ICFconstruction
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| 06/17/2009 7:05 PM |
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| How efficient are glass block windows?
I may for 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? |
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Brad Kvanbek - ICFconstruction.net |
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lambabbey
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| 06/17/2009 10:01 PM |
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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
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John A Gasbarre
Lamb Abbey Orchards
Union, ME 04862
orchard@lambabbey.com
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Alton
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| 06/18/2009 7:25 AM |
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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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Alton C. Keown
Residential Designer and Construction Technology Consultant
Auburn, Alabama
E-mail: alton at auburn dot edu |
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ICFconstruction
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| 06/18/2009 7:34 AM |
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| If it is sealed would I need to clean in-between the glass blocks? |
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Brad Kvanbek - ICFconstruction.net |
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Alton
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| 06/18/2009 8:54 AM |
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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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Alton C. Keown
Residential Designer and Construction Technology Consultant
Auburn, Alabama
E-mail: alton at auburn dot edu |
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ICFconstruction
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| 06/18/2009 9:05 AM |
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"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?
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Brad Kvanbek - ICFconstruction.net |
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aardvarcus
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| 06/19/2009 7:37 PM |
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| 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. |
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Brock
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| 06/23/2009 3:29 PM |
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| 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. |
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Green Bay, WI. - 4 ton horizontal, 16k gallon indoor pool, 1.8kw solar PV setup, 3400 sq ft |
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slenzen
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| 06/24/2009 9:25 PM |
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| 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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ICFconstruction
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| 06/24/2009 9:58 PM |
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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.
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Brad Kvanbek - ICFconstruction.net |
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