It is important to carefully align this module vertically and horizontally.

Further, glass blocks will need to be placed in the cells of the prepared frame and fixed at the joints with silicone sealant, which resembles colorless rubber after hardening. It will take up to 10 hours for the joints to dry, after that frame structure will be ready for use.

The use of glass blocks - photo

Installation of glass blocks - video

Glass blocks are elements with a hermetically sealed empty space, which is created by joining two glass plates (semi-blocks). In its shape, the block is similar to an empty brick inside and in its construction is a bit like a double-glazed window. The air inside the glass block gives the material high soundproofing and heat-saving characteristics.

The surface of this element is matte, completely transparent and even colored. The weight of each glass block is 1.5–4.3 kg. Most often, rectangular or square glass blocks are made. Glass blocks can also be angular (for finishing columns or corners), triangular and end (for finishing the edges of walls).

Glass blocks are not worse than glass pass daylight As a result, there is no need to install the usual windows in a wall made of glass blocks. In addition, glass blocks are much stronger than ordinary glass... For this reason, they can be used to make internal partitions and even use for the facade of the house. But in this case, it is better to use translucent glass blocks.

A wall made of glass blocks, in contrast to a wall made of drywall or brick, does not need to be plastered, wallpapered or painted, caring for them is extremely simple - washed and ready.

Positive properties of glass blocks

Walls made of glass blocks can withstand significant temperature changes without damage. These products are very durable: they are not afraid of even a small earthquake. In order to damage a high-quality glass block, you must use a rather heavy object, for example, a sledgehammer. This applies to ordinary glass blocks, and there are also bulletproof ones.

Using glass blocks

Glass blocks are used in the construction of sections of curtain walls, which are not subject to high loads. Such walls are very convenient in factories, plants and enterprises that require a lot of light, but it is impossible or difficult to use ordinary windows. Glass blocks are used to make cuts on the landings of the stairs - it is also very practical and convenient (difficult to break, at the same time it lets in a stream of light). And glass blocks are increasingly used to decorate the interior.

Block installation process

Glass blocks are often laid on top of grout, just like plain bricks, but remember that they are made of durable glass and must be handled with care.

Glass blocks are sometimes protected with a special film. It should not be removed before styling, as inexperienced craftsmen sometimes do, but only after styling. And if you bought unprotected glass blocks, then it is better to protect them with tape before work.

The cement mortar used for installation must not contain large particles so that the surface of the blocks is not scratched. If it happens that the solution gets on the surface of the glass block, it is necessary, without waiting for it to set, to wash it off with water. Otherwise, you will have to clean it off with a knife or metal brush, which will definitely scratch the glass.

How to install glass blocks quickly and smoothly? For this, it is better to use special plastic crosses. When using them, the laying of glass blocks will move faster, and the surface of the wall will turn out to be neat - the same distance will remain between the glass blocks.

After laying the glass block wall, it is necessary to take care of the cement joints. After all grey colour joints can distort the appearance of the entire surface. You can, for example, wipe the seams special mixtures that are used for tiles. And it will be much better to put the glass blocks on top of the pigmented cement. These pigments can be purchased separately and added to regular cement.

Photo of glass blocks in the interior

Video

We bring to your attention a video that shows the technology of laying glass blocks.

2365 views

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, design solutions are practical, beautiful and original, and do-it-yourself installation of glass blocks can be performed even without special skills in construction.

Modern glass blocks are a hollow material that is formed of two glass plates 6-9 mm thick, hermetically connected by pressing. Now they are produced on automatic lines, which guarantees the invariability of the quality composition of the molten glass and the tightness of the seam.

Glass block can be:

• transparent;
• matte;
• color;
• fluted.

According to their light-optical properties, they are divided into:

• translucent,
• light scattering;
• light guides.

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 decorative glass blocks as well. They are presented in a wide range of colors and textures, which allows them to be used in various interior styles.

Glass blocks in the interior of the bathroom

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)

OPTIONS FOR USING GLASS UNITS 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.

WALL OF GLASS BLOCKS

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 is an 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.

Glass blocks in the interior of the living room (semicircular shape)

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 of the required size and shape from glass blocks. 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

Glass block windows

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. If desired, it is decorated with light curtains. Glass blocks in this form are laid not only in the bathroom. The original windows can divide the living room or kitchen with a corridor. When glass blocks are used as windows, openings usually take on the most incredible shapes.

FLOORS

Glass block 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

Glass block furniture

Modern glass "bricks" are a convenient 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

Elements of furniture and decor from glass blocks

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 are used to decorate the kitchen apron, frame door and window openings, and 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 UNITS IN VARIOUS INTERIOR STYLES

Glass blocks in the style of "LOFT

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. Particular attention should be paid to the color and texture of the building material, to choose the right shape and method of constructing. The most harmoniously transparent or monotonous glass block looks in modern styles, urban, loft or hi-tech. Baroque or art deco decorativeness can be emphasized by multi-colored tiles, as an addition to the main material. Stained glass will fit into the art nouveau interior in the best way, 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 UNITS BY OWN HANDS

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 area of ​​the wall 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.

TECHNOLOGY "ON FRAME"

Installation of glass blocks 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 perfectly flat 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.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTALLATION OF GLASS UNITS ON THE FRAME

STEP 1: CORNER CONTROL ON THE FLOOR, WALL, CEILING

STEP 2: INSTALLATION OF PLASTIC PROFILES AND SPACERS ON THE BOTTOM OF THE STRUCTURE

STEP 3: INSTALLATION OF GLASS UNITS INTO THE PREPARED PLASTIC PROFILE IN THE BOTTOM OF THE STRUCTURE

STEP 4: INSTALLATION OF THE MIDDLE PART OF PLASTIC PROFILES BETWEEN GLASS BLOCKS

STEP 5: INSTALLATION OF GLASS UNITS TO THE TOP OF THE STRUCTURE WITH PLASTIC FRAME PROFILES

STEP 6: FLOORING THE JOINTS WITH SILICONE PREPARATION AND SPONGING THE GLASS BLOCKS

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 stainless steel rods are laid on the floor 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

The solution is applied to the horizontal and vertical walls of the blocks. The evenness of each row is checked with a level. Move blocks with light blows rubber hammer... When laying the wall with glue, no more than three rows in height are made per day. Reinforcement is made only of galvanized or stainless steel, with a diameter of 4-6 mm. Some experts claim that glue for ceramic tiles or mortar are also suitable for installing glass blocks. The remnants of the adhesive mixture are wiped off with a soft cloth after drying.

If glass blocks are laid in the bathroom, cement is removed between them to a depth of 10 mm, and the dried seams are filled with sealant. Grout is applied on top of it. Joining is performed after complete drying, usually on the 10th day.

Any elements from glass blocks cannot be an independent structure, they need a stable support on the floor and from the end walls.