Modern building materials have various advantages. However, there are such products that do not lose their importance over time. For example, glass blocks for partitions continue to remain in demand, as they are very beautiful and have a lot of other advantages. You can learn about this and other features of the presented material from this article.
What is a product?
Glass blocks for partitions are special elements of different shapes and colors made from natural raw materials. They have excellent technical characteristics that allow you to build walls from them or create other elements of the interior. They are made from industrial glass blocks, which most often have a green tint. Naturally, the color may be different. In addition, you have the opportunity to purchase transparent elements.
You can also choose different block sizes. The functions of this material may also be different. For example, they can transmit light, scatter or direct it. Modern glass blocks for partitions can have a decorative pattern, have some texture or pattern. Now consider all the advantages of the material.
Block Benefits
Naturally, the presented products have certain advantages. Among them are the following:
- Reliability and durability. It will be difficult to break such a partition.
- The ability to transmit light.
- Resistance to moisture, temperature extremes, decay, damage by insects, fire. And also glass blocks for partitions are inert to chemicals, so you can wash them by any means.
- Inability to penetrate dust into the unit.
- Beautiful design. At the same time, the blocks fit into any interior and do not require additional decoration.
- A wide selection of shapes and sizes.
- Possibility of different combinations of blocks.
- Excellent noise absorption, as well as good heat and sound insulation qualities.
- Ecological cleanliness.
Material flaws
Glass blocks, the price of which is acceptable even for a person with an average income, have some disadvantages:
1. You cannot hammer nails in them to hang something. Although this fastener can be replaced with conventional suction cups.
2. If you intend to use the presented material as windows, then note that there will be no air circulation in this case.
3. You will not be able to cut glass blocks, the price of which ranges from 2 to 13 dollars per piece or more.
4. Inside such walls you will not be able to lay wiring or other communications.
Naturally, for the construction of partitions, these shortcomings are not so important. Yes, and much more benefits.
Where does the material presented apply?
Glass blocks, the sizes of which can be different, are used everywhere. Moreover, they can be laid both in private homes and in industrial buildings. For example, you have the opportunity to use such products in garages or utility rooms for window decoration. They will let in enough light. However, in this case, care should be taken about additional ventilation of the room.
Often such blocks are used for the construction of partitions in apartments. For example, a similar wall in the bathroom would be a great solution. It will not only help to make your apartment original, but will divide the room into zones. In addition, in the bathroom, such a partition will hide you perfectly when taking a shower or performing other hygiene procedures.
With these walls you can divide a large room into several small parts, separate yourself the space needed for work. In this case, no one will bother you. In principle, the scope of such materials is quite extensive.
Material Specifications
Among the features that manufacturers declare, the following can be distinguished:
1. Fire safety.
2. A wide range of temperatures at which you can apply this material (from -40 to +50 degrees and above).
3. Weight: from 2.5 to 4.3 kg.
4. Dimensions: usually 19x19x8 cm and 24x24x8 cm. But there are other options.
5. Heat transfer resistance: 0.43 m 2 x ° C / W.
Glass blocks, the sizes of which allow you to build a partition of any size, are a wonderful decorative material that does not lose popularity.
Features of the material and its use
You can use such a product not only for the construction of partitions, but also for the design of ceilings, columns and other parts of the room. You can also build a winter garden, a greenhouse or other utility rooms from the blocks, which require a large amount of light and energy conservation.
Glass bricks can be used for the construction of load-bearing structures. The seams of the masonry can be reinforced. But this should be done only if the blocks are only fragments of the wall.
Decorative glass blocks are produced both here and abroad. Naturally, their cost is different. The shape of the products can be angular or end. In addition, glass columns are sold on the modern market.
Decorative glass blocks not only decorate the room. They contribute to the conservation of energy in the building. The fact is that inside each element there is a vacuum space.
How to choose the right material?
Glass blocks in the apartment is an excellent decorative solution that will make your home beautiful and original. However, to achieve such an effect, the presented material should be selected correctly. There is a list of criteria that will help you decide:
- The size and shape of the elements. It all depends on what exactly you want to mount.
- Appearance. Here, too, everything depends on the decorative solution. That is, the blocks can have a different color and texture. The main thing is that the constructed structure fits into the overall interior.
- The cost of the material. This factor is crucial in some cases. However, you should not always choose the cheapest option.
- Quality. Here it is already necessary to pay attention to the manufacturer. It should have good user reviews. In addition, the blocks must have accompanying documents in which all their characteristics are indicated. You should not buy items in those stores that refuse to show you a certificate of quality.
What methods of laying elements exist?
Before you begin the installation of glass blocks, you must select the method of connecting products. There are several of them:
1. Using glue. This method is quite difficult and takes a lot of time. In addition, for masonry you will need special glue, which should also be able to use. In this case, the installation of glass blocks is carried out in the same way as the laying of bricks. Vertical seams are then embroidered.
2. Using a solution. It is already necessary to use water. This method is associated with various inconveniences: you need to use crosses to fix the distances between the elements, maximum accuracy is required during operation. In addition, in this case, reinforcing rods must be used to strengthen the structure. Especially if the wall has a semicircular shape.
3. Without solution. This method is the simplest, fastest and most accurate. In this case, the installation of glass blocks is carried out using special frame modular systems that are made of wood or plastic. This method allows you to swap elements if necessary.
What tools and materials are needed to work?
Since today the first two methods of masonry are used very often, we will consider just them. To work in this case, you will need the following:
- Glass blocks.
- Building level and plumb.
- Putty knife.
- Metal profiles.
- Glue or cement mortar.
- Capacity for the preparation of the fixing mixture.
- Electric drill with a special nozzle for stirring glue or mortar.
- Wet sponge.
These tools are quite enough, even if you have never done such a thing. Stacking of glass blocks can be done independently. However, if you are not confident in your abilities - you better not take it.
Styling technology
A very important part of your apartment is the bathroom. Glass blocks will help make it more original and functional, since they can be used to divide a room into zones. You can lay it yourself. The whole process is as follows:
1. Site preparation. It should be cleaned of dust and debris. It is also required to measure glass blocks and draw a diagram of their placement. To do this, use roulette. Next, work according to the intended scheme, which will help you perform all the actions correctly and consistently.
2. Do not remove the protective film from the elements in advance. This is done only after installation.
3. Now prepare the solution or glue. Next, make a mortar pad. On it you will lay the first layer of blocks. To make it come out straight, pull a horizontal cord (be guided by level).
4. Start the first row from the corner. In order for the seams to be even, use special crosses. Excess solution should be removed immediately. Vertical joints should also be tightly filled with the mixture.
5. The masonry must be strengthened with steel reinforcement, which is pre-painted at the factory. It has a thickness of at least 8 mm. It should be laid in horizontal seams. For each row, 1 or 2 rods are used. At the same time, the reinforcement should go into the walls at least 2 cm. This will strengthen the glass partition.
6. When the rows are stacked, remove the crosses. You need to grout the seams while the solution is still wet. To do this, use a grout for tiles. Note that the solution should not get on the front of the glass. If this still happened, try to wash it off with water as soon as possible with a soft cloth.
7. Note that since the glass does not adhere well to cement, do not stack more than three rows of blocks at a time.
During robots, some rules should be considered. For example, try to knead a solution that will not contain large grains of sand. The partition must be fixed with other materials: wood, plastic, metal or the wall into which it is built.
How to replace a crashed item?
Glass blocks "Wave" - ââa very beautiful decorative solution not only for bathrooms, but also for other rooms. However, it happens that for some reason one or more elements get damaged or even broken. Naturally, they should be replaced. To do this, you need to make some manipulations:
1. Eliminate the block. To do this, make thin holes in the solution that secures it. Please note that you must not damage the fittings.
2. Clean the hole of any remaining cement and dust.
3. Install a new item. To do this, apply a small layer of mortar to the bottom of the hole and carefully place the block there. Next, carefully drive the mixture into the vertical seams and on top of the element. The solution must be rammed into the side holes gradually with a wooden block. Next, align and grind the new seam so that it does not differ from the rest. After that, let it dry well. The excess solution is best removed immediately with a damp cloth.
That's all the features of using glass blocks. Good luck