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Installation Tips
Installation tips can always be tricky to understand. Here at Quality Glass Block, we understand that and are always here to help assist. Matter of fact, we have a whole Resource page that is dedicated to our customers that may need the additional information of installation at their fingertips! Which we will get into the details on how to use the filter a bit later in this article.
When it comes to installation of glass blocks there is basically two types of ways to do it. You have your Mortar Installation and your Mortarless Installation, also known as your Silicone System. The two are not only very different from one another but both work just as well as one another if done properly. This is where we dive in deeper with you on our different installation systems and how they work, with what blocks, how do you choose to do which one, etc. This will be a bit more detailed information to help you decide which is best for you and your space.
Mortar Installation
With the Mortar Installation, you can never go wrong. It has been used for years and years and as long as it is done correctly it can also last for years to come. I do however make sure that the customer has worked with mortar before, before pressing on with purchasing it or going the mortar installation route. Just because, it can be a bit tedious and messy depending on who you are or your contractor is.
First, you will need to determine what the width and height of what you are trying to accomplish is. Then what block you plan to use in that space. Typically for the traditional mortar application you would use 3″ or 4″ glass block. Please take note the stipulation on sizing in the Mortar Guide. These must be followed to help spare you of possible hardships that could happen in the future with your glass block.
In this guide, the information that is provided to the customer covers a range of different things. From two types of systems, Mortar 1 or Mortar 2 System. Basically it breaks it all up between using 3″ or 4″ blocks and what specs you need to keep in in order to make the job ethical.
What comes with the Mortar Installation?
The Mortar Accessories that would be offered for the the 3″ and 4″ thick glass block are:
- 4″ Mortar Spacers and Universal Spacers Bags (24 per bag)
- 16″ S.S. Panel Anchors
- Expansion Strips
- 36″, 48″, 84″, and 120″ S.S. Panel Reinforcements
- 50lb Bags of White Mortar Mix
Clearly these accessories are all optional for the consumer to purchase through us over the phone or through our website. We always highly recommend using them for installation. The best suggestion we can give you when accessories are involved, is to call us. We will be able to tell you exactly what you will need, even if you don’t think you will need something.
Mortarless Installation
Our Mortarless Installation is more of a well rounded installation system using more accessories yes, but also breaking it down a bit more for those who are into any DYI projects. However, each mortarless system for different series or glass block lines are different and you must pay attention to that before you purchase. I can not stress how important it is to make sure you choose the correct items to make sure your installation process goes smoothly for you.
What comes with the Mortarless Installation?
Our Mortarless Accessories come with many different components but the rule of thumb here is to stick to what you need for your specific glass block choice:
- Clear Silicone
- 40″ Horizontal Spacers
- 10 Pack of Vertical Spacers
- 5 Pack of Universal Wall Anchors
- 48″ Channels
- 4 Pack All Bend Spacers
- 5 Pack Rounded Corner Spacers
- Allbend Horizontals
- Rounded Corner Horizontals
- Allbend to Block Spacers
- Allbend to Allbend Spacers
- Block to Corner Spacers
- 72″ Horizontal Spacer
- 96″ Channel
Solid Glass Brick Mortarless Installation:
This system is on it’s own when it comes to comparing the accessories above to what I am about to put below. The installation system for Vetropieno Glass Brick is for just those and can not be used with other glass blocks. See the list of items below on what you can get with this installation system:
- Interlocking Module
- Interlocking Module Left Corner
- Interlocking Module Right Corner
- Layout Module
- Layout Module Left Corner
- Layout Module Right Corner
More Links…
Clearly, not all the above go in each glass block line, which is why I made it a bit more easier for you below. You can just simply click the link you want to check out and the accessories for the glass block line will pop up for the mortarless application.
3″ Thinline Glass Block / Basic Line 1919/8 Glass Block
4″ Premiere Glass Block
Design Line – Pegasus / Q19 Glass Block
MyMiniGlass Glass Block
Design Line / Doric Glass Block
Solid Glass Brick / Vetropieno (Not for the Vetropieno Americano)
With all the above options and links, installation of glass blocks can still be overwhelming. That is where our team comes in. If you don’t know where to start, homeowner or contractor, just give us a call. All of us have been in the glass block business for a number of years that if one can’t answer your questions the other most likely can.
For more information in regards to our Mortar or Mortarless Installation please contact our team today. We would be more than happy to assist you with figuring out what you need with whatever block type that you choose.
Give us a follow!