ABOUT GLASS BRICKS & BLOCKS

Glass blocks for non-loadbearing walls and partitions are manufactured by casting two half blocks at 1050 degrees centigrade, followed by annealing at 560 degrees centigrade. The voice space of the glass block is partially evacuated, giving a U-value of 2.5 W per square metre K. Standard glass blocks are 115, 190, 240, and 300mm square with thicknesses of 80mm and 100mm, although rectangular and circular blocks are also available.

The variety of patterns for glass blocks, offering differing degrees of privacy include clear, frosted, Flemish, reeded, and crystal designs with colours from blue, green and grey to pink and gold. Glass blocks with solar reflective glass or incorporating while glass fibres offer additional solar control; colour may be added either to the edge coating of the glass block or to the glass itself. Special glass blocks are available to form corners and ends and also for ventilation.

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For exterior and fire-retarding applications natural or coloured mortar (2 parts Portland cement, 1 part lime, 8 parts sand) is used for jointing glass blocks. Glass block walls may be straight or curved; in the latter case the minimum radius varies according to the block size and manufacturer's specification. Vandal and bullet proof glass blocks are available for situations requiring high security. For interior use, glass blocks may be jointed with sealant rather than mortar. Glass blocks are now available in pre-formed panels for speedier installation.

Glass blocks jointed with mortar give a fire resistance of 30 or 60 minutes with respect to stability and integrity but not insulation. Fire stop glass blocks made from 26mm rather than 8mm glass give two hours fire protection. Visible light transmission ranges downwards from 85% to 77% depending on the pattern and block size, but this is reduced to 60% for coloured glass.

LEADING UK GLASS BRICK & BLOCK SUPPLIERS

Pittsburgh Corning is a leading supplier of glass blocks. It gives guidance on the use of glass blocks and bricks at its website. This includes advice that all glass block panels should have independent support, and should be isolated within their apertures, with expansion strip at the edges and no load on the glass blocks.

Click here for an easy-to-use listing of leading UK suppliers of glass blocks, provided by Archbone.

Other useful links relevant to glass blocks and glass block suppliers:

Glass & Glazing Federation

DETAILED INFORMATION RESOURCES ON GLASS BLOCKS & BRICKS

We recommend the following professional construction directories, which include manufacturers' specifications and CAD details: Barbour Compendium at www.barbourcompendium.co.uk, RIBA Product Selector Plus at ww.productselector.co.uk, ASC Bricsnet at www.ascinfo.co.uk, Building Products Index at www.bpindex.co.uk, British Board of Agrément at www.bbacerts.co.uk, British Standards Online at www.bsonline.bsi-global.com.

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Other recommended portals: Archbone, Building Design, Homeone Australia, Lighting Directory, Sapling, Stone Network.

Publisher: Abacus Construction Index is a professionally edited directory of recommended construction websites, published by Extonet Ltd which also publishes a directory of the world's best websites. It is financed only by Google advertisements; no payment is received from included websites.