How to install a pre-made glass block window

Natural light in a basement is a priceless commodity

. Home builders of old recognized this and integrated hopper windows in basements. They were normally the size of four standard cement blocks (16 X 32). Typically, these windows were steel framed and mortared in place. Unfortunately, they also can let in cold air and unwanted guests. Pre-made glass block windows can be installed to retain the valuable natural light and be a beautiful safe solution to the non efficient hoppers. A good look at the existing window will tell you if you can use a standard 16 X 32pre-made glass block unit. Measure the length and height of a cement block nearby your project window. The dimensions of a standard cement block have not changed for many years; they are commonly 7 3/4 high 15 3/4 long. The blocks were made this size to accommodate a bed of mortar to make the total measurement 8 X 16. Now determine how many blocks the window has displaced. If the opening is 2 blocks high by 2 blocks long or 16 X 32, youre in business. A 16 X 32 pre-made glass block unit can be purchased at the home improvement center of your choice. Buying a pre-made unit not only saves time and the headache of building one from scratch but also are made square and flush at the factory. Other things to remember at the home improvement center are: Tape measure Hammer Cold chisel Pry bar Reciprocating saw with metal blade or hacksaw Shims (composite) Expansion foam 1 Bag of mortar 5 gal. bucket Margin trowel Access to water Silicone 4 Glass block C channel (commonly found in the glass block aisle) 1 screws Screw gun Safety glasses Gloves Step ladder Torpedo level Small piece of batt insulation Vacuum Hand saw Plastic sheeting This home improvement can be done by one person but an extra pair of hands will make this project much easier and is strongly suggested. To prepare your work area, cut a piece of plastic to fit under the window opening to save vacuuming up a mess. Consider using more plastic to make a barrier to keep mortar chips and dust in a confined area in the basement. Remove the old hopper window sash from the inside. The flat metal arms that the sash hangs on should have an enlarged opening to push the post on the sash up and out. Do the same on the other side and remove the old window away from work area. Now determine the best space (inside, outside) to cold chisel the mortar away from the steel frame. This can be hard work and may require big swings with a hammer, along with a pair of safety glasses. Try chiseling at the bottom of the opening right in the middle. Start near the metal and work your way underneath. Your goal is to make an opening under the metal frame for your pry bar to lift up. Once you have the frame lifted up, use the reciprocating saw or hack saw to cut the frame, and then pry up and out. Now that you have the bottom pried up, the sides should follow, then the top. The opening will now need to be chiseled out to receive the 16 X 32 glass block unit. Measure carefully. If there is concern about a high spot that will give you trouble, now is the time to smooth it out. Upon returning the next morning, cut any excess expansion foam flush with the window. Mix the mortar with water in the 5 gallon bucket to a peanut butter consistency. Mortar is applied over the expansion foam and packed around the perimeter of the glass block with the margin trowel on both sides of the window. This is the strength that holds the unit in place. If the glass block is not flush with the existing wall, the sill must be angled to shed precipitation on both sides of the unit. It will take a little practice to get the mortar right. The less you play with it the more it will do what you want. If the mortar sags, let it go and come back after its set up but still green. Shave any excess off with the trowel and smooth the surface. Finally, seal around the C channel and the sill plate with silicone at both the interior and exterior for a watertight seal.

How to install a pre-made glass block window

By: Paul H. Bilodeau

POST COMMENT

Colon Cancer Stage 4 Clinical Trials Saint Frances Cabrini And Louisiani How To Create A Public Corporation Limited Hiperplasia De Próstata Y Como Evitarla Pet Sitter in Ma - Need Help in Finding a Massachusetts Sitter? How To Print Carbonless Forms Cheaply In 2010 Creer en Jesucristo como Señor y Salvador Pôr Do Sol Na Praia Do Jacaré Obstacles Are Opportunities in Disguise How to Turn Obstacles into Opportunities Paranormal Activity Keeps You Awake! RegCure License Key ? - Breaking News ! Breaking Up A Survival Guide.