Efficiency of glass blocks
Last Post 05 Dec 2012 04:33 PM by Dana1. 55 Replies.
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ICFconstructionUser is Offline
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17 Jun 2009 07:05 PM
How efficient are glass block windows? I may use glass block windows, on my own ICF house, put glass blocks flush with the outside and the inside of the wall, leaving 3-4" between them. What are opinions of that method?
Brad Kvanbek - ICFconstruction.net
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17 Jun 2009 10:01 PM
I looked into glass blocks awhile back and was surprised to find that the most substantial ones from Corning were under an R-2.    Obviously, going with two layers of glass block and a healthy air space between them is going to get you beyond an R-4, I just don't know how far.    I would be more concerned about the amount of light you'd be allowing in through those four thick layers of glass.   Those blocks are substantial.  

Take a look at Corning's Vistabrik block, which is a solid 3"-thick block of glass that I believe you can still see through.    Their R-values are even lower, however if light is what you're after, they may be a better solution.    You'll find a PDF with the various Corning glass block products (including the Vistabrik) HERE.


John

John A Gasbarre<br>Lamb Abbey Orchards<br>Union, ME 04862<br>[email protected]<br>
AltonUser is Offline
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18 Jun 2009 07:25 AM

Brad,
My only concern would be how would you ever be able to clean the inner surfaces of the glass block?

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18 Jun 2009 07:34 AM
If it is sealed would I need to clean in-between the glass blocks?
Brad Kvanbek - ICFconstruction.net
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18 Jun 2009 08:54 AM

Brad,
Since it is almost impossible to perfectly seal the air space between the two wythes of glass block, I would be concerned about moisture drying and leaving stains on the inside face.  I may be wrong about the possibility of moisture getting inside but if it does then it would not be easy to remove.  What if the inner wythe of glass block was removable?

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ICFconstructionUser is Offline
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18 Jun 2009 09:05 AM
"What if the inner wythe of glass block was removable?" That sounds difficult, maybe if the inner or outer was a storm window?

Isn't it Pella windows that has a system with an insulated window and a single pane that fits into the sash?
Brad Kvanbek - ICFconstruction.net
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19 Jun 2009 07:37 PM
Speaking of Pella, don't they offer a window that has a removable wavy glass insert? That would give you the wavy glass look, a good insulated window, and a chance to change your mind and go to clear glass if you want.
BrockUser is Offline
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23 Jun 2009 03:29 PM
I am not sure who made it, but we have "glass block" along our kitchen wall between the cupboards and countertop. It is great for extra light in there. It came in frosted, glass block, wavy, rain or clear and as aardvarcus said you can change out the glass if you really want to. We also have a storm for ours that has to be put on from the outside, but we really like it.
Green Bay, WI. - 4 ton horizontal goethermal, 16k gallon indoor pool, 3kw solar PV setup, 2 ton air to air HP, 3400 sq ft
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24 Jun 2009 09:25 PM
I saw some videos online of water filled glass block windows. Pretty interesting. Also what about acrylic or fiberglass glass block windows/panels such as Kalwall.
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24 Jun 2009 09:58 PM
Water filled? Not in MN. Does water insulate better than air, maybe magnify light?

The Kalwall look very nice but not cheap or readily available.

Brad Kvanbek - ICFconstruction.net
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30 Sep 2010 07:51 AM
I included openings in the 11" thick ICF wall for ten 48"x32" glass block windows. I plan on doing two windows per opening, one flush with the inside, one flush with the outside. There will be a 4" air space in-between.

I am thinking of putting shinny metal in the air space to help reflect light inside. I am thinking of the mirror like metal that they use inside the tube type sky lights. Anybody have any ideas? Where would I get it?
Brad Kvanbek - ICFconstruction.net
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01 Oct 2010 12:12 AM
You can get mirror like aluminum foil tape at most autoparts stores such as AutoZone. It comes in a roll ~2" wide.
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01 Oct 2010 06:52 AM
Whatever I put in there will forever be there, I am hoping for something heavier that I can mechanically fasten so it can't fall, or curl.
Brad Kvanbek - ICFconstruction.net
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01 Oct 2010 11:24 AM
Just an idea, but what about using actual cut-to-fit pieces of mirror glued with construction adhesive to the framing.
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01 Oct 2010 11:34 AM
post some photos of your project, it sounds interesting
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01 Oct 2010 03:26 PM
just thinking out loud (well....on screen).. How much difference do you think there would be between something metallic/reflective vs. just painting that section a bright white before putting in the glass block? White reflects a lot of light as well..
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01 Oct 2010 06:09 PM
get 4" mirror strips at a local glass shop, they probably throw a lot of the narrow stuff away
Chris Kavala<br>[email protected]<br>1-877-321-SIPS<br />
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02 Oct 2010 09:01 AM
Maybe mirrors would be the answer.

Steven, I will post some pictures, but things are going slow, I have to do customer jobs first. But you can always drive over, 5 miles west of Mound.
Brad Kvanbek - ICFconstruction.net
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16 Dec 2010 07:13 AM
Even though glass block windows appear to be solid, residential glass blocks are hollow. When the two hollow glass block halves are fused together under heat, the air inside them contracts as it cools. This creates a partial vacuum to increase the insulation level. They become as airtight as an actual wall reducing air filtration and increasing energy efficiency.
Here's to you, your health and the health of your family. <a href="http://www.cleaningcleaner.com">Eco friendly cleaning</a>
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16 Dec 2010 07:43 AM
Has anyone heard of a "U" or "R" rating for glass block?
Brad Kvanbek - ICFconstruction.net
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