How to properly make a glass block wall. Methods for installing glass block partitions, types of glass blocks, their advantages and disadvantages

Glass blocks, by analogy with bricks, are laid on a regular solution of sand and cement. However, we should not forget that this material is made of glass and must be handled carefully, even carefully. To avoid complications when laying glass blocks, it is better to adhere to simple recommendations that experts have developed over decades of practical work.

Protective film on the surface of glass blocks

Initially, glass blocks are covered with a transparent protective film.

It is necessary so that the glass surface is not damaged during transportation and installation. The film protects glass blocks from chips, small possible impacts and scratches. Protective film is especially relevant for glass blocks with a matte surface, where every defect will be noticeable.

Craftsmen who do not have sufficient experience often remove the protective film before installation, and thus make a mistake. Experts advise removing it after all the work is completely completed. Otherwise, glass blocks can be easily damaged.

This advice should not be ignored. What can happen with a small scratch? It would seem that there is nothing wrong. However, any scratch in itself is an unpleasant phenomenon, and in addition to this, over time, dirt in the form of tiny particles will accumulate in it and very quickly the glass blocks will lose their “marketable appearance.”

If the glass blocks do not have a protective film (and this happens quite often), you can seal their surface with ordinary tape. This will ensure that nothing unpleasant happens during the installation process.

Cement mortar for laying glass blocks

An ideal solution for laying glass blocks should not contain large grains of sand or foreign impurities.

Again, glass blocks are very easy to scratch when laying, and a solution that contains coarse sand is essentially an analogue of sandpaper.

If during work the solution gets on the front surface of the block, do not scrape it off with tools. There's no point in waiting for it to dry either. Best to wash it off warm water ordinary soft cloth.

Metal rods for laying glass blocks

Professionals advise

Always reinforce glass block construction.

Especially if the structure is supposed to be massive. For example, a wall. The best decision- special metal rods that can be purchased at almost any construction supermarket. The rods must be selected with a cross-section of five millimeters. And they are installed both horizontally and vertically.

Phased construction

Any massive glass block structure should be built in stages. It is recommended to lay no more than three rows per day. Otherwise, if this rule is not followed, the wall may turn out to be uneven, and in some cases, the lower blocks may even crack under the weight of the upper rows.

The fact is that, unlike, for example, brick, glass blocks adhere less well to cement mortar. Therefore, the structure can “move” under its own weight.

Spacer crosses when laying glass blocks

Mounting crosses significantly speed up the laying of glass blocks

and ensure strictly the same distance between the blocks - a wall made of glass blocks will turn out perfectly smooth and neat. They are made of plastic, are inexpensive, and can be purchased at any hardware store.

Seams in glass block construction

Immediately after erecting a structure made of glass blocks (and most likely beforehand), you need to think about seams and joints. Ordinary gray joints made from ordinary cement-sand mortar do not look very attractive; it is best to purchase special grout for joints. The range of grouts for joints today is huge. There is a choice among manufacturers, color scheme and by price.

Grouts are sold in the form of dry mixtures. You just need to add a certain amount of water to the mixture (see instructions on the package) and mix the contents thoroughly.

But it’s even better to lay glass blocks on colored cement. It can be purchased at the same construction supermarkets. Such cement will cost a little more than ordinary cement, but the result is worth it. Or you can simply purchase special pigments that can be used to easily color a regular gray solution.

Wooden modules for glass blocks

Sometimes, in order not to bother with the solution and, in principle, the rather labor-intensive process of laying glass blocks, you can use special modules. They are something like a wooden lattice, each of the cells of which is designed for a glass block.

The process of “constructing” the structure is very simple. You need to insert glass blocks into the cells and secure everything with a gasket. The benefits are obvious - simplicity, convenience, ideal appearance. In addition, such a structure can be moved from place to place if the need arises.

We build and repair ourselves

How to cut a circle from glass
If you need to cut a complex curved shape or circle from a glass blank, you can resort to several proven tactics. But it must be said right away that such work...

2365 Views

If you still associate this material with unpresentable glass squares from the recent past, it’s time to get to know it better. The scope of application of modern glass blocks is almost unlimited, design solutions practical, beautiful and original, and DIY glass block installation can be done even without special construction skills.

Modern glass blocks are a hollow material that is formed from two glass plates 6-9 mm thick, hermetically connected by pressing. They are now produced at automatic lines, which guarantees immutability quality composition glass melt and seam tightness.

Glass block can be:

  • transparent;
  • matte;
  • color;
  • fluted.

According to their light-optical properties they are divided into:

  • translucent,
  • light scattering;
  • light guides.

The thickness of the tiles is 7.5-10 cm, weight is within 4.3 kg. In addition to standard square and rectangular blocks, triangular, corner, round and half-shaped elements are produced. There are also decorative glass blocks. They are presented in a wide range of colors and textures, which allows them to be used in various interior styles.

Glass blocks in the bathroom interior

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES

Like any other material, double-glazed windows have their pros and cons. This, in turn, affects the ability to use them for certain purposes.

Advantages

  • Moisture resistance.
  • Light transmittance.
  • Soundproofing.
  • Fire safety.
  • Frost resistance.
  • Easy to care for.
  • Does not require additional finishing.

Flaws

  • The wall remains intact. It is impossible to drive a nail or screw a screw into it, as well as install an electrical wiring or sewage system inside.
  • Glass blocks are not processed. They cannot be cut to be used. required size. All measurements must be calculated in advance.
  • In a room where the window opening is glazed with glass blocks, it is necessary to additional systems ventilation.

Glass blocks in the interior (hallway)

OPTIONS FOR USING GLASS BLOCKS IN THE INTERIOR

Not so long ago, glass blocks came back into fashion and began to be widely used in interior design. With their help you can bring to life the most daring and original ideas, it is beneficial to play with light. Glass blocks in the interior of an apartment photo are used to create walls, partitions, windows, furniture and much more.

GLASS BLOCK WALL

When remodeling apartments, it is often necessary to remove or move some walls. This helps to plan the space and create a convenient arrangement of rooms. Glass wall– original and interesting solution. Visually it lightens the space. There is only one drawback to this option. The glass block itself looks cold and does not contribute to creating comfort. Therefore, it is often combined with other materials, for example, plasterboard, or multi-colored elements are used. This combination allows you to make the interior more interesting.
This type of decor is especially popular in corridors, lobbies and other darkened rooms, where a wall made of glass block will not only functional element, and also an additional light source. Glass blocks will look gorgeous if the interior of the apartment has the opportunity to lay out a wall that is rounded like in the photo.

Glass blocks in the living room interior (semicircular shape)

PARTITIONS

Partitions of varying complexity, width and height made of glass blocks are often installed in the bathroom. Glass here looks most harmonious, goes well with tiles, is not afraid of moisture, is not affected by fungus and is easy to clean. Frosted glass blocks allow you not only to zone the space and organize the so-called intimate areas, but also to create practical shower cabins the right size and glass block molds. A small partition can advantageously divide the kitchen into working and dining areas, and living room for the bedroom and living room.

WINDOW

Glass block windows

This method of connecting the external and internal space using transparent or frosted glass blocks in the best possible way Suitable for baths and swimming pools. As decorative element make a glass panel in the form of a window. If desired, decorate it light curtains. Glass blocks in this form are laid not only in the bathroom. Original windows can separate the living room or kitchen from the corridor. When glass blocks are used as windows, the openings usually take on the most incredible shapes.

FLOORS

Glass block floors

The strength of the material allows the use of glass blocks with a rough texture as flooring. Backlighting is usually placed under such transparent areas, and the effect is impressive.

You should not lay glass blocks on the floor in a bathroom or hallway, as their surface can become dangerously slippery.

FURNITURE

Glass block furniture

Modern glass “bricks” are convenient and practical material for creating furniture structures. In kitchens, they are used to construct islands or bar counters. In the bathroom you can build a console under the sink, and narrow wall made of glass blocks can smoothly transition into a small functional table. Glass furniture looks impressive and original, but rearranging it will be difficult.

SEPARATE DECOR ELEMENTS

Furniture and decor elements made from glass blocks

When decorating the walls of rooms, glass blocks are often placed point by point. Recessed into the wall, they do not let light through, but reflect it very beautifully. One tile is placed on an approximate area of ​​1 m². The options for using the material are limited only by the designer’s imagination. Decorate with glass tiles kitchen apron, frame door and window openings, mirrors. They are used to make risers for stairs, podiums and even false fireplaces. The shower cabin made of glass blocks looks interesting, photo as proof.

GLASS BLOCKS IN DIFFERENT INTERIOR STYLES

Glass blocks in the LOFT style

When developing the design of a room, it is important to take into account that glass blocks must fit harmoniously into the style of the room and create a single composition with it. Special attention need to pay attention to color and texture building material, choose the right form and method of execution of structures. Transparent or monotonous glass block looks most harmoniously in modern styles, urban, loft or hi-tech. The decorative effect of Baroque or Art Deco can be emphasized by multi-colored tiles as an addition to the main material. Stained glass will fit best into an art nouveau interior; they will also be appropriate in oriental stylizations and modern classic interior. The material is practically not used in interiors designed in country, rustic or retro styles.

INSTALLATION OF GLASS BLOCKS WITH YOUR HANDS

Having mastered the theory, you can safely begin practice. Installation of any glass block element can be done in one of two ways:

  • on the frame;
  • for glue or mortar.

Regardless of the chosen method, before you begin installation, you need to take into account a number of features of working with the material.

  • The floor on which the glass blocks will be laid must be perfectly flat and clean.
  • total area the walls should not exceed 15 m², otherwise the blocks in the lower rows may crack due to their heavy weight.
  • Any wall made of decorative glass block cannot be used as a load-bearing wall.
  • The protective film of frosted glass blocks is removed only after filling the seams.

TECHNOLOGY “ON THE FRAME”

Installation of glass blocks on the frame

This installation technology is quite simple. Sometimes it is called dry. The glass block is fixed to special modular systems. This method allows you to quickly lay out the perfect smooth walls without plumb lines or level. Typically, frames are made of plastic or wood, but aluminum and polyurethane are also found. Each block has its own cell; its size is selected depending on the dimensions of the glass block. The frame is attached to the wall with screws and is also fixed to the floor and ceiling. The blocks are secured in the cells using special rubber gaskets. This installation method does not require special skills, but is used only for creating decorative or interior partitions where good sound insulation is not needed.

STAGED INSTALLATION OF GLASS BLOCKS ON THE FRAME

STAGE 1: CONTROL OF CORNERS ON THE FLOOR, WALL, CEILING

STAGE 2: INSTALLATION OF PLASTIC PROFILES AND SPACERS ON THE LOWER PART OF THE STRUCTURE



STAGE 3: INSTALLATION OF GLASS BLOCKS IN THE PREPARED PLASTIC PROFILE IN THE LOWER PART OF THE STRUCTURE

STAGE 4: INSTALLING THE MIDDLE PART OF PLASTIC PROFILES BETWEEN THE GLASS BLOCKS

STAGE 5: INSTALLING GLASS BLOCKS TO THE VERY TOP OF THE STRUCTURE WITH PLASTIC FRAME PROFILES




STAGE 6: GROUTING THE JOINTS WITH SILICONE PUTTY AND WIPPING THE GLASS BLOCKS WITH A SPONGE



FOR GLUE OR SOLUTION

This technique is more complex, time-consuming and will require certain knowledge. The material is fixed with a special glue for glass blocks. Reinforcement is performed at the installation site. Two rods of of stainless steel parallel to each other. The width between them should be less than the depth of the glass block. Vertical reinforcement is performed in steps equal to the width of the block. For better sealing fixed to the base of the frame insulating tape. The place where the blocks are joined is marked on it using spacer crosses. After laying each row, the structure is strengthened; two reinforcing rods are laid parallel and sunk into the solution.

Laying glass blocks

The solution is applied to the horizontal and vertical walls of the blocks. The evenness of each row is checked with a level. Shift the blocks with light blows of a rubber hammer. When laying a wall with glue, make no more than three rows in height per day. Reinforcement is made only from galvanized or stainless steel, with a diameter of 4-6 mm. Some experts claim that glue for ceramic tiles or solution are also suitable for installing glass blocks. Remains of the adhesive mixture are wiped off with a soft cloth after drying.

If glass blocks are laid in the bathroom, cement is removed between them to a depth of 10 mm, and the dried seams are filled with sealant. Grout is applied on top of it. Jointing is carried out after complete drying, usually on the 10th day.

Any glass block elements cannot be an independent structure; they need stable support on the floor and from the end walls.

If you still associate this material with unpresentable glass squares from the recent past, it’s time to get to know it better. The scope of application of modern glass blocks is almost unlimited, the design solutions are practical, beautiful and original, and the installation of glass blocks with your own hands can be done even without special construction skills.

Features and technical characteristics of glass blocks

Modern glass blocks are a hollow material that is formed from two glass plates 6-9 mm thick, hermetically connected by pressing. Currently, they are produced on automatic lines, which guarantees the constant quality of the glass melt and the tightness of the seam. Glass block can be transparent, matte, colored or corrugated. Based on their light-optical properties, they are divided into translucent, light-scattering and light-directing. The thickness of the tiles is 7.5-10 cm, weight is within 4.3 kg. In addition to standard square and rectangular blocks, triangular, corner, round and half-shaped elements are produced. There are also decorative glass blocks. They are presented in a wide range of colors and textures, which allows them to be used in various interior styles.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other material, double-glazed windows have their pros and cons. This, in turn, affects the ability to use them for certain purposes.
Advantages.
Moisture resistance.
Light transmittance.
Soundproofing.
Fire safety.
Frost resistance.
Easy to care for.
Does not require additional finishing.

Flaws.

The wall remains intact. It is impossible to drive a nail or screw a screw into it, as well as install an electrical wiring or sewage system inside.
Glass blocks are not processed. They cannot be sawed to the required size. All measurements must be calculated in advance.
In a room where the window opening is glazed with glass blocks, it is necessary to install additional ventilation systems.

Glass blocks in the interior (hallway)

Options for using glass blocks in the interior

Not so long ago, glass blocks came back into fashion and began to be widely used in interior design. With their help, you can bring to life the most daring and original ideas, and play with light to your advantage. Glass blocks in the interior of an apartment photo are used to create walls, partitions, windows, furniture and much more.

Glass block wall

When remodeling apartments, it is often necessary to remove or move some walls. This helps to plan the space and create a convenient arrangement of rooms. A glass wall is an original and interesting solution. Visually it lightens the space. There is only one drawback to this option. The glass block itself looks cold and does not contribute to creating comfort. Therefore, it is often combined with other materials, for example, plasterboard, or multi-colored elements are used. This combination allows you to make the interior more interesting.
This type of decor is especially popular in corridors, lobbies and other darkened rooms, where a wall made of glass block will not only be a functional element, but also an additional source of light. Glass blocks will look gorgeous if the interior of the apartment has the opportunity to lay out a wall that is rounded like in the photo.

Partitions

Partitions of varying complexity, width and height made of glass blocks are often installed in the bathroom. Glass here looks most harmonious, goes well with tiles, is not afraid of moisture, is not affected by fungus and is easy to clean. Frosted glass blocks allow you not only to zone the space and organize the so-called intimate areas, but also to create practical shower cabins of the desired size and shape from glass blocks according to the photo. A small partition can advantageously divide the kitchen into working and dining areas, and the living room into a bedroom and living room.

Window

This method of connecting the external and internal spaces through transparent or frosted glass blocks is best suited for baths and swimming pools. A glass panel in the form of a window is used as a decorative element. If desired, it can be decorated with light curtains. Glass blocks in this form are laid not only in the bathroom. Original windows can separate the living room or kitchen from the corridor. When glass blocks are used as windows, the openings usually take on the most incredible shapes.

Floors

The strength of the material allows the use of glass blocks with a rough texture as flooring. Backlighting is usually placed under such transparent areas, and the effect is impressive.

You should not lay glass blocks on the floor in a bathroom or hallway, as their surface can become dangerously slippery.

Furniture

Modern glass “bricks” are a convenient and practical material for creating furniture structures. In kitchens, they are used to construct islands or bar counters. In the bathroom, you can build a console under the sink, and a narrow wall made of glass blocks can smoothly transform into a small functional table. Glass furniture looks impressive and original, but rearranging it will be difficult.

Separate decorative elements

When decorating the walls of rooms, glass blocks are often placed point by point. Recessed into the wall, they do not let light through, but reflect it very beautifully. One tile is placed on an approximate area of ​​1 m2. The options for using the material are limited only by the designer’s imagination. Glass tiles are used to decorate kitchen aprons, frame door and window openings, and mirrors. They are used to make risers for stairs, podiums and even false fireplaces. The shower cabin made of glass blocks looks interesting, photo as proof.

Glass blocks in various interior styles.

When developing the design of a room, it is important to take into account that glass blocks must fit harmoniously into the style of the room and create a single composition with it. Particular attention must be paid to the color and texture of the building material, and the correct shape and method of constructing the structures must be chosen. Transparent or monotonous glass block looks most harmonious in modern styles, urban, loft or hi-tech. The decorative effect of Baroque or Art Deco can be emphasized by multi-colored tiles as an addition to the main material. Stained glass will fit best into an art nouveau interior; they will also be appropriate in oriental stylizations and a modern classic interior. The material is practically not used in interiors designed in country, rustic or retro styles.

Installation of glass blocks

Having mastered the theory, you can safely begin practice. Installation of any glass block element can be done in one of two ways:
on the frame;
for glue or mortar.

Regardless of the chosen method, before you begin installation, you need to take into account a number of features of working with the material.
The floor on which the glass blocks will be laid must be perfectly flat and clean.
The total area of ​​the wall should not exceed 15 m2, otherwise the blocks in the lower rows may crack due to their heavy weight.
Any wall made of decorative glass block cannot be used as a load-bearing wall.
The protective film of frosted glass blocks is removed only after filling the seams.

Technique "On the frame"

This installation technology is quite simple. Sometimes it is called dry. The glass block is fixed to special modular systems. This method allows you to quickly lay out perfectly smooth walls without plumb lines or levels. Typically, frames are made of plastic or wood, but aluminum and polyurethane are also found. Each block has its own cell; its size is selected depending on the dimensions of the glass block. The frame is attached to the wall with screws and is also fixed to the floor and ceiling. The blocks are secured in the cells using special rubber gaskets. This installation method does not require special skills, but is used only for creating decorative or interior partitions where good sound insulation is not needed.

For glue or mortar.

This technique is more complex, time-consuming and will require certain knowledge. The material is fixed with a special glue for glass blocks. Reinforcement is performed at the installation site. Two stainless steel rods are laid parallel to each other on the floor. The width between them should be less than the depth of the glass block. Vertical reinforcement is performed in steps equal to the width of the block. For better sealing, insulating tape is attached to the base of the frame. The place where the blocks are joined is marked on it using spacer crosses. After laying each row, the structure is strengthened; two reinforcing rods are laid parallel and sunk into the solution.

Laying glass blocks

Modern construction and decorative material in the form of glass blocks provides ample opportunities for interior decoration. Using these glass “bricks”, you can realize the most unexpected decisions room decoration. Such designs are very convenient to use - they transmit light perfectly and are characterized by high thermal and sound insulation. To mount a wall or partition from glass blocks, you will need to take into account some features of working with this material.

Many remember fragments of walls and blank windows industrial buildings and public spaces made of glass blocks. Further this material for some time he was undeservedly forgotten. Currently, glass blocks are experiencing a rebirth - using these products of a new format, you can create unexpected and original solutions not only for exterior finishing private houses, but also to create original and unique interiors of various premises.

Glass blocks are products made from two glass plates of thick glass (frosted, transparent, painted in the mass or with a pattern), connected together in a hermetically sealed manner. closed design. The air gap gives this building material excellent sound and thermal insulation characteristics. Glass blocks are made with a smooth or corrugated surface. Depending on the relief, they can be transparent, scattering or directing light. Glass blocks of rectangular and square shape, as well as triangular, angular and even round products, with a thickness of 7.5 to 10 cm, weighing about 2.5-4.3 kg. Standard sizes glass blocks are 19x19x8 or 24x24x12. There are samples of Euro glass blocks on sale, in which the ends are coated with paint - thanks to this, the mortar seams in the masonry do not show through.

This material has a number of advantages, including the following:

  • natural composition;
  • high wear resistance and durability - walls made of glass blocks are resistant to abrasion, mechanical damage, moisture, and temperature changes;
  • thanks to the presence air gap, glass blocks retain heat perfectly and provide excellent sound insulation, approaching the characteristics of brick wall or modern plastic double-glazed windows;
  • a wall made of glass blocks can withstand even a mild earthquake. In addition, glass blocks are not flammable; in the event of a fire, they do not melt or crack for a long time;
  • ease of assembly and ease of use - glass blocks are a unique building material that does not require subsequent finishing in the form of cladding or painting, since they themselves have pronounced decorative properties;
  • moisture resistance, thanks to which glass blocks can be used for construction interior partitions and walls, as well as glazing of windows in rooms in the mode high humidity(in swimming pools, bathrooms, toilets).

Glass blocks effectively dissipate Sun rays, without preventing their penetration into the room, giving the lighting softness and comfort. At the same time, transparent products provide the effect of a panoramic view, and corrugated ones close the room from prying eyes.

Application of glass blocks

Decorative glass blocks in the interior of premises various styles look very impressive. They are convenient to integrate into various surfaces for decorating walls, windows, and partitions.

This material is used in construction for the following purposes:

  • when remodeling housing to erect walls in a new convenient option, since glass blocks allow you to build walls without weighing down the space. Please note that this material cannot be used for the construction load-bearing walls, since such a load may be excessive for a given building material. It is worth considering that a wall made of glass blocks, separating the room from the hall or corridor, allows sunlight and will add light to the room, and embossed glass blocks will protect the room from prying eyes;
  • a partition made of glass blocks with a flat or stepped top can be erected quickly and without special costs labor and time. This design is especially relevant in bathrooms and toilets. Since this material has water-repellent properties, it can be used to create bathing areas. Glass blocks in the bathroom allow for zoning different zones, protecting from prying eyes when swimming and protecting the room from splashing water. Such glass block partitions look very harmonious in a room with high humidity. Showers made from glass blocks are safer to use than their glass counterparts.

How to install glass blocks with your own hands

To install glass blocks with your own hands, you will need to take into account a number of nuances of working with this construction and decorative material. It is important to note that glass blocks can only form a built-in structure, which requires support in the form of a wall or an end post.

There are several methods for laying glass blocks:

  • classic method - using a wooden guide frame or a module made of metal profile, which is attached to the floor, walls and ceiling. Cement mortar is used to secure the masonry; in addition, tile adhesive can be used as an adhesive for glass blocks. Tile adhesive is more viscous and elastic, while it dries quickly and fixes glass blocks efficiently;
  • frame method - conveniently mount glass blocks on a base in the form of a special frame, and they must be fixed using a compact structure. To secure the masonry to the frame, you can use silicone sealant, liquid nails, etc.

The classic method of installing glass blocks

Before installation, the surface to be treated should be cleared of debris, dust and residues. old decoration. Then you need to apply markings to the base base. To determine the size of the wooden module (frame) for fixing the masonry, you need to lay out a row of glass blocks and insert plastic dividers between them. After this, you should measure its length and height and calculate the required dimensions of the frame, which will be installed in place of the future laying of glass blocks. After drilling holes in the frame, it must be attached to wall structure using 50mm dowels and screws. To level the frame module, you can use wood chips placed between the wall and its supporting surface.

After preparing the base surface, you will need to prepare an adhesive mixture. To lay glass blocks, you can use tile adhesive or prepare cement-sand mortar in a ratio of 1:3. In order to increase the plasticity of the mixture, it is recommended to add PVA glue to it (at the rate of 200 g of glue per five buckets of solution). For laying transparent glass blocks, it is preferable to use adhesives white– in this case, the seams of the structure will look more aesthetically pleasing. Please note that you should not cook right away. a large number of adhesive solution, as it tends to harden quickly.

Before installation, it is necessary to check the integrity of the glass blocks, since manufacturers provide a guarantee for this material before starting installation work. The protective film should not be removed from the blocks until work is completed to prevent damage to the glass plates. If such a film is not available, you can use any polyethylene film, securing it to the surface of the blocks using paper tape.

When installing glass blocks, reinforcement should be used by laying rods made of galvanized or stainless steel wire vertically and horizontally in the joints of the masonry - so that they form metal mesh, fixing structure. To do this, reinforcing rods must be secured in the wall structure, fixing them in pre-prepared holes. Metal rods are laid on plastic mounting crosses, and contact with the glass should be avoided. At the end of the work, the crosses remain inside the masonry and are rubbed down.

To lay glass blocks, you can use the following step-by-step instructions:

  • first you will need to install vertical reinforcing rods into the holes on the bottom of the frame;
  • Next, apply an adhesive solution up to 1 cm thick to the horizontal surface of the frame at the bottom;
  • Having laid the mortar on the side surface of the frame to fix the first glass block, you should install the first glass “brick” and fix it by pressing it into the layer of mortar;
  • according to this principle, it is necessary to lay out the bottom row, leveling it with a mallet, and then install mounting crosses between the glass blocks, apply a layer of adhesive mixture on top and install a reinforcing horizontal rod, fixing it in a previously prepared hole;
  • Next, you will need to sequentially lay glass blocks in rows according to the method described above, interspersing them with reinforcing rods.

To avoid subsidence and curvature of the constructed wall, it is recommended to carry out installation gradually - 3-5 rows at a time, leaving time for further drying of the seams for at least 12 hours. After fixing the glass blocks, remove excess adhesive mixture with a sponge.

After installation, you should wait until the structure dries completely - this will take several days. Next, you will need to carefully chop off the parts of the plastic crosses protruding from the masonry, if any. In addition, you should pay attention to the seams - in order for them to look quite aesthetically pleasing, it is necessary to apply a grouting composition of a suitable shade. To seal the seams you will need to use silicone sealant.

After completing the above work, you should thoroughly wipe the glass blocks with a clean cloth. Leftovers if necessary glue mixture can be removed from the glass surface using an anti-scale agent or solution of hydrochloric acid– in this case, you will need to make sure that this liquid does not penetrate the seams.

To install round-shaped structures made of glass blocks, the same classical installation method is used. The only difference is that with arched installation it is necessary to bend the horizontal reinforcement, giving it the desired shape in order to obtain a rounded wall. In this case, mounting crosses for adjusting the thickness of laying seams should only be used with inside designs. To lay the rounded part of the wall, it is recommended to use halves of glass blocks, since in this case a thicker layer will be used. reinforcement mesh, strengthening the structure. In addition, by using smaller "bricks" it is easy to minimize the discrepancy between the external and internal seams, as a result, such a wall will look more neat.

Frame method of installing glass blocks

To install glass blocks, you can use an easy-to-implement, but more expensive method of laying without cement mortar. This design is lighter and looks more aesthetically pleasing compared to classical method installation

To do this you will need to use a specially made frame system in the form of a metal module or a wooden one (made from dry sanded boards) - with cells of a suitable size into which glass blocks are inserted. In this case, it is necessary that the cell size matches the size of the glass blocks with an accuracy of 2 mm. This design will need to be painted suitable color and securely attach it to the walls, floor and ceiling - for this you should use dowels or anchors. It is important to carefully align this module vertically and horizontally.

Next, you will need to place glass blocks into the cells of the prepared frame and fix them at the joints using silicone sealant, resembling colorless rubber after hardening. It will take up to 10 hours for the joints to dry, after which frame construction will be ready for use.

Application of glass blocks - photo

Installation of glass blocks - video

Almost all commercially available glass blocks are coated. This film is necessary to protect the front surface of glass blocks in order to prevent possible damage during transportation and installation. Protective film is especially relevant for frosted glass blocks, on the surface of which any scratch or chip will be noticeable.

Sometimes, inexperienced craftsmen or home craftsmen who expect to lay the blocks on their own remove the protective film during installation. Under no circumstances should this be done, since it is during operation that glass blocks are most often damaged. Usually these are small scratches, but over time, even the smallest of them will become clogged with dirt and ruin all the beauty for which everything was started.

It happens that glass blocks are not initially covered with this protective film. In this case, experienced experts advise simply covering front part glass blocks with regular tape.

Solution for laying glass blocks

As mentioned above, glass blocks are laid on a cement-sand mortar. But it is better that this solution corresponds to the most high standards. It must be taken into account that glass does not adhere well to cement, and if the cement is of poor quality, then the entire structure may simply crumble over time under its own weight. IN best case scenario, a wall made of glass blocks will “go.”

Besides quality cement, you need to take care of the best filler from those available. Ideally this should be river sand, which does not contain foreign impurities. Moreover, sand that does not contain large grains of sand - again, there will be a higher risk of scratching the surface of the glass blocks, because sand in this case is like sandpaper.

Metal rods to strengthen the structure

Professionals advise using additional fasteners to make the glass block structure truly durable and monolithic. Especially if the wall is supposed to be quite massive.

To do this, metal rods are used, which must be placed in the seams between the blocks - vertically and horizontally. Rods can be bought at a construction supermarket. Their cross section should be approximately five millimeters.

Laying glass blocks in stages

Since glass adheres relatively poorly to cement, it is better to lay glass blocks in layers in stages. In this case, there is no risk that the still “raw” structure will bend under its own weight and end up uneven. And sometimes, if you rush and don’t give the cement a little more time to harden, the lower glass blocks may even crack...

You can speed up and facilitate the installation of glass blocks using special plastic crosses. They are used in the same way as when laying ceramic tiles - they are inserted between individual blocks. This makes it easy to control the evenness and neatness of the masonry. In addition, the seams in the structure are guaranteed to be the same size.

Spacer cross for laying glass blocks

Final processing of joints

After the work is completed, the joints between the blocks are filled with special grouts. This is necessary because ordinary gray cement in joints does not look very presentable. Grout for joints is sold in the form of a dry mixture, and they are used according to the “just add water” principle. True, there is another option - to use colored cement right away. This way there will be less extra work.