glass block install before pour > GreenBuildingTalk - Green Building Forums on Insulating Concrete Forms (ICF), Structural Insulated Panels (SIP), Radiant Heating, Geothermal Heat Pumps, Solar Power

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mark3885

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07/19/2008 10:15 AM
I want to install glass block windows before I pour my walls. Has anybody done this? I don't want to use a wood buck and thought it would be easy to set the glass blocks and pour around them. They would be in the top course of block and my only concern would be to get the concrete around under the block. I want to use 48" x16"glass block units , the same size as my 8" block.

walltech

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07/19/2008 10:43 AM
You will have problems with consolidation just as you suspected because of the location at the top of wall. My best guess is to buck it for the pour and then remove it for placing the glass block. Other things to consider: Creating a header by doubling your rim at that location 12" longer ea. way than your window, & how you will jamb and trim if finished. Dave

icfcontractor User is Offline

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07/19/2008 11:51 AM
Mark3885, Consolidation is a concern but is is easily remedied. Put small holes in the side of the blocks under your glass block and vibrate through the side. Then cover them once you reach the level of the hole and go to the next one up. Walltech brings up a great point, you should always be looking ahead and figuring out how what I do today will affect me or a subcontractor tommorrow. This simple shift in attitude will save you thousands of dollars and countless hours of time. ICF Contractor

budden

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07/19/2008 2:29 PM
Hmmm, I'm not a builder so attach appropriate credibility... What you're describing here is known in the nautical world as a deadlight. Often used in older ships (pre-electrification or limited electrification) to provide light on the first deck by putting the deadlight in the main deck ... without letting in the ocean. Nautical shore structures, especially lighthouses (most of which were built in the 1870s) were sometimes similarly fitted. So backing up a step, do you want a true deadlight or should you consider an emergency egress (if you have a bedroom in the basement)? Somebody's mentioned in this forum that glass block doesn't exhibit the same insulating properties as, say, ICF. (Again, I'm only reminding, not commenting as an expert). Musing a bit. Seems to me that yours is not an isolated question -- basements need natural light and egress. And ICFs are obviously a good way to build basements. Would it make sense to have an ICF tailored to accomodating basement windows (e.g. pre-bucked, and pre-hung with a window that is - thermally insulated - can stand the lawnmower tossing a stone it's way - can be opened by a five-year-old from the inside but not a burglar from the outside - built-in lintel hooks for easy/quick installation that is structurally sound. ? We have ICFs tailored for brickledge; so why not basement windows?

Alton

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07/19/2008 11:16 PM
Mark, Some types of windows require expansion space around them. Placing concrete around glass block does not allow for expansion. Check with the glass block company about installation instructions.

Alton C. Keown Residential Designer and Construction Technology Consultant Auburn, Alabama 334 329-0957 AT&T Cellular

mark3885

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07/20/2008 8:15 AM
thanks for all the replys. A window which would allow egress would be needed if I want to create an enclosed room. thanks again Mark

seaglade

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07/20/2008 10:37 AM
Mark, I found this company during my own product search, they might have a solution to your need for a glass block egress window. USblockwindows.com

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