Get matched with top glass block installation pros in Cascade, ID

Although glass block windows are made of multiple layers of thick glass, they can still break. If an individual block shatters, it can be removed and replaced, but this is a job for a window repair professional. The project is often complex and may require breaking the block further for removal. Do not attempt to handle it yourself, as the broken glass can be dangerously sharp. A professional will have the necessary tools and expertise to replace the broken glass block quickly and safely. Before hiring, confirm that the repair pro has experience with this specific type of window.

Glass block installation can be relatively expensive due to the range of material costs and the labor time to assemble this type of specialty window. The process proceeds slowly as the glass does not absorb moisture from mortar and silicone caulk takes longer to harden, leaving spacers to hold up the structure until the caulk or mortar begins to cure. Plus, if your current windows have structural issues or damage, you’ll need to repair them before beginning the project, increasing your bottom line. 

Glass block windows come in various patterns and styles that offer privacy and unique aesthetics. Frosted or textured glass diffuses light and enhances privacy. Wave-pattern glass blocks imitate ocean waves with flowing lines. Ice-glass blocks resemble cracked ice. Fluted glass blocks feature parallel vertical grooves, adding texture and depth. Clear glass blocks, similar to glass Coke bottles, offer transparency with some distortion and may have smooth surfaces or subtle textures, adding visual interest.

Luckily, glass block windows need minimal maintenance. Other than regular cleaning, the only maintenance involved in having a glass block window is inspecting for cracks every year and applying sealer to the mortar joints if the blocks are set in masonry mortar. Glass block windows hold up well against wind and moisture better than traditional windows and are not prone to rot.