Provision of family housing is one of the most important indicators of living standards. However, it does not reflect the quality of housing conditions that many want to improve. Trying to fix the problem, some owners carry out major repairs in their home, during which they raise questions about moving walls, dividing a single space in a large room into several functional zones. At the same time, it is necessary to solve a number of problems related to both the coordination of documentation and the choice of material for installing new fences. They can be built of brick, foam block, drywall, use glass blocks for partitions. At the last of the listed building materials we dwell in more detail.
Glass blocks appeared on the construction market not so long ago. The first prototypes were made by the American company Luxfer Prism Company, founded in 1886 by James Pennikwick. However, the invention patented in 1885 differs significantly from the brick blocks that have been used in construction since the 30s of the 20th century. The product was a metal grid filled with square glass tiles.
Building materials were used in different countries, and the peak of growth in its popularity occurred in the 60s - 70s of the twentieth century. Initially, the blocks were used to illuminate the basement, but over time they began to be installed in many institutions. Those who found the Soviet era remember the decoration of schools and kindergartens, swimming pools, stairwells made using this raw material.
Glass block is a building material, which is obtained by connecting two pressed glass plates. Thanks to the qualitative and aesthetic improvements of this product, a significant increase in the assortment, architects and designers began to use it not only for the exterior decoration of buildings, but also in the arrangement of the interior. Partitions are erected from them, inserts are made into the walls.
The main feature of building material is not in its decorative qualities, but in the ability to save energy. Another important feature inherent in the product is the light transmittance. Products can transmit light, scatter, direct it, while completely hiding everything that is behind them.Some grades are comparable in strength to brick, and even to stone.
The construction erected from glass blocks is characterized by tightness, it creates good thermal insulation, noise insulation, light transmission, provides protection from the cold. This allows you to make living conditions more comfortable, which is relevant for both large cities and cottage villages.
Advantages and disadvantages
The glass block can be called a kind of hollow brick, which, unlike the original, is made not of clay, quartz sand or screenings of calcareous rocks, but of glass. The material is widely used in construction, which is due to a number of useful properties inherent in the finished product. Among the main advantages of the products in question, the following aspects can be distinguished:
Strength. Building material is almost impossible to break. It withstands mechanical stress, including shock and compression.
Durability. The service life is at least 15 years. At the same time, products are not afraid of direct sunlight, even painted variants under the influence of ultraviolet radiation will not lose their original appearance.
Range. Manufacturers produce a wide variety of blocks, which differ in shape, size, surface texture, have a wide color gamut. This allows you to realize any design ideas, both when creating the exterior, and when organizing the interior.
Scope of application. Glass blocks are used in enterprises of the chemical and food industries, in medical institutions, in laboratories, in the construction of private houses, public buildings, and in other areas.
Easy care. Ready-made designs are easy to maintain. Glass does not absorb dirt, is inert to chemicals. Contamination is easy to clean from the surface. Dust in the internal cavity is excluded.
Light transmission. Glass elements transmit light well into the room.
Simple assembly and disassembly. It is possible to erect a partition from glass blocks with minimal building skills, and to replace a damaged element you will not need to disassemble the masonry completely.
Soundproofing. Glass blocks have good soundproofing characteristics, which allows them to be used in load-bearing walls.
Moisture resistance. Glass is not afraid of moisture, it does not absorb water, it is not afraid of condensation, so the material is used in the construction of partitions for bathrooms.
Fire resistance. Products are non-combustible. Able to withstand exposure to open flames for an hour.
Heat resistance and frost resistance. The units withstand extremes of up to 40 ° C and a temperature range of -40 to + 500 ° C.
Thermal insulation and energy saving. They retain heat well indoors, which saves on heating. In the heat, hot air is not allowed inside, keeping the room cool.
Environmental friendliness. By production, natural components are used that ensure the ecological purity of the product.
Of the minuses of glass blocks can be noted:
Complex processing. The block is hard to cut into pieces. It is almost impossible to make a hole in it; under pressure it can burst.
A lot of weight. Partitions assembled from these bricks significantly complicate the entire building structure as a whole.
Breathability. Material does not pass air. This must be taken into account in the case of arranging a window opening, to consider the way of ventilation.
Price policy. Finished products are expensive compared to other building materials used for construction and decoration.
Material characteristics
Glass blocks can be classified according to several parameters. First of all, attention should be paid to the country in which the products are manufactured. In the construction market you can find German, Italian, Czech, Polish, Russian, Chinese products.All of them have the same design, their sizes are the same. The difference is only in quality and price. In addition, all blocks differ from each other in the following ways:
shape and dimensions;
glass thickness;
texture, color and content;
strength and resistance to stress;
optical characteristics;
scope of application.
The main dimensions, shapes and structure of the block
To understand the structure of the glass block, just look at its definition. It follows from this that a block is a product obtained by connecting two pressed glass plates between which a hermetically sealed cavity is formed. According to GOST 9272-81, clause 2.4, the thickness of the front walls should be more than 8 mm. Here, in paragraph 1.1 in table 1, the standard dimensions and weight of the finished product are indicated.
According to the above GOST, glass blocks can have a square and rectangular shape. The size of the first should be (length, width, thickness, in mm) 194x194x98, 244x244x75 and 244x244x98 with a mass of 2.8, 3.8 and 4.3 kg, respectively. The second - 294x194x98 mm weighing 4.2 kg. When agreed with the consumer, it is allowed to reduce the length and width by 10 mm in the smaller direction.
Manufacturers offer a wide range of finished products, which may have non-standard dimensions. It all depends on the form. The smallest products have indicators of 115x115x80 and 60x146x80 mm, and the largest 300x300x100 mm. Triangular models are available in only one size 172x172x236x80 mm. But the most important thing is that all countries that produce designs adhere to common standards.
The standard type of products is a square and a rectangle. There are also more refined models in the form of a triangle, rectangle, circle, hexagon, L-shaped, with rounded side faces. There are also exclusive options that are made according to individual sketches to order, special matrices provided by the manufacturer of figured glass blocks are used for their installation.
Color variety and matting
All glass blocks can be divided into transparent and colored.Turning to GOST 9272-81, we can understand that products can be painted and unpainted. The first of those listed in accordance with clause 2.1 may have a yellowish, bluish, greenish tint, which do not reduce the transmittance. Section 2.3 states that color and embossed patterns should be consistent with reference standards.
Colorless and color models can be distinguished by the color palette. In addition to the standard colors in green, yellow, red, blue, on sale you can find bricks that have a huge range of shades. Staining is done in two ways. The highest quality products that are not afraid of temperature extremes, sunlight, are obtained by adding dyes to the glass mass before molding.
Glass blocks, which were made of transparent glass, painted in the vacuum part (inside), are used exclusively inside heated rooms. Under the influence of ultraviolet light or as a result of a sharp change in temperature, the paint begins to crack, fade, burn out. When choosing a specific model, it is worth considering the fact that multi-colored blocks transmit light worse.
Matte constructions have a light transmission coefficient of 30-50%. Due to the scattering effect, they create a greater degree of security, therefore they are used in rooms with undesirable access of light from outside. Semi-matt options are blocks in which one side is matte and the other is normal. A partition of such bricks visually appears illuminated from the inside.
Special purpose
Depending on the scope of application, all glass blocks can be divided into industrial, interior and decorative models. The first are characterized by increased strength, water resistance, fire resistance. This is the cheapest type of glass brick. They are used in production shops, public institutions and institutions, in the organization of stairwells, for other purposes.
Interior blocks are used for decoration of residential and office premises, although they can be used in the exterior. This is the most popular material, maintaining a balance between price and quality. Glass blocks are characterized by a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures. Partitions, windows, floors are built from them, inserts are made into walls, and even furniture, for example, is laid out on a bar counter.
Decorative models contain various patterns and drawings. Shells, pebbles, toys, dummies of fruits, mock-ups of ships, etc., can serve as objects placed inside. This is the most expensive view. Most often they are used as an addition to conventional glass blocks. To decorate the space, emphasize a certain design, just a few bricks.
What styles are appropriate to use
Excellent properties of glass blocks, a huge color variety, makes it possible to realize the most daring design ideas. Using the material, you can create interesting compositions that complement the interior, designed in a modern style, such as high-tech, urbanism, pop art, constructivism, loft, modern. Stained glass models, which will also be appropriate in oriental stylizations, are ideal for the Art Nouveau trend.
In classical directions, it is better to refuse glass bricks. Classics do not tolerate such a combination, this applies to Baroque, Renaissance, Empire, and others. Also, the material will not look appropriate in interiors decorated in a rustic and natural style, for example, eco, country, Provence, chalet, rustic. If there is no professional knowledge, it is better not to take risks and turn to experienced designers.
Use of glass blocks in the interior of rooms
Excellent soundproofing material is often used as decoration and decoration. With their help, you can beat any corner of the room, mask the flaws of the layout and emphasize the merits.Glass blocks of any type and design have excellent heat-saving properties and are resistant to moisture. Translucent cubes are suitable for creating partitions, original racks, window openings. When choosing suitable elements, the purpose of the room, its design and dimensions should be taken into account.
In the kitchen
Often glass blocks in the kitchen are used to separate the space. A beautiful matte partition in the color of decoration will be a good solution for separating the dining room and the cooking area. The practical design of the same squares is easy to clean, does not absorb odors and maintains an attractive appearance for a long time.
When choosing such partitions in the kitchen, it should be understood that they can perform an exclusively decorative function. It will not be possible to load them with decor, furniture, or mount heavy structures to them.
In the living room
With the help of practical modern material, you can create an excellent decor that will become a real work of art. Glass squares are installed along one of the walls of the living room, around the perimeter of the windows, next to the interior partition. The multi-colored blocks laid out according to the planned scheme will become the highlight of the interior.
The partition in the form of translucent bricks of different textures will look beautiful in the hall or hallway. Iridescent details will create an atmosphere of comfort, provide good sound insulation. Even colored elements can be installed by the window, since glass blocks let in 90% of the sun's rays and will not obscure the space.
In the bedroom
Translucent partitions in the rest room will create an atmosphere of relaxation and relaxation. You can achieve the best effect by using warm colors during design, the correct geometric shape, special lighting. In large rooms, glass blocks can be a great zoning solution. They are used to separate the area of sleep and reading, fencing a stylish wardrobe.
By installing a partition of colored squares near the window in the bedroom, you can get soft diffused lighting, to suppress unnecessary noise from the street. In such a room it will be nice to be at any time of the day.
In the nursery
A wide range of textures allows the use of glass blocks in the child's room. For the arrangement of premises, multi-colored squares and rectangles are chosen. You can choose products with unusual effects, creating the feeling of a fairy tale.
Originally, a colorful panel with sealed cartoon characters inside each element will look in the nursery. Low structures made of blocks are used to separate the space, fencing off the recreation area from the game room, and lamps are installed nearby.
In the bathroom and toilet
When designing a bathroom or a cabin with glass blocks, they can be used in several versions. Design methods can be combined or applied to any specific. For dark walls, finishing with squares with transparency is an urgent solution. So you can reduce energy costs, effectively divide the bathroom.
If you replace one of the walls or part of it with a glass block decor, you can visually expand the space. Due to the penetration of light from neighboring rooms, lighting will significantly improve. In small rooms it is better to use the same texture and color details.
The installation of partitions of glass blocks in the apartment is an ideal solution for a bathroom and toilet, shower. Translucent details do not narrow the space, they cope well with their functional task. They can be used both in the adjacent and in the separate bathroom. Blocks are collected in continuous rows or combined with drywall, brick, wood.
In the bath and sauna
Decoration of such premises with glass block partitions will make them original and unique. In this case, all the defining functions of the bathhouse or sauna will be observed in accordance with generally accepted standards.The main useful characteristics of the block finish include water resistance, resistance to temperature extremes, excellent thermal insulation.
Often, glass blocks are used as partitions, delimiting the areas of the shower and sauna. Decorating the walls with such elements will also be an excellent solution, since they take up much less space than other options from other materials.
DIY technology and styling methods
There are several ways to mount glass blocks. Choose the appropriate option based on the size of the partition itself. It should be understood that the elements cannot be trimmed, so before buying materials you need to study the products of several manufacturers. For decorative blocks with a pattern, you will first need to make a diagram according to which in the future lay out all the elements on the floor.
Wireframe
The method is suitable for creating lightweight, compact structures. More often it is half-partitions for zoning. Strength indicators and soundproofing qualities of the structure in this case will be much lower than when assembling using other technologies.
The main advantage of the frame assembly of glass blocks is aesthetics. Also a plus is the ability to replace elements and clean work. As a basis, a wooden frame is used. The design with cells for the size of glass parts resembles a grate or a rack.
First of all, they fix the frame on the base. It is screwed to the floor, wall with dowels or anchors. Special rubber gaskets are put on glass blocks and inserted into the cells of the frame or ladder. Sealant is used to give strength to large structures.
If a wooden structure needs to be given a specific color, it must be painted in advance.
Per solution
As an adhesive mixture, cement is used. It should be homogeneous without large grains of sand that can leave scratches on the glass.You will also need to purchase crosses for installation between blocks of a fixed distance and stiffening. Strengthen the glass block wall with metal rods.
After a number of glass elements have been laid, a new layer of cement is applied and a metal rod is laid horizontally. If the construction area is large, additional metal supports are installed vertically. It is recommended to stack no more than three rows of glass blocks at a time. So that the structure does not fall apart, the cement mixture must be allowed to dry for at least a day.
On glue
As a basis, a wooden frame is used. It is cleaned of debris, dust and applied basic marking. To determine the required distance to the panel, lay out blocks and plastic dividers. Then measure the length and height of the future design, calculate the size of the frame. If in the future it will be attached to the wall structure, holes must be drilled in certain places.
For laying transparent elements, white tile adhesive is used. So the seams will be more aesthetic, and the likelihood of staining the part is minimal. First, check the integrity of the glass blocks, since manufacturers guarantee the quality of the elements only until they are installed. Then they are laid in rows, laying reinforcement for structural strength.
It is not recommended to remove the protective film from the glass blocks during installation. This will help protect them from damage. If it is not provided, you should use polyethylene, securing with paper tape.
Glass block which manufacturers are better to choose
The right choice of glass blocks is an important point in the collection of decorative designs. The assortment of such elements is diverse. You can purchase products of domestic, Czech, Italian manufacturers. Each version of glass blocks will have special characteristics:
Domestic.Reasonable price and high quality makes such parts the most sought after in the market.
Italian Stand out by a special difference in color tones from other manufacturers. All blocks have perfectly precise lines.
Czech. They occupy leading positions in the issue. They are distinguished by a wide variety of drawings and unique colors.
How to care for glass block partitions
Partitions from glass blocks do not need special care. It is enough to wipe them with a damp cloth. As an additional cleaning use special wipers. It is not recommended to use household chemicals with abrasive particles and hard washcloths.
Conclusion
Do-it-yourself sealed glass structures will help not only to diversify the interior, but also provide complete protection of the space from noise and dust. The affordable price and ease of installation according to the photo makes the partition walls made of blocks more profitable in comparison with plastic panels and solid glass structures.
Provision of family housing is one of the most important indicators of living standards. However, it does not reflect the quality of housing conditions that many want to improve. Trying to fix the problem, some owners carry out major repairs in their home, during which they raise questions about moving walls, dividing a single space in a large room into several functional zones. At the same time, it is necessary to solve a number of problems related to both the coordination of documentation and the choice of material for installing new fences. They can be built of brick, foam block, drywall, use glass blocks for partitions. At the last of the listed building materials we dwell in more detail.
Content
Features of glass blocks
Glass blocks appeared on the construction market not so long ago. The first prototypes were made by the American company Luxfer Prism Company, founded in 1886 by James Pennikwick. However, the invention patented in 1885 differs significantly from the brick blocks that have been used in construction since the 30s of the 20th century. The product was a metal grid filled with square glass tiles.
Building materials were used in different countries, and the peak of growth in its popularity occurred in the 60s - 70s of the twentieth century. Initially, the blocks were used to illuminate the basement, but over time they began to be installed in many institutions. Those who found the Soviet era remember the decoration of schools and kindergartens, swimming pools, stairwells made using this raw material.
Glass block is a building material, which is obtained by connecting two pressed glass plates. Thanks to the qualitative and aesthetic improvements of this product, a significant increase in the assortment, architects and designers began to use it not only for the exterior decoration of buildings, but also in the arrangement of the interior. Partitions are erected from them, inserts are made into the walls.
The main feature of building material is not in its decorative qualities, but in the ability to save energy. Another important feature inherent in the product is the light transmittance. Products can transmit light, scatter, direct it, while completely hiding everything that is behind them.Some grades are comparable in strength to brick, and even to stone.
Advantages and disadvantages
The glass block can be called a kind of hollow brick, which, unlike the original, is made not of clay, quartz sand or screenings of calcareous rocks, but of glass. The material is widely used in construction, which is due to a number of useful properties inherent in the finished product. Among the main advantages of the products in question, the following aspects can be distinguished:
Of the minuses of glass blocks can be noted:
Material characteristics
Glass blocks can be classified according to several parameters. First of all, attention should be paid to the country in which the products are manufactured. In the construction market you can find German, Italian, Czech, Polish, Russian, Chinese products.All of them have the same design, their sizes are the same. The difference is only in quality and price. In addition, all blocks differ from each other in the following ways:
The main dimensions, shapes and structure of the block
To understand the structure of the glass block, just look at its definition. It follows from this that a block is a product obtained by connecting two pressed glass plates between which a hermetically sealed cavity is formed. According to GOST 9272-81, clause 2.4, the thickness of the front walls should be more than 8 mm. Here, in paragraph 1.1 in table 1, the standard dimensions and weight of the finished product are indicated.
According to the above GOST, glass blocks can have a square and rectangular shape. The size of the first should be (length, width, thickness, in mm) 194x194x98, 244x244x75 and 244x244x98 with a mass of 2.8, 3.8 and 4.3 kg, respectively. The second - 294x194x98 mm weighing 4.2 kg. When agreed with the consumer, it is allowed to reduce the length and width by 10 mm in the smaller direction.
Manufacturers offer a wide range of finished products, which may have non-standard dimensions. It all depends on the form. The smallest products have indicators of 115x115x80 and 60x146x80 mm, and the largest 300x300x100 mm. Triangular models are available in only one size 172x172x236x80 mm. But the most important thing is that all countries that produce designs adhere to common standards.
The standard type of products is a square and a rectangle. There are also more refined models in the form of a triangle, rectangle, circle, hexagon, L-shaped, with rounded side faces. There are also exclusive options that are made according to individual sketches to order, special matrices provided by the manufacturer of figured glass blocks are used for their installation.
Color variety and matting
All glass blocks can be divided into transparent and colored.Turning to GOST 9272-81, we can understand that products can be painted and unpainted. The first of those listed in accordance with clause 2.1 may have a yellowish, bluish, greenish tint, which do not reduce the transmittance. Section 2.3 states that color and embossed patterns should be consistent with reference standards.
Colorless and color models can be distinguished by the color palette. In addition to the standard colors in green, yellow, red, blue, on sale you can find bricks that have a huge range of shades. Staining is done in two ways. The highest quality products that are not afraid of temperature extremes, sunlight, are obtained by adding dyes to the glass mass before molding.
Glass blocks, which were made of transparent glass, painted in the vacuum part (inside), are used exclusively inside heated rooms. Under the influence of ultraviolet light or as a result of a sharp change in temperature, the paint begins to crack, fade, burn out. When choosing a specific model, it is worth considering the fact that multi-colored blocks transmit light worse.
Matte constructions have a light transmission coefficient of 30-50%. Due to the scattering effect, they create a greater degree of security, therefore they are used in rooms with undesirable access of light from outside. Semi-matt options are blocks in which one side is matte and the other is normal. A partition of such bricks visually appears illuminated from the inside.
Special purpose
Depending on the scope of application, all glass blocks can be divided into industrial, interior and decorative models. The first are characterized by increased strength, water resistance, fire resistance. This is the cheapest type of glass brick. They are used in production shops, public institutions and institutions, in the organization of stairwells, for other purposes.
Interior blocks are used for decoration of residential and office premises, although they can be used in the exterior. This is the most popular material, maintaining a balance between price and quality. Glass blocks are characterized by a wide variety of shapes, sizes, colors and textures. Partitions, windows, floors are built from them, inserts are made into walls, and even furniture, for example, is laid out on a bar counter.
Decorative models contain various patterns and drawings. Shells, pebbles, toys, dummies of fruits, mock-ups of ships, etc., can serve as objects placed inside. This is the most expensive view. Most often they are used as an addition to conventional glass blocks. To decorate the space, emphasize a certain design, just a few bricks.
What styles are appropriate to use
Excellent properties of glass blocks, a huge color variety, makes it possible to realize the most daring design ideas. Using the material, you can create interesting compositions that complement the interior, designed in a modern style, such as high-tech, urbanism, pop art, constructivism, loft, modern. Stained glass models, which will also be appropriate in oriental stylizations, are ideal for the Art Nouveau trend.
In classical directions, it is better to refuse glass bricks. Classics do not tolerate such a combination, this applies to Baroque, Renaissance, Empire, and others. Also, the material will not look appropriate in interiors decorated in a rustic and natural style, for example, eco, country, Provence, chalet, rustic. If there is no professional knowledge, it is better not to take risks and turn to experienced designers.
Use of glass blocks in the interior of rooms
Excellent soundproofing material is often used as decoration and decoration. With their help, you can beat any corner of the room, mask the flaws of the layout and emphasize the merits.Glass blocks of any type and design have excellent heat-saving properties and are resistant to moisture. Translucent cubes are suitable for creating partitions, original racks, window openings. When choosing suitable elements, the purpose of the room, its design and dimensions should be taken into account.
In the kitchen
Often glass blocks in the kitchen are used to separate the space. A beautiful matte partition in the color of decoration will be a good solution for separating the dining room and the cooking area. The practical design of the same squares is easy to clean, does not absorb odors and maintains an attractive appearance for a long time.
When choosing such partitions in the kitchen, it should be understood that they can perform an exclusively decorative function. It will not be possible to load them with decor, furniture, or mount heavy structures to them.
In the living room
With the help of practical modern material, you can create an excellent decor that will become a real work of art. Glass squares are installed along one of the walls of the living room, around the perimeter of the windows, next to the interior partition. The multi-colored blocks laid out according to the planned scheme will become the highlight of the interior.
The partition in the form of translucent bricks of different textures will look beautiful in the hall or hallway. Iridescent details will create an atmosphere of comfort, provide good sound insulation. Even colored elements can be installed by the window, since glass blocks let in 90% of the sun's rays and will not obscure the space.
In the bedroom
Translucent partitions in the rest room will create an atmosphere of relaxation and relaxation. You can achieve the best effect by using warm colors during design, the correct geometric shape, special lighting. In large rooms, glass blocks can be a great zoning solution. They are used to separate the area of sleep and reading, fencing a stylish wardrobe.
By installing a partition of colored squares near the window in the bedroom, you can get soft diffused lighting, to suppress unnecessary noise from the street. In such a room it will be nice to be at any time of the day.
In the nursery
A wide range of textures allows the use of glass blocks in the child's room. For the arrangement of premises, multi-colored squares and rectangles are chosen. You can choose products with unusual effects, creating the feeling of a fairy tale.
Originally, a colorful panel with sealed cartoon characters inside each element will look in the nursery. Low structures made of blocks are used to separate the space, fencing off the recreation area from the game room, and lamps are installed nearby.
In the bathroom and toilet
When designing a bathroom or a cabin with glass blocks, they can be used in several versions. Design methods can be combined or applied to any specific. For dark walls, finishing with squares with transparency is an urgent solution. So you can reduce energy costs, effectively divide the bathroom.
If you replace one of the walls or part of it with a glass block decor, you can visually expand the space. Due to the penetration of light from neighboring rooms, lighting will significantly improve. In small rooms it is better to use the same texture and color details.
The installation of partitions of glass blocks in the apartment is an ideal solution for a bathroom and toilet, shower. Translucent details do not narrow the space, they cope well with their functional task. They can be used both in the adjacent and in the separate bathroom. Blocks are collected in continuous rows or combined with drywall, brick, wood.
In the bath and sauna
Decoration of such premises with glass block partitions will make them original and unique. In this case, all the defining functions of the bathhouse or sauna will be observed in accordance with generally accepted standards.The main useful characteristics of the block finish include water resistance, resistance to temperature extremes, excellent thermal insulation.
Often, glass blocks are used as partitions, delimiting the areas of the shower and sauna. Decorating the walls with such elements will also be an excellent solution, since they take up much less space than other options from other materials.
DIY technology and styling methods
There are several ways to mount glass blocks. Choose the appropriate option based on the size of the partition itself. It should be understood that the elements cannot be trimmed, so before buying materials you need to study the products of several manufacturers. For decorative blocks with a pattern, you will first need to make a diagram according to which in the future lay out all the elements on the floor.
Wireframe
The method is suitable for creating lightweight, compact structures. More often it is half-partitions for zoning. Strength indicators and soundproofing qualities of the structure in this case will be much lower than when assembling using other technologies.
The main advantage of the frame assembly of glass blocks is aesthetics. Also a plus is the ability to replace elements and clean work. As a basis, a wooden frame is used. The design with cells for the size of glass parts resembles a grate or a rack.
First of all, they fix the frame on the base. It is screwed to the floor, wall with dowels or anchors. Special rubber gaskets are put on glass blocks and inserted into the cells of the frame or ladder. Sealant is used to give strength to large structures.
Per solution
As an adhesive mixture, cement is used. It should be homogeneous without large grains of sand that can leave scratches on the glass.You will also need to purchase crosses for installation between blocks of a fixed distance and stiffening. Strengthen the glass block wall with metal rods.
After a number of glass elements have been laid, a new layer of cement is applied and a metal rod is laid horizontally. If the construction area is large, additional metal supports are installed vertically. It is recommended to stack no more than three rows of glass blocks at a time. So that the structure does not fall apart, the cement mixture must be allowed to dry for at least a day.
On glue
As a basis, a wooden frame is used. It is cleaned of debris, dust and applied basic marking. To determine the required distance to the panel, lay out blocks and plastic dividers. Then measure the length and height of the future design, calculate the size of the frame. If in the future it will be attached to the wall structure, holes must be drilled in certain places.
For laying transparent elements, white tile adhesive is used. So the seams will be more aesthetic, and the likelihood of staining the part is minimal. First, check the integrity of the glass blocks, since manufacturers guarantee the quality of the elements only until they are installed. Then they are laid in rows, laying reinforcement for structural strength.
Glass block which manufacturers are better to choose
The right choice of glass blocks is an important point in the collection of decorative designs. The assortment of such elements is diverse. You can purchase products of domestic, Czech, Italian manufacturers. Each version of glass blocks will have special characteristics:
How to care for glass block partitions
Partitions from glass blocks do not need special care. It is enough to wipe them with a damp cloth. As an additional cleaning use special wipers. It is not recommended to use household chemicals with abrasive particles and hard washcloths.
Conclusion
Do-it-yourself sealed glass structures will help not only to diversify the interior, but also provide complete protection of the space from noise and dust. The affordable price and ease of installation according to the photo makes the partition walls made of blocks more profitable in comparison with plastic panels and solid glass structures.