Glass blocks bring to mind the times of the PRL. Everyone associates them with glass cubes of not very interesting design. However, today glass blocks look completely different. They have undergone a total transformation in terms of both appearance and thermal insulation. Today, glass blocks are glass blocks welded from two elements, with air inside. Glass blocks in their new form are once again capturing the hearts of customers. Even demanding customers! It's worth taking a closer look at them, as they have recently become a very beautiful and interesting element for interior finishing.
A few disadvantages, a few advantages
Because the current glass blocks are characterized by high light transmission, they can confidently serve as a window or be used to create large glazing.
Another, very valuable advantage of glass blocks is that they are resistant to damage, making them an ideal barrier against thieves. Glass blocks are cast from thick glass which is really very difficult to break or damage. Additionally, when installing glass blocks, the structure is reinforced with wire. Neither water, nor low or high temperature or humidity can harm them. Therefore, they can be freely used for bathroom arrangements. Manufacturers also offer fire-resistant glass blocks that withstand flames for 60 or 90 minutes in case of fire.
Regarding the disadvantages of glass blocks, the first thing to mention is their price. They are one of the more expensive elements. Furthermore, using them requires appropriate knowledge and skills, and it is better not to do it yourself. If the blocks are stored loose, they are prone to breaking and chipping. They require special caution during moving, transport and installation. Unfortunately, they are an element that even slightly damaged cannot be used. In addition, if we want to create, for example, a partition from glass blocks, it cannot be more than 12 m².
Installing glass blocks - patterns and colors
When choosing the type of these glass blocks, there is no need to worry. The choice is large enough to cause dizziness. Offers include transparent, colored, matte, patterned or smooth glass blocks. However, remember that when choosing the type and color, you should be guided not only by aesthetic aspects, but also practical ones. Everything here influences how the given glass blocks behave.
An example of this is colored glass blocks, which are divided into those colored in the mass and those colored on the surface. Although surface-colored ones have more intense colors, they are definitely less durable. They cannot be mounted outside or in places where moisture reigns. In addition, colored glass blocks transmit much less light than transparent glass blocks.
An important aspect when buying glass blocks is their surfaces. Some are smooth, others have indentations, where dust and dirt will surely settle, requiring more frequent cleaning. Matte and satin glass blocks require additional and appropriate maintenance. Depending on the type we choose, we will have the corresponding light in the room:
- matte, milky and colored glass blocks provide soft light
- glass blocks decorated with patterns gently diffuse light
- smooth and transparent glass blocks allow free light flow.
Glass blocks in the bathroom
Walls made of this material can serve as a separation of certain zones in a room. Recently, they also replace walk-in shower enclosures. This way, the enclosed shower looks very nice, effective, doesn't reveal too much and is easy to keep clean. The only thing to remember is to choose the glass blocks suitable for the bathroom, considering moisture and the ubiquitous water.
Glass blocks can serve a purely decorative function. Just choose colored, hand-painted, or with an original pattern or LED-lit glass blocks to give the bathroom a unique look. Glass blocks with drop imitation will be perfect for our wonderful bathroom.
Additionally, they can be installed instead of a window. In this case, you can freely choose the type. It all depends on the amount of light you want in the room and the entire bathroom arrangement.
Installation of glass blocks
These glass blocks can be installed in three ways. The first method is traditional use of mortar. The structure should be reinforced with rods vertically and horizontally. The gaps that form between subsequent blocks should be filled with grout. The second method of installation is using a PVC profile assembly system. Here we also need mortar and reinforcement, but it is no longer necessary to grout the gaps. The third method is dry installation. Glass blocks are laid without the use of mortar, and ready-made system elements are used to connect them. The joints between the glass blocks are filled with silicone.
Price
As mentioned at the beginning, glass blocks are not a cheap finishing element. Their price ranges from 7 to 25 PLN per block. It's easy to guess that the more interesting the appearance, the more expensive it is.