How To Install Block Windows In Basement

Most people install drinking glass block windows in their basements and bathrooms. These are translucent, thick blocks of glass that allow calorie-free rays to pass through them while distorting vision. Only the privacy they offering isn't the but reason why you may want to acquire how to install glass block window.

Since these windows are made of thicker drinking glass than regular windows, you can count on them to heighten the overall security of your home. They are usually sealed in the wall with mortar to eliminate the hazard of air leakages and improve your home's energy efficiency.

How to Install Glass Block Window

Follow these steps to install drinking glass block window on your own:

Step 1: Assemble the supplies

You lot're going to need the following tools to finish the job with perfection:

• Measuring tape
• Prophylactic gloves
• Circular saw
• Dry vacuum cleaner
• Pry bar
• Utility knife
• Cedar shims
• Cement and sand
• Trowel
• Caulking gun

Pace 2: Size the glass block window

Use a measuring tape to size the electric current window frame. Brand sure that you measure downward to the masonry and not merely the frame. Accept pictures of the unabridged frame and take them to the vendor if you're unsure where the frame ends and the masonry starts.

Measure twice to ensure that the dimensions are spot-on as getting them right is crucial. Then subtract ½'' from both sides (width and length). This volition permit yous to recoup for the mortar joints which exist on each side of the panel.

Pace 3: Purchase a new glass cake window

Take the measurements yous have noted to a vendor. They volition testify you several designs to help you select the ane that meets your eye. If you're going to take the console dwelling in your machine, asking the vendor to place band clamps around the window. They will proceed the blocks of the larger console from snapping off as you're transporting the window.

Footstep 4: Remove the one-time frame

Provided you're going to interruption the old window, wear safety gloves. Employ a circular saw to make the first cut into the old frame as information technology volition make it easier for you to pry out the frame later on. Afterward, vacuum the entire area with a shop vac to safely remove all the shards.

Step v: Rip out the old frame'south jamb

prototype

The material of construction of the frame will determine how piece of cake or otherwise this process is going to be. In most cases, you'd only need a simple pry bar to rip out the old jamb. However, if the jamb is secured in place with mortar or physical, you might have to chisel some of them away.

Footstep 6: Remove caulking

Since you're going to need the entire frame as clean and clear equally possible, you cannot permit the old caulking stay in identify. Too, the new frame will crave you to add new caulking, which won't be possible equally long as the old caulking stays in place.

Place an old newspaper or any cloth beneath the frame to collect the falling caulking. So, utilise a utility pocketknife to chisel away and remove caulking.

Step 7: Install cedar shims

Cedar shims are required for the fifty-fifty placement of the new window's panel in the space. Install them at the bottom of the frame, starting from the corners. They should be about ½'' in width and must be placed at three'' intervals from each other. The shims should be long plenty to remove once the first coat of mortar has set up in.

Step 8: Mix mortar

Measure out 4 parts sand and i role cement and mix them dry out. Utilise a shovel to create a crater in the center of the sand-cement mixture. Add together a full bucket of h2o on top of the crater. You can also add together advisable amount of mortar condiment or lime afterwards to strengthen the mortar.

Once you accept prepared the mortar, employ a trowel to add together a pocket-sized amount of it to the bottom of the frame. The layer shouldn't be thick as its simply purpose is to aid the shims form a base.

Footstep 9: Place the console over the shims

As yous might have gauged during its transportation, the panel is heavy. Get a helping manus if you are having problem lifting it on your own. Some of the shims might move while you're setting the panel. Reset them while yous're tilting or sliding the console in identify.

After placing the panel in place, you lot might notice a few gaps at the bottom. Pack them with mortar using a trowel.

Step 10: Mortar the sides

After the mortar at the bottom has become difficult to impact, start applying the mortar to the sides. Once it has set in every bit well, start removing all the shims one by one. Give the mortar at to the lowest degree three hours to dry before using a hitting tool to smoothen it out.

Step 11: Caulk the meridian of the window

Caulking the acme of the window will identify downward pressure on the entire panel, thereby helping information technology set up firmly in place. Use 100% silicone caulking to fill the entire gap at the top. To apply the caulk, remove the comprehend on the inlet of the caulk gun, place the caulk tube inside, and so screw the encompass dorsum.

Slightly squeeze the gun'south handle to attach its plunger cap against the rear of the tube. And then, utilize a utility knife to cut the tip of the tube at a 45-degree bending. Press the tip you've just cut against one corner of the window, and start applying the caulk in a continuous dewdrop.

Conclusion

Are you lot unhappy with the (lack of) privacy your bathroom window provides? Not sure why your domicile's free energy bills are going upwardly all the fourth dimension? If your reply to either of these questions is in the affirmative, then yous can certainly do with a glass block window.

Sure, the unabridged process of removing the erstwhile window and replacing it with a new ane requires a lot of time and attempt. But the benefits that a glass block window provides in terms of energy savings, enhanced indoor appeal, and more privacy get in a worth-having selection.

Please feel free to get in touch if yous have any questions.

Source: https://www.wcmanet.org/installing-glass-block-window/

Posted by: corryscientoped.blogspot.com

Share this post