Creating a design with glass blocks

Glass blocks are also one of the masonry materials that can perform both delimiting functions and decorative. They were especially popular about 10 years ago and were almost the only way to make a spacious and bright room where there is little sunlight or there is no possibility to equip the room with additional light sources. Today, the glass blocks in the interior design perform the same functions as before, but they are more qualitatively performed. The newest technologies today allow you to create materials not only of excellent quality and durability, but also excellent appearance.

Why are we returning to glass blocks?

The reason for reintroducing glass blocks into mass construction can be explained only by its unique properties and parameters, which can become decisive in the choice of the material, the method of its installation and the location of the installation.

First of all, glass blocks in their bulk, as before, are used for erecting partitions that will not be subject to further stress in the future. Bearing walls of this material can become critically dangerous, both for the building itself and for the occupants. Because the glass, and even such thick as the glass blocks, still beats and can be broken by any solid object. There are other ways to erect decorative partitions.

Even despite the possibility of injury due to accidental damage to the blocks, they can still be the best tool for creating a universal partition that will not only perfectly impede sound waves, but will also become a means of amplifying light rays, partially absorbing them, and partially strengthening, like a lens. Hence the second reason why they are becoming popular again is to ensure good indoor illumination.

Modern production of glass blocks is not the process of creating unclear green color of crooked shapes. Modern production produces ideal for geometric and practical parameters masonry material, which can be:

• crystal clear;
• is softly matt;
• embossed;
• produces a huge number of colors and shades;
• with pictures on the inside and even with objects inside.

All of the above can not only be decisive for declining precisely this material to create a decorative and yet multifunctional partition in the living room, kitchen or hall, but it will be the main reason to apply it in the bathroom to divide the room into zones. After all, glass, as a solid and very dense material, generally does not absorb moisture, it is easy to clean and polish, if necessary. But for laying the glass unit, accordingly, a qualitative glue will be required.

That is, it turns out that for self-assembly of glass blocks, waterproof glue is necessary, and after its packing all the seams need to be covered with fugue. This is a special composition that prevents moisture from getting into the adhesive layer, which excludes the possibility of the formation of fungal microorganisms inside it.

Glass blocks are rather lightweight material that can be applied not only in a private house, but also in an apartment. But it should be remembered that a large number of them can still lead to an increase in the load on the floors, so it is worthwhile to think carefully before proceeding with the installation of all partitions of this material. Glass blocks in the interior of the apartment, the photos of which can be seen below, can play a significant role, because only with their help can you create such a color and contrast of colors. It will be incredibly beautiful to play with the sun's rays. After all, probably, everyone noticed in his life that when the ray of light passes through a non-uniform in its thickness the glass is refracted and even decays into spectra, like a diffraction grating. And this creates just extraordinary comfort and comfort of arrival in an apartment, a house or even in an office.

Looking through the glass blocks in the interior in the photo you can notice a huge variety not only of their colors, but also combinations of styling. Even having some ability to fantasize or zeal for art with the help of glass blocks, you can create a truly unique and unique design. Blocks can be combined in different colors and shades. In addition to a wide variety of colors today, many manufacturers offer simply unique solutions - blocks with various inserts and color patterns. Also, modern technology allows the production of glass masonry materials with engraving. But, of course, not everyone wants to arrange a museum or exhibition environment at home.

Only glass blocks for partitions have such a unique property as light transmission, but it is impossible to see the real contours of the object through it, which makes it possible to build partitions with confidence even between the bathroom and the living room or kitchen.

Glass blocks can be used to decorate the window opening in bathrooms in private houses. This allows you not to reduce the degree of illumination and at the same time create a reliable barrier from the eyes of others.

Construction of walls from glass blocks

Glass blocks can be one of the ways to create not only deaf partitions, but also part of a small decorative design that is a decoration of the room. Here, of course, we should remember about colored glass blocks. Only by combining several shades can you create a truly unique atmosphere that will add dynamism and originality.

But even deaf walls from this material do not create such a massive visual sensation, which usually creates opaque structures. This indicates that with their help you can visually expand the room.

One of the outstanding properties of glass blocks is the geometric parameters. Each block has practically imperceptible deviations in the sizes that allows to construct ideally equal designs. A small layer of adhesive composition and evenly distributed over the corrugated end surface perfectly fastens all the elements of the structure, creating a single whole.

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Glass glass blocks, besides the advantages, also have not very positive properties. For example, a smooth front surface does not allow the tile or any other finishing material to be laid on them. Also on such a wall it is not necessary to fasten furniture, equipment, racks and so on.

Technology of stacking of glass blocks

The installation of glass blocks is similar to the technology of laying any block materials.

The first step is to prepare the base, level the screed, treat the primer with a deep penetration and so on.

Although glass blocks have almost perfect geometry, but for even laying it is necessary to install beacons and marks. This can be done using a laser level or a conventional hydro level and plumb. To simplify the laying along the walls to them it is necessary to fasten the guide rails, to them in the process of laying the lace will be attached to align each row.

The stacking of glass blocks can be carried out in various ways, just like brickwork:

• in the dressing;
• in staggered order with alternating shades;
• seam in the seam.

To create a partition, you can use several methods of stacking glass blocks, which depends on the preferences of the customer. On the strength of the construction can in principle and not think, as, for example, with foam blocks or bricks. But all the same, considering all options, the best way to lay it will be the dressing. It will make the wall more solid and stable.

The first layer of blocks is laid on the reinforced base, for this it is necessary to use thin reinforcement and lay it in the base. In this case, put two rods better, this will eliminate the pitted deformation of the masonry when it solidifies.

Advice for installing glass blocks

1. The glass unit has a smooth structure, so when applying the adhesive it is important to remember that the mixture should not fall on the front surface. And if it did, then it's necessary to wash it off with a sponge. Because in the future, when you remove it, you can damage the drawing.
2. Also when transporting blocks, remember that this material is fragile enough. And the slightest shaking and collision can lead to chipping and loss of its appearance.
3. Glass blocks are not easily cut, but rather, they do not succumb to it. Therefore, when creating a partition from them, it is worth considering this and calculating each action in advance. To simplify the laying, manufacturers produce half-blocks.
4. The quality stacking of glass blocks with your own hands or independently must be carried out slowly, because each unit is a dense and slippery material that does not adhere well even with high-quality glue. Therefore, one approach should be settled no more than 3-4 rows of blocks. And for aligning the seams, you need to use special crosses.
5. To ensure that the seams do not spoil the appearance of the overall picture after installing the glass blocks, it is necessary to use a light, predominantly white adhesive composition.
6. To create arched or dome-shaped structures for hardening masonry it is necessary to use thin reinforcement. It fits in such a way that it can not be seen from the back side.

These tips for laying glass blocks will be decisive in creating a truly unique partition or structure that will be designed to become the main element of decorating a residential house, apartment or office.

Using glass blocks in the design of

Glass blocks can be used not only for the construction of partitions and walls. They can be used to decorate partitions of brick or block masonry, as if highlighting some of its aspects or merits. It can be niches, patterns and so on. Also from them you can make original and equally attractive stationary furniture. It can be coffee tables, chairs, armchairs, pedestals and so on.

Wireframe technology

In addition to the traditional technology, there is another way of installing glass blocks. It is to use the frame. It can be made of wood or purchased in finished form from metal-plastic. Sections are recruited as a designer and in them are densely inserted glass blocks. This way of laying the blocks allows you to get a more aesthetic and neat partition. But the cost of its laying is quite high, and the process requires a certain skill. In addition, such a partition has poor sound insulation properties.

For each glass block is made its own cell, into which it is then inserted. Elements of one section are fastened together with a transparent silicone sealant and wire. For the construction of such a partition is enough 8-10 hours, which can not be said about the traditional method, which will require up to 3-4 days.

And the addition of the article, how to stack glass blocks by your own hands, the video will be an excellent addition.