Glass Block Windows
No other type of window can change the look of a room, or a home, quite the way glass block windows can. Glass block is an attractive and appealing material that has been used in building homes, offices, and other structures for a very long time. It can be used for many different purposes and to create so many different looks. From fun and whimsical to refined and elegant, glass block windows definitely have a style all their own. And the popularity of glass block windows has grown exponentially in the past few decades, especially with more contemporary styles of architecture. What are glass block windows, and why have they become such a favorite in window replacement?
History
As far as recorded history shows, the production of glass goes way back to the Egyptians. Back then, glass was very expensive to produce and was often used in jewelry for the wealthy. Glass block windows first came on the scene in the late 1800s. They were used mostly in manufacturing plants in order to allow more sunlight to get in while still creating a secure working environment. Glass block windows were popular because they provided security as well as privacy. Additionally, glass block is a very durable material, which made them a favorite for use in factories. In the twentieth century, homeowners began installing glass block in their homes for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to their unique look and privacy features.
Glass block windows are hollow windows that are typically produced in units measuring 8 inches by 8 inches. Although they are hollow, they are heavy, which makes them an excellent choice for building. Today's glass block windows often are made of an acrylic that makes these blocks less heavy than regular glass block. Glass block is also extremely sturdy, strong, and versatile.
Advantages
Glass block windows offer many advantages over other windows. One of the greatest advantage of installing glass block windows is that they allow in natural sunlight while still offering some privacy. Additionally, because glass block is an extremely sturdy and resistant material, windows made from it provide better prevention of vandalism and home invasions. In fact, security has been named one of the biggest reasons homeowners choose glass block windows over other types. Furthermore, glass block is a non-porous material, which glass block windows a favorite choice over other materials.
Disadvantages
There are, however, a few disadvantages to using glass block. Because glass block condenses moisture in the air, the use of glass block windows in areas that tend to gather humidity is not one of their best uses. When the moisture condenses in glass block, it can roll down and collect on the window's frame. This creates mold if the glass block windows are installed in areas such as bathrooms. The water that can collect in this type of window can cause damage to window frames, especially wood frames where rot can occur.
Another disadvantage of installing glass block windows is that they can block an escape route in an emergency. Because glass block windows cannot be opened and are very difficult to break, they should only be installed in rooms that have an alternate escape route.
An additional disadvantage of glass block windows is that they can give residents a false sense of privacy. While it is true that glass block windows typically are used because they allow in light while blocking some vision from the outside, they can also give people the feeling that they have more privacy than they actually do. Especially if used at night when light can shine from inside and illuminate the indoors, homeowners should always be sure to add window treatments to glass block windows.
Glass block windows have become one of the most popular type of window available today. They are one of the most sturdy and versatile type of window there is, and their unique window design can be used in nearly any style of home. Glass block windows can offer an uncommon means of allowing in natural sunlight, while adding to the decor of a house. Whether they are used on the interior or exterior, glass block windows can offer privacy, security, and distinctive style for your home; to learn more about glass block windows contact a window contractor in Howard County, a good window contractor will be able to answer all of your questions as well as give you more of the pros and cons of choosing glass block windows
History
As far as recorded history shows, the production of glass goes way back to the Egyptians. Back then, glass was very expensive to produce and was often used in jewelry for the wealthy. Glass block windows first came on the scene in the late 1800s. They were used mostly in manufacturing plants in order to allow more sunlight to get in while still creating a secure working environment. Glass block windows were popular because they provided security as well as privacy. Additionally, glass block is a very durable material, which made them a favorite for use in factories. In the twentieth century, homeowners began installing glass block in their homes for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to their unique look and privacy features.
Glass block windows are hollow windows that are typically produced in units measuring 8 inches by 8 inches. Although they are hollow, they are heavy, which makes them an excellent choice for building. Today's glass block windows often are made of an acrylic that makes these blocks less heavy than regular glass block. Glass block is also extremely sturdy, strong, and versatile.
Advantages
Glass block windows offer many advantages over other windows. One of the greatest advantage of installing glass block windows is that they allow in natural sunlight while still offering some privacy. Additionally, because glass block is an extremely sturdy and resistant material, windows made from it provide better prevention of vandalism and home invasions. In fact, security has been named one of the biggest reasons homeowners choose glass block windows over other types. Furthermore, glass block is a non-porous material, which glass block windows a favorite choice over other materials.
Disadvantages
There are, however, a few disadvantages to using glass block. Because glass block condenses moisture in the air, the use of glass block windows in areas that tend to gather humidity is not one of their best uses. When the moisture condenses in glass block, it can roll down and collect on the window's frame. This creates mold if the glass block windows are installed in areas such as bathrooms. The water that can collect in this type of window can cause damage to window frames, especially wood frames where rot can occur.
Another disadvantage of installing glass block windows is that they can block an escape route in an emergency. Because glass block windows cannot be opened and are very difficult to break, they should only be installed in rooms that have an alternate escape route.
An additional disadvantage of glass block windows is that they can give residents a false sense of privacy. While it is true that glass block windows typically are used because they allow in light while blocking some vision from the outside, they can also give people the feeling that they have more privacy than they actually do. Especially if used at night when light can shine from inside and illuminate the indoors, homeowners should always be sure to add window treatments to glass block windows.
Glass block windows have become one of the most popular type of window available today. They are one of the most sturdy and versatile type of window there is, and their unique window design can be used in nearly any style of home. Glass block windows can offer an uncommon means of allowing in natural sunlight, while adding to the decor of a house. Whether they are used on the interior or exterior, glass block windows can offer privacy, security, and distinctive style for your home; to learn more about glass block windows contact a window contractor in Howard County, a good window contractor will be able to answer all of your questions as well as give you more of the pros and cons of choosing glass block windows