There are many ways to liven up your interior and give it a truly unique character. One of them is the use of glass blocks. Rich design, colors and good technical specifications glass blocks made them an effective element of a fashionable and modern interior.
Glass blocks offer a world of design possibilities. With their help you can divide the interior and create an interesting decorative effect on the walls, as well as provide additional lighting in a dark room.
Glass blocks will perfectly highlight the style of any interior
Glass block walls will make the space lighter and visually larger
Ideal for rooms without windows
Allows you to create interesting lighting effects
They are a wonderful decorative element
Used as an alternative for wall decoration
Glass blocks are excellently used as partitions not only in the bathroom, but also in the living room, kitchen, bedroom and hallway. Used for decorative finishing floors, windows and doorways. Even furniture can be made from glass blocks.
Stylish and modern design bathroom
Shower partition made of glass blocks
Great idea to save space
Window opening made of glass blocks in the bathroom - more light and comfort
Ideal material for internal partitions
For decorating a bar counter or kitchen island
Great alternative to ceramic tiles in the kitchen
Decorative design of doorways
Simple solution to do narrow corridor visually brighter and more spacious
Glass walls in the hall
Bright glass block walls in the bedroom
An original idea for a furniture frame
Glass blocks come in a wide variety of shapes, colors and structures. Depending on the effect you want to achieve, you can use various designs glass blocks: smooth, wavy, three-dimensional and luminous (using LED technology).
Individual glass blocks in the wall as a decorative effect option
Bright accents in the children's room
Colored glass blocks will enliven the interior
Glass blocks have been used in interiors for a very long time, and recently they have experienced a rebirth. Designers began to use this material more widely, creating the most unusual elements premises. Previously, glass blocks were used to create partitions, walls, window openings, etc. They were seen only as a construction element, like bricks or glass. Now glass blocks in the interior of an apartment are mainly decoration, an element of decoration. With their help, the design of the room acquires the desired airiness, lightness, mystery and radiance. However, the entire range of effective uses cannot be described in one sentence.
Glass blocks have been used in interiors for a very long time; they recently experienced a rebirth IN Soviet time Glass blocks were cloudy glass bricks, often square in shape, that were used to fill window openings and create partitions. Today there are hundreds of times more forms and varieties of glass blocks. They differ from each other not only in shapes and sizes, but also in color, degree of transparency and other characteristics. To order, you can get any - pistachio, blue, turquoise, purple, mustard and others - glass blocks with different relief and degree of darkening. Thus, a glass block wall can look completely different and modern.
You can also find glass blocks with stained glass designs, with a mosaic surface or with various inserts. In this regard, the role of an insert can be played by a sea shell, a dried plant, a photograph, or any custom item. Such a block is often used in a single copy as a unique insert in a window or wall opening.
Such a vast field of possibilities awakens the work of imagination. Here short review what the use of glass blocks in the interior can be like.
Most often, due to the fact that the block transmits light, it is used to fill a window opening. In this case, a window made of glass blocks is often installed on those walls that overlook unsightly areas or someone else’s space. Thus, the room does not lose anything in terms of light, but an unsightly appearance is avoided. Especially if the window faces the blank wall of a neighboring house.
A glass block partition is also very popular. It allows you to divide the room into parts, but at the same time makes light available throughout the space. The peculiarity of glass blocks is that they transmit light without refraction, which makes the room well-lit and at the same time spectacular.
Very often blocks are used to create an opaque room or zone. For example, for glazing a bathroom better material can't imagine.
The use of glass blocks is not limited only to walls and windows, but can extend to furniture, floors, ventilation, doors, performing a decorative function.
Designers began to widely use this material, creating the most unusual elements. Modern trends are such that more often in apartments and houses, owners prefer to expand the space by removing walls that are not load-bearing. However, the need for separate functional areas continues to exist. After all, the corridor must be somehow separated from the living room. In this case, it is better to create the walls between rooms from light-transmitting glass blocks.
They will not only help enrich the space with light, but also add lightness to the interior. Glass is a material that is not very functional and soulless. Glass blocks win a lot in this comparison. They are like colored ice cubes and can add coziness, warmth and warmth to a room. At the same time, you can fantasize. For example, part of the wall should be made of brick or plasterboard, and the other part should be made of relief blocks with a pattern. In addition, if you use elements with a rounded, varied shape, they will deprive the interior of boring and typicality.
Glass blocks are also indispensable for partitions. They can be made in any size and shape. It can turn out to be stepped, rounded, pyramid-shaped, cylindrical, etc. Glass blocks in the bathroom interior are most often used for these purposes. Here, surrounded by water, they look most harmonious and natural. They go well with tiles and sanitary ware, are not afraid of moisture and perfectly protect your intimate space from prying eyes. IN Lately A glass block shower has become fashionable. It is much more practical and safer than using glass.
In order to get a unique design, you can create partitions from blocks of different colors. This can create a mosaic effect. In this way, you can separate the working part of the kitchen from the dining room, the living room from the bedroom, etc.
In residential premises, partitions made of glass blocks will look best in urban, baroque, art deco, neo-baroque, art nouveau, loft and hi-tech styles. In classic, natural and rustic interiors, their use will be pretentious and ridiculous.
This material can be used not only on external windows, but also on internal ones. For example, you can make a hole in a blank wall and fill it with glass blocks. It will not only serve as additional lighting, but will also look like a luxurious panel. Such a window can be cut between the corridor and the living room, the bathroom and the shower room, the pantry and the bedroom.
Those window openings that face the street can also be covered with glass blocks. This is most relevant for the bathroom, but even living rooms and kitchens with this solution will look very appropriate. If you want to additionally admire the view from the window, you can use a mix option: plastic windows with the possibility of installing a glass block package.
Glass blocks are also indispensable for partitions
In this sense, glass blocks in the interior are used as inserts. Here they may not be end-to-end, i.e. connecting two rooms, but recessed. They will not transmit light, but if they are illuminated with a lamp, they will begin to shine like a living picture.
There may not be many such elements in an apartment; sometimes even one on the entire wall is enough to turn it from boring to original. For these purposes, it is best to choose glass bricks with an internal picture or insert.
Glass “bricks” are truly endless in their capabilities. So, they can be inlaid into various parts of furniture. For example, insert it inside a wall kitchen cabinet, a bar counter, into a console above a washbasin, etc. You can create custom-made furniture from these glass elements: a wardrobe, a table, a sofa, etc.
The use of glass blocks is not currently limited by anything, so even whole house made of glass blocks - this is a completely feasible project.
Attention, TODAY only!
Glass is durable and environmentally friendly material. Its unique ability is to transmit light, and if it is painted, then to give color to the light. Thanks to the use of glass blocks, walls and other house structures can have these qualities.
Glass blocks are transparent bricks filled with air inside. They are designed for laying walls, partitions and other structures that divide space.
The use of glass blocks allows you to illuminate an isolated space or a separate area in the room directly through the wall, without using light openings for this. Moreover, by treating the surface of the bricks in such a way that the rays are refracted or scattered, the visibility of the separated room is eliminated.
By providing good insolation, glass blocks help save energy. Glass is not afraid of moisture and frost, and this allows it to be used in wet areas and external structures. The ability to use materials with different textures and colors makes glass blocks one of the original instruments design.
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The material has a high mechanical strength, stability in various environments. Thick glass can withstand accidental impacts just as well as an M150 brick, but it will crack if hit by a heavy object, such as a stone. But there are especially durable bulletproof products.
In case of fire, glass blocks do not burn and prevent the spread of fire and thermal radiation for 1-2 hours. They do not react to temperatures from -40 to +50 °C, are inert to the effects of acid rain and other aggressive substances, are not afraid of moisture, and do not absorb odors. For tens of years, glass blocks do not change their properties and appearance. At the same time, they do not require finishing and are easy to clean.
There are, however, a number of limitations when using glass blocks:
- it is impossible to lay inside the erected structure network engineering(electrical, water and sewer pipes), as well as ventilation ducts;
— products cannot be cut, whole blocks are always used;
— it is strictly forbidden to hang cabinets, shelves, etc. on a wall made of glass blocks;
- a wall made of glass blocks cannot be load-bearing; it is impossible to build a structure from them on which rafters or ceilings rest;
— colored products painted on the inside are not recommended for external use due to paint fading.
Glass block is a heavy material. Its weight is from 2.5 to 4.3 kg, depending on the thickness of the glass and the product. A wall made of glass blocks will weigh from 180 kg/m2, that is, it is heavier than a half-brick partition (130-150 kg/m2).
The heat transfer resistance of a glass block structure is about 0.40 m2 x C/W (which corresponds to a wall with one brick or a single-chamber double-glazed window), the sound insulation index is -40-45 dB (the norm for interior partitions- 46 dB). They also produce materials filled with argon and equipped with additional internal partition.
They are distinguished by higher heat and sound insulation properties, such as those filled with inert gas or double-glazed windows. But these characteristics are still lower than those of traditional wall materials, and if high thermal and sound insulation is important for the room, it is better not to use glass blocks.
A glass block is produced by welding two half-blocks together at a temperature of about 1500 °C. Inside finished product a sealed cavity filled with rarefied air is formed. The wall thickness is 6-10 mm, the thickness of the glass block itself can be 75-160 mm (the most common are 80 and 100 mm). Its ends are slightly concave (based on filling with mortar during installation).
The traditional shape is square with standard dimensions of 190 x 190 x 80, 190 x 190 x 160 and 240 x 240 x 80 mm. They also produce rectangular half-blocks measuring 190 x 90 x 80 or 240 x 115 x 80 mm and special products - triangular, corner, round and with rounded edges, intended for the construction of columns, arches, and the aesthetic completion of built structures and elements.
There are colorless and colored glass blocks. The glass in the product can be painted in the mass or from the inside.
Common uses for glass blocks are as follows:
1. As translucent partitions. They separate the living room, hallway, and kitchen from each other, and through them illuminate the corridor and staircase hall, located in the depths of the house, with a second light. In these cases, it is advisable to use glass blocks that are colorless or colored in dim tones, allowing a lot of light to pass through.
2. For fencing and at the same time lighting small utility rooms. For example, glass blocks can be used to separate a dressing room in the hall, a pantry in the kitchen or hall, a bathroom and a dressing room in the bedroom, etc. When entering such rooms, it will be possible not to turn on the light. Colorless glass blocks with a corrugated or matte surface are suitable.
3. To separate zones in the bathroom. This solution is effective due to the waterproof and hygienic nature of glass blocks, as well as the ability to provide visibility when exposed to light. Their main function in the bathroom is separating, not transmitting light, so you can use glass blocks of bright colors, dark tones, corrugated and matte.
4. In the external walls of houses. Glass walls are convenient for illuminating places where good insolation is needed, but for some reason visibility is undesirable, for example in the dressing room and laundry room. They are also used in rooms where there is not enough space for large window, for example in narrow hallway, where the main light front is occupied by the door. It is better to use colorless blocks so as not to distort sunlight.
5. As enclosing structures winter garden. Here their use is effective due to their high moisture resistance. Taking into account the needs of plants, they should be colorless.
6. In the fencing of terraces, verandas, gazebos. By maintaining good lighting, you can protect the space from prying eyes, for example from neighbors or the street. It is possible to use any types of products (except those painted on the inside) depending on the situation. So, if the space is sufficiently illuminated from other sides or you need to shade it from the bright sun, it is better to use colored blocks.
7. As decorative elements, small inserts into the walls. Exclusive glass blocks of expressive colors and textures with various effects are suitable.
8. In the form of luminous elements (thanks to lamps installed inside the structure) - columns, fences landings. It is better to use products with low transparency but rich colors.
9. It is also possible to construct the floor or steps of the stairs from glass blocks. Such solutions look impressive, especially with the use of lighting. However, using them is risky due to the fragility of the glass and the risk of scratches. The material thickness of 60-80 mm also causes inconvenience, since the floor will be higher than in other rooms. For horizontal planes it is better to use triplex (three-layer strained glass), and if they are glass blocks, then they are of increased strength.
Due to their fragility, glass blocks are contraindicated for loading. In a supporting structure, they can only serve as a filler between columns, crossbars, beams and other parts of walls built from durable material. However, in unloaded (self-supporting) elements, these products are reliable for both indoor and outdoor use.
The glass block structure must be stable. Even its slight deformations, which for brick wall will cause only barely noticeable cracks and will not affect its integrity; for glass blocks they can be critical - they will crack and crumble, since glass does not have the slightest elasticity. For free-standing structures made of glass blocks, it is important to provide a reliable foundation, like for a brick wall.
When using this material, it is beneficial to combine functionality with aesthetics. Glass blocks look spectacular when they refract bright Sun rays or when behind them is artificial source Sveta.
An ordinary partition only zones the space, but one made of glass blocks gives it expressiveness. Therefore, their use is often determined by design needs. Glass blocks are distinguished by:
— big choice colors and shades - 8-16 from each manufacturer, and each of them has its own characteristic range. Colored glass blocks are used in cases where it is necessary to create a certain mood and color in a room;
— a wide range of textures and the ability to choose light transmittance. Completely transparent glass blocks with smooth front walls transmit 80% of light. Matte products scatter light; the corrugated surface can not only diffuse, but also direct light rays. Textured and matte blocks transmit 50% of light;
— the presence of products with unusual effects. For example, they produce glass blocks that imitate the texture of natural stones, and sets with patterns that allow you to create panels. There are exclusive glass blocks, inside of which various objects are sealed, made of glass or not afraid high temperatures materials (shells, animal figurines, etc.) Such products are used as a highlight of home design and are often equipped with lighting.
Glass blocks should always be installed strictly according to the rules, otherwise structural damage may occur. There are three installation methods - traditional, using modular systems and using the BlocLock system. The first is universal, suitable for interior and exterior work, allows the construction of structures of any size and shape, but the use cement mortar, glue for ceramic tiles and glass requires skill.
The other two methods are based on the use of special modular systems for installing blocks or guides to which they are glued. These technologies make it possible to assemble elements from glass blocks without any experience or knowledge in construction.
Inside the premises, glass blocks are laid at the finishing stage, after screeding the floor and plastering the walls, but before completing finishing coatings. When used outside, for example in a wall, glass blocks are placed when the supporting structure is completed, and if it is created separate element- then after the foundation has hardened (after 28 days).
With the first method of laying, it will be necessary to accurately calculate the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the glass block structure so that each row can fit a whole number of products and leave 10 mm for seams between them. With other methods, the accuracy of the masonry is ensured by the structural elements on which the blocks are installed.
The surface prepared for installation must always be absolutely flat and horizontal. Every third or fourth horizontal and vertical rows reinforced with steel rods with a diameter of 4-8 mm (from of stainless steel or with anti-corrosion coating). The reinforcement must be located in the thickness of the solution and not come into contact with the glass.
A wall made of glass blocks must be completely independent of the supporting structures adjacent to it. In the first installation method, the connection of the transparent section with the load-bearing main wall is made only through sliding spacers, the anchors are secured freely. The connection of the partition made of glass blocks to the ceiling and floor must be done using elastic gaskets.
Modular systems are rigidly fixed. The seams between glass blocks are made no more than 10 mm. When laying on the mortar, special mounting crosses made of plastic are used, which help to correctly align each element. Without crosses, if the mortar dries unevenly, the wall may become distorted.
Materials and tools (per 1 m2 of construction)
MATERIALS (seam -10 mm)
Glass blocks 190 x 190 x 80 mm - 25 pcs.
Glass blocks 190 x 90 x 80 - 50 pcs. Glass blocks 240 x 240 x 80 mm - 16 pcs.
Glue (for glass blocks or ceramic tiles) - 25 kg.
Mounting crosses - 36 pcs.
Stainless steel fittings with a diameter of 6-8 mm - 6-8 m.
Joint expansion joints (cork, felt, bitumen or PVC tape) - 1-4 m, depending on the presence of abutment to structures.
TOOLS
Trowel (for applying the solution).
Level and plumb line (to check the horizontality and verticality of the structures being built and adjacent to it).
Wooden slats (for setting the boundaries of the partition on the base). Rubber hammer (for leveling blocks).
Knife, grout, sponge (for cutting off protruding parts of crosses, making seams, cleaning the surface).
1. Check the horizontality of the wall
2. Since the blocks cannot be cut, the size of the opening is adjusted using a metal insert
3. Mix the masonry mortar
4. Place a cross in the corner and lay the first block, applying the solution to its two sides and to the wall
5. Place the following crosses as evenly as possible
6. Mount the second block on the solution
7. Check the evenness of the first row
8. Place the reinforcement on the layer of glue and attach it to the wall
9. Clean the blocks from residual solution
1. TRADITIONAL MASONRY
The surface of the base is cleaned of dust and grease and two wooden slats to fix the direction of laying blocks. An elastic compensation material is placed between the slats on the base. On the support (to which the glass blocks are attached) holes are made for the reinforcement. A layer of mortar or glue about 30 mm thick is applied along the entire length of the base.
Installation of blocks begins from the wall (or other adjacent element), moving horizontally. On the first block in the bottom row, the mortar is applied to the side facing the wall and laid, leaving a 10 mm thick seam. When installing the second block, the mixture is applied to the side facing the previous one.
A mounting cross is inserted between the blocks at the top. Laying continues until the end of the row, the second row is mounted in the same way. If the solution gets on front side, it is immediately removed (when chipping dried cement, you can scratch the block). The third row of masonry is reinforced with reinforcement. Two rods are placed directly on the mounting crosses, inserted into the holes in the adjacent wall, and secured with mortar (if there is no wall, the reinforcement will end flush with the outer blocks).
After every third row, check the verticality of the masonry with a plumb line and stop the installation for 1 hour when working with glue and for 1 day when working with cement-sand mortar. This is necessary for the composition to set (on glass it dries slowly).
After the masonry is completely completed and the solution has dried, the outer plates of the mounting crosses are removed and the protective film is removed from the glass blocks. Then put on stitches grout mixture, after it has set, the surface is leveled and the blocks are cleaned. Cement and glue stains are removed using salt or acetic acid(alkalis, solvents, hydrofluoric acid cannot be used). To give waterproof qualities to the seams, they are treated with a water repellent.
2. USE OF MODULAR SYSTEMS.
This assembly method is only for interior work. The module is a lattice made of wood, plastic or MDF with cells calculated according to the size of the glass block. Typically, a module contains no more than 10 cells vertically and 2-4 horizontally.
For a longer wall, several modules are purchased. Maximum permissible dimensions designs based modular system-4 x 4 m, at larger size Metal profiles are mounted between its parts.
The system is attached to the floor, walls and ceiling using screws. Then the cells are filled with glass blocks, fixing them with rubber inserts (which make it easy to remove and replace the blocks) or sealant (it is used if it is necessary to improve the soundproofing qualities of the structure).
The frame frame takes on all the loads, protecting the glass block from them, allows you to increase the speed of construction, and make the structure level and vertical.
3. USING THE BLOCLOCK SYSTEM.
This installation method is also intended for interior work. It is based on the use of plastic guides, the width of which is equal to the thickness of the side wall of the block. The guides have different sizes: long ones correspond to the length of the structure, short ones - to the side of the block. The system uses special glass blocks - with a profile that matches the profile of the guides and is designed for a joining seam 2-5 mm wide.
When starting installation, the first, long guide is glued to a horizontal base. Then glass blocks are glued onto it, joining them together in a row through short guides and fixing them with glue.
Having laid out the entire row, glue the next long guide on top of it and assemble it further in the same way. This method allows you to create a smooth, strictly vertical, neat wall. Reinforcement is not provided, and the height of the structure should not exceed 2 m.
The kit, including glue for connecting the system elements, is purchased in the store, choosing the number of blocks and guides required for the intended design.
You can lay out a curved structure from glass blocks. When laying from whole blocks, the minimum radius of curvature is 5 m; with a smaller radius, it is better to use half glass blocks. WITH inside The seam width is left 10 mm; on the outside it will be larger.
A template (for example, made of foam plastic or thick cardboard) is fixed to the base, fixing the direction in which the wall is laid out. The reinforcement is bent, also using a template. It is permissible to use rods with minimum diameter(this will not affect the strength of the masonry, since curved structures are more stable than straight ones).
Sometimes it is necessary to make a door in a glass block wall. Her box is attached to a metal frame U-shaped With U-shaped profile, firmly attached to the supporting structures. Glass blocks are laid around the frame, using a shock-absorbing pad with a thickness of at least 10 mm at the junction points. In a similar way, a window is built into such a wall.
Glass block construction can be used door frame width multiple of 20 cm - 60,80,100,120 cm. Do not hang too much heavy door(for example, metal), it is necessary to avoid sharp impacts when slamming by installing a braking device for door leaf. However, given the complexity of installing and operating a door surrounded by glass, if possible, it is better to make it in a regular wall.
Glass is a durable and environmentally friendly material. Its unique ability is to transmit light, and if it is painted, then to give color to the light. Thanks to the use of glass blocks, walls and other house structures can have these qualities. Glass blocks are transparent bricks filled with air inside. They are designed for laying walls, partitions and other structures that divide space.
The use of glass blocks allows you to illuminate an isolated space or a separate area in the room directly through the wall, without using light openings for this. Moreover, by treating the surface of the bricks in such a way that the rays are refracted or scattered, the visibility of the separated room is eliminated.
By providing good insolation, glass blocks help save energy. Glass is not afraid of moisture and frost, and this allows it to be used in damp rooms and outdoor structures. The ability to use materials with different textures and colors makes glass blocks one of the original design tools.
The material has high mechanical strength and stability in various environments. Thick glass can withstand accidental impacts just as well as an M150 brick, but it will crack if hit by a heavy object, such as a stone. But there are especially durable bulletproof products.
In case of fire, glass blocks do not burn and prevent the spread of fire and thermal radiation for 1-2 hours. They do not react to temperatures from -40 to +50 °C, are inert to the effects of acid rain and other aggressive substances, are not afraid of moisture, and do not absorb odors. For decades, glass blocks do not change their properties and appearance. At the same time, they do not require finishing and are easy to clean.
There are, however, a number of limitations when using glass blocks:
- utility networks (electrical, water supply and sewerage pipes), as well as ventilation ducts cannot be laid inside the erected structure;
- products cannot be cut; whole blocks are always used;
- it is strictly forbidden to hang cabinets, shelves, etc. on a wall made of glass blocks;
- a wall made of glass blocks cannot be load-bearing; they cannot be used to build a structure on which rafters or ceilings rest;
- colored products painted on the inside are not recommended for external use due to paint fading.
Glass block is a heavy material. Its weight is from 2.5 to 4.3 kg, depending on the thickness of the glass and the product. A wall made of glass blocks will weigh from 180 kg/m2, that is, it is heavier than a half-brick partition (130-150 kg/m2).
The heat transfer resistance of a glass block structure is about 0.40 m2 x C/W (which corresponds to a wall with one brick or a single-chamber double-glazed window), the sound insulation index is 40-45 dB (the norm for interior partitions is 46 dB). They also produce materials filled with argon and equipped with an additional internal partition. They are distinguished by higher heat and sound insulation properties, such as those filled with inert gas or double-glazed windows. But these characteristics are still lower than those of traditional wall materials, and if high thermal and sound insulation is important for the room, it is better not to use glass blocks.
A glass block is produced by welding two half-blocks together at a temperature of about 1500 °C. A sealed cavity filled with rarefied air is formed inside the finished product. The wall thickness is 6-10 mm, the thickness of the glass block itself can be 75-160 mm (the most common are 80 and 100 mm). Its ends are slightly concave (based on filling with mortar during installation).
The traditional shape is square with standard dimensions of 190 x 190 x 80, 190 x 190 x 160 and 240 x 240 x 80 mm. They also produce rectangular half-blocks measuring 190 x 90 x 80 or 240 x 115 x 80 mm and special products - triangular, corner, round and with rounded edges, intended for the construction of columns, arches, and the aesthetic completion of built structures and elements. There are colorless and colored glass blocks. The glass in the product can be painted in the mass or from the inside.
Common uses for glass blocks are as follows:
1. As translucent partitions. They separate the living room, hallway, and kitchen from each other, and through them illuminate the corridor and staircase hall, located in the depths of the house, with a second light. In these cases, it is advisable to use glass blocks that are colorless or colored in dim tones, allowing a lot of light to pass through.
2. For fencing and at the same time lighting small utility rooms. For example, glass blocks can be used to separate a dressing room in the hall, a pantry in the kitchen or hall, a bathroom and a dressing room in the bedroom, etc. When entering such rooms, it will be possible not to turn on the light. Colorless glass blocks with a corrugated or matte surface are suitable.
3. To separate zones in the bathroom. This solution is effective due to the waterproof and hygienic nature of glass blocks, as well as the ability to provide visibility when exposed to light. Their main function in the bathroom is separating, not transmitting light, so you can use glass blocks of bright colors, dark tones, corrugated and matte.
4. In the external walls of houses. Glass walls are convenient for illuminating places where good insolation is needed, but for some reason visibility is undesirable, for example in the dressing room and laundry room. They are also used in rooms where there is not enough space for a large window, for example in a narrow hallway, where the main light front is occupied by the door. It is better to use colorless blocks so as not to distort sunlight.
5. As enclosing structures for a winter garden. Here their use is effective due to their high moisture resistance. Taking into account the needs of plants, they should be colorless.
6. In the fencing of terraces, verandas, gazebos. By maintaining good lighting, you can protect the space from prying eyes, for example from neighbors or the street. It is possible to use any types of products (except those painted on the inside) depending on the situation. So, if the space is sufficiently illuminated from other sides or you need to shade it from the bright sun, it is better to use colored blocks.
7. As decorative elements, small inserts in walls. Exclusive glass blocks of expressive colors and textures with various effects are suitable.
8. In the form of luminous elements (thanks to lamps installed inside the structure) - columns, staircase railings. It is better to use products with low transparency but rich colors.
9. It is also possible to construct the floor or steps of the stairs from glass blocks. Such solutions look impressive, especially with the use of lighting. However, using them is risky due to the fragility of the glass and the risk of scratches. The material thickness of 60-80 mm also causes inconvenience, since the floor will be higher than in other rooms. For horizontal planes it is better to use triplex (three-layer tempered glass), and if glass blocks are used, then use high-strength glass.
Due to their fragility, glass blocks are contraindicated for loading. In a supporting structure, they can only serve as a filler between columns, crossbars, beams and other parts of walls built from durable material. However, in unloaded (self-supporting) elements, these products are reliable for both indoor and outdoor use.
The glass block structure must be stable. Even small deformations, which for a brick wall will cause only barely noticeable cracks and will not affect its integrity, can be critical for glass blocks - they will crack and crumble, since glass does not have the slightest elasticity. For free-standing structures made of glass blocks, it is important to provide a reliable foundation, like for a brick wall.
When using this material, it is beneficial to combine functionality with aesthetics. Glass blocks look impressive when they refract bright sunlight or when there is an artificial light source behind them.
An ordinary partition only zones the space, but one made of glass blocks gives it expressiveness. Therefore, their use is often determined by design needs. Glass blocks are distinguished by:
A large selection of colors and shades - 8-16 from each manufacturer, and each of them has its own characteristic range. Colored glass blocks are used in cases where it is necessary to create a certain mood and color in a room;
A wide range of textures and the ability to choose light transmittance. Completely transparent glass blocks with smooth front walls transmit 80% of light. Matte products scatter light; the corrugated surface can not only diffuse, but also direct light rays. Textured and matte blocks transmit 50% of light;
Availability of products with unusual effects. For example, they produce glass blocks that imitate the texture of natural stones, and sets with patterns that allow you to create panels. There are exclusive glass blocks, inside of which various objects made of glass or materials that are not afraid of high temperatures (shells, animal figurines, etc.) are sealed. Such products are used as a highlight of the home design, and are often equipped with lighting.
Glass blocks should always be installed strictly according to the rules, otherwise structural damage may occur. There are three installation methods - traditional, using modular systems and using the BlocLock system. The first is universal, suitable for interior and exterior work, allowing the construction of structures of any size and shape, however, the use of cement mortar, adhesive for ceramic tiles and glass requires skill. The other two methods are based on the use of special modular systems for installing blocks or guides to which they are glued. These technologies make it possible to assemble elements from glass blocks without any experience or knowledge in construction.
Inside the premises, glass blocks are laid at the final finishing stage, after screeding the floor and plastering the walls, but before applying the finishing coatings. When used outside, for example in a wall, glass blocks are laid when the supporting structure is completed, and if a separate element is created, then after the foundation has hardened (after 28 days).
With the first method of laying, it will be necessary to accurately calculate the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the glass block structure so that each row can fit a whole number of products and leave 10 mm for seams between them. With other methods, the accuracy of the masonry is ensured by the structural elements on which the blocks are installed.
The surface prepared for installation must always be absolutely flat and horizontal. Every third or fourth horizontal and vertical rows are reinforced with steel rods with a diameter of 4-8 mm (made of stainless steel or with anti-corrosion coating). The reinforcement must be located in the thickness of the solution and not come into contact with the glass.
A wall made of glass blocks must be completely independent of the supporting structures adjacent to it. In the first installation method, the connection of the transparent section with the load-bearing main wall is made only through sliding spacers, the anchors are secured freely. The connection of the partition made of glass blocks to the ceiling and floor must be done using elastic gaskets.
Modular systems are rigidly fixed. The seams between glass blocks are made no more than 10 mm. When laying on the mortar, special mounting crosses made of plastic are used, which help to correctly align each element. Without crosses, if the mortar dries unevenly, the wall may become distorted.
Materials and tools (per 1 m2 of construction)
MATERIALS (seam -10 mm)
Glass blocks 190 x 190 x 80 mm - 25 pcs.
Glass blocks 190 x 90 x 80 - 50 pcs. Glass blocks 240 x 240 x 80 mm - 16 pcs.
Glue (for glass blocks or ceramic tiles) - 25 kg.
Mounting crosses - 36 pcs.
Stainless steel fittings with a diameter of 6-8 mm - 6-8 m.
Joint expansion joints (cork, felt, bitumen or PVC tape) - 1-4 m, depending on the presence of abutment to structures.
TOOLS
Trowel (for applying the solution).
Level and plumb line (to check the horizontality and verticality of the structures being built and adjacent to it).
Wooden slats (for setting the boundaries of the partition on the base). Rubber hammer (for leveling blocks).
Knife, grout, sponge (for cutting off protruding parts of crosses, making seams, cleaning the surface).
1. Check the horizontality of the wall
2. Since the blocks cannot be cut, the size of the opening is adjusted using a metal insert
3. Mix the masonry mortar
4. Place a cross in the corner and lay the first block, applying the solution to its two sides and to the wall
5. Place the following crosses as evenly as possible
6. Mount the second block on the solution
7. Check the evenness of the first row
8. Place the reinforcement on the layer of glue and attach it to the wall
9. Clean the blocks from residual solution
1. TRADITIONAL MASONRY
The surface of the base is cleaned of dust and grease and two wooden slats are placed on it to fix the direction of laying the blocks. An elastic compensation material is placed between the slats on the base. On the support (to which the glass blocks are attached) holes are made for the reinforcement. A layer of mortar or glue about 30 mm thick is applied along the entire length of the base.
Installation of blocks begins from the wall (or other adjacent element), moving horizontally. On the first block in the bottom row, the mortar is applied to the side facing the wall and laid, leaving a 10 mm thick seam. When installing the second block, the mixture is applied to the side facing the previous one.
A mounting cross is inserted between the blocks at the top. Laying continues until the end of the row, the second row is mounted in the same way. If the solution gets on the front side, it is removed immediately (when chipping dried cement, you can scratch the block). The third row of masonry is reinforced with reinforcement. Two rods are placed directly on the mounting crosses, inserted into the holes in the adjacent wall, and secured with mortar (if there is no wall, the reinforcement will end flush with the outer blocks).
After every third row, check the verticality of the masonry with a plumb line and stop the installation for 1 hour when working with glue and for 1 day when working with cement-sand mortar. This is necessary for the composition to set (on glass it dries slowly).
After the masonry is completely completed and the solution has dried, the outer plates of the mounting crosses are removed and the protective film is removed from the glass blocks. Then the grout mixture is applied to the seams, after it has set, the surface is leveled and the blocks are cleaned. Cement and glue stains are removed using hydrochloric or acetic acid (alkalis, solvents, and hydrofluoric acid cannot be used). To give waterproof qualities to the seams, they are treated with a water repellent.
2. USE OF MODULAR SYSTEMS.
This assembly method is intended for interior use only. The module is a lattice made of wood, plastic or MDF with cells calculated according to the size of the glass block. Typically, a module contains no more than 10 cells vertically and 2-4 horizontally. For a longer wall, several modules are purchased. The maximum permissible dimensions of a structure based on a modular system are 4 x 4 m; for larger sizes, metal profiles are mounted between its parts.
The system is attached to the floor, walls and ceiling using screws. Then the cells are filled with glass blocks, fixing them with rubber inserts (which make it easy to remove and replace the blocks) or sealant (it is used if it is necessary to improve the soundproofing qualities of the structure). The frame frame takes on all the loads, protecting the glass block from them, allows you to increase the speed of construction, and make the structure level and vertical.
3. USING THE BLOCLOCK SYSTEM.
This installation method is also intended for interior work. It is based on the use of plastic guides, the width of which is equal to the thickness of the side wall of the block. The guides have different sizes: long ones correspond to the length of the structure, short ones correspond to the side of the block. The system uses special glass blocks - with a profile that matches the profile of the guides and is designed for a joining seam 2-5 mm wide.
When starting installation, the first, long guide is glued to a horizontal base. Then glass blocks are glued onto it, joining them together in a row through short guides and fixing them with glue. Having laid out the entire row, glue the next long guide on top of it and assemble it further in the same way. This method allows you to create a smooth, strictly vertical, neat wall. Reinforcement is not provided, and the height of the structure should not exceed 2 m.
The kit, including glue for connecting the system elements, is purchased in the store, choosing the number of blocks and guides required for the intended design.
You can lay out a curved structure from glass blocks. When laying from whole blocks, the minimum radius of curvature is 5 m; with a smaller radius, it is better to use half glass blocks. On the inside the seam width is left 10 mm, on the outside it will be larger. A template (for example, made of foam plastic or thick cardboard) is fixed to the base, fixing the direction in which the wall is laid out. The reinforcement is bent, also using a template. It is permissible to use rods with a minimum diameter (this will not affect the strength of the masonry, since curved structures are more stable than straight ones).
Sometimes it is necessary to make a door in a glass block wall. Its box is attached to a U-shaped metal frame with a U-shaped profile, firmly attached to the supporting structures. Glass blocks are laid around the frame, using a shock-absorbing pad with a thickness of at least 10 mm at the junction points. In a similar way, a window is built into such a wall.
In a structure made of glass blocks, you can use a door frame with a width that is a multiple of 20 cm - 60,80,100,120 cm. You cannot hang a door that is too heavy (for example, a metal one); it is necessary to prevent sharp impacts when slamming by installing a braking device for the door leaf. However, given the complexity of installing and operating a door surrounded by glass, if possible, it is better to make it in a regular wall.
Modern building and decorative material in the form of glass blocks provides ample opportunities for interior design. Using these glass “bricks”, you can realize the most unexpected decisions room decoration. Such designs are very convenient to use - they transmit light perfectly and are characterized by high thermal and sound insulation. To mount a wall or partition from glass blocks, you will need to take into account some features of working with this material.
Many remember fragments of walls and blank windows industrial buildings And public premises from glass blocks. Further this material for some time he 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 finishing private houses, but also to create original and unique interiors various rooms.
Glass blocks are products made from two glass plates of thick glass (frosted, transparent, painted 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, scattering or directing light. On sale are glass blocks of rectangular and square shapes, as well as triangular, corner and even round products, with a thickness of 7.5 to 10 cm, weighing about 2.5-4.3 kg. Standard sizes glass blocks are 19x19x8 or 24x24x12. There are samples of Euro glass blocks on sale, in which the ends are coated with paint - thanks to this, the mortar seams in the masonry do not show through.
This material has a number of advantages, including the following:
Glass blocks effectively scatter the sun's rays without preventing their penetration into the room, giving the lighting softness and comfort. At the same time, transparent products provide the effect of a panoramic view, and corrugated ones close the room from prying eyes.
Decorative glass blocks in the interior of premises various styles look very impressive. They are convenient to integrate into various surfaces for decorating walls, windows, and partitions.
This material is used in construction for the following purposes:
To install 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 form a built-in structure, which requires support in the form of a wall or an end post.
There are several methods for laying glass blocks:
Before installation, the surface to be treated should be cleared of debris, dust and residues. old decoration. Then you need to apply markings to the base base. To determine the size of the wooden module (frame) for fixing the masonry, you need to lay out a row of glass blocks and insert plastic dividers between them. After this, you should measure its length and height and calculate the required dimensions of the frame, which will be installed in place of the future laying of glass blocks. After drilling holes in the frame, it must be attached to the wall structure using 50 mm dowels and screws. To level the frame module, you can use wood chips placed between the wall and its supporting surface.
After preparation base surface You will need to prepare an adhesive mixture. To lay glass blocks, you can use tile adhesive or prepare a cement-sand mortar in a 1:3 ratio. 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 per 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 harden quickly.
Before installation, it is necessary to check the integrity of the glass blocks, since manufacturers provide a guarantee for this material before starting installation work. Protective film Blocks should not be removed until work is completed to prevent damage to the glass plates. If such a film is not available, you can use any polyethylene film, securing it to the surface of the blocks using paper tape.
When installing glass blocks, reinforcement should be used by laying rods made of galvanized or stainless steel wire vertically and horizontally in the joints of the masonry - so that they form metal mesh, fixing structure. To do this, reinforcing rods must be secured in the wall structure, fixing them in pre-prepared holes. Metal rods are laid on plastic mounting crosses, and contact with the glass should be avoided. At the end of the work, the crosses remain inside the masonry and are rubbed down.
To lay glass blocks, you can use the following step-by-step instructions:
To avoid subsidence and curvature of the constructed wall, it is recommended to carry out installation gradually - 3-5 rows at a time, leaving time for further drying of the seams for at least 12 hours. After fixing the glass blocks, remove excess adhesive mixture with a sponge.
After installation, you should wait until the structure dries completely - this will take several days. Next, you will need to carefully chop off the parts of the plastic crosses protruding from the masonry, if any. In addition, you should pay attention to the seams - in order for them to look quite aesthetically pleasing, it is necessary to apply a grouting composition of a suitable shade. To seal the seams you will need to use silicone sealant.
After completing the above work, you should thoroughly wipe the glass blocks with a clean cloth. Leftovers if necessary glue mixture can be removed from the glass surface using an anti-scale agent or solution of hydrochloric acid– in this case, you will need to make sure that this liquid does not penetrate the seams.
To install round-shaped structures made of glass blocks, the same classical installation method is used. The only difference is that with arched installation it is necessary to bend the horizontal reinforcement, giving it the desired shape in order to obtain a rounded wall. In this case, mounting crosses to adjust the thickness of laying seams must be used only on the inside of the structure. To lay the rounded part of the wall, it is recommended to use halves of glass blocks, since in this case a denser reinforcing mesh will be used, strengthening the structure. In addition, by using smaller "bricks" it is easy to minimize the discrepancy between the external and internal seams, as a result, such a wall will look more neat.
To install glass blocks, you can use an easy-to-implement, but more expensive method of laying without cement mortar. This design is lighter and looks more aesthetically pleasing compared to classical method installation
To do this you will need to use a specially made frame system in the form of a metal module or a wooden one (made from dry sanded boards) - with cells suitable size, into which glass blocks are inserted. In this case, it is necessary that the cell size matches the size of the glass blocks with an accuracy of 2 mm. This design will need to be painted suitable color and securely attach it to the walls, floor and ceiling - for this you should use dowels or anchors. It is important to carefully align this module vertically and horizontally.
Next, you will need to place glass blocks into the cells of the prepared frame and fix them at the joints using silicone sealant, resembling colorless rubber after hardening. It will take up to 10 hours for the joints to dry, after which frame construction will be ready for use.
