Glass Block pros, por favor

[img][/img]
[img][/img]

For those of you who know something about glass block:
Got a screaming Craig's List deal on some 8"X8"X4" glass block. Went to the local glass block store and showed them the photo (with out the glass block of course), got complete instructions, the plastic spacers, the metal tie rods that go in the horizontal grout lines, the metal ties that are meant to tie the ends to the concrete blocks, the grout, the expandable foam for the sides of the end blocks for expansion - everything.
Six weeks ago I stack about a half-dozen blocks on the floor with the plastic ties, the metal, the whole thing, draw a couple of very clear sketches on how this is to be done, give it to the mason (a local guy who has done work for me in the past) who is very confident he can handle this little job.
We then load the 48 quart ice chest with beer, ice and sandwiches and head out 30 miles to try to catch the north end of the southbound dorado.
When we get back at the end of the day the mason is putting the last of the grout in. The plastic spacers are still in the bags, the expandable foam spray cans have their factory caps on, the metal that lays in the horizontal grout has been used but the ties to the cement blocks have not. In other words, only glass block grout is holding these in.
I really don't care about the fact the grout lines are not pretty - it's a funky cabin in a funky camp. But we do sleep under these blocks and wonder if they will withstand a screaming west wind or a 5.0 quake that occasionally hits. These blocks face north-west, if it matters. There is an identical window on the opposite end of the cabin in the kitchen.

Word to the wise.... move the bed.

nena

What, we don't need no stinkun spacers.......

Santiago, first of all, I gotta tell ya, I've got a previous conflict for any invite to come visit for the week-end....WHICHEVER one is it!

Secondly, how long have those blocks been grouted in? I'd give it a sufficient cure time & then I'd put a ladder up there & I'd put my hand on the center of those blocks & GENTLY push....if there is any give whatsoever, you've got your answer. I'd also test the outer edges. But even if they don't flex at all, I personally wouldn't be sleeping under that area! If Nena & I do come, please deliver our AM coffee out on the veranda where we'll be bunked down!

Hard to tell in the pics, but it looks like blocks are recessed only on the outside & flush with the surrounding wall surface inside? In other words, less travel distance & warning if they do get blown in.

Do you & your better half sleep in hard hats & flack jackets?

Soulpatch, I respectfully disagree....most windows allow minimal airflow relieving a bit of pressure, unless they're fixed pane, plus a window frame is screwed into the opening on all four sides. Santiago's blocks are not tied to the structure with anything but grout....a strong wind would wreak havoc; plus it doesn't sound like any waterproof caulk was used, so I'd expect water leakage during the first rainstorm.

Grouted in early October. Flush with the inside. Thought about the shelf/trim idea and will do that for sure. Maybe have a wrought iron window thing built but put it on the inside. Or one of theose rope grids for loading cargo on ships - a nautical theme thing. Rainstorm? What's that?

Here's my real question: why did the mason seem so proud that he was able to do this without all the other stuff? I mean, I built a mock wall, showing just how to do it, then drew sketches, got complete (well, I thought complete) agreement/understanding, go fishing for the day, come back and, well, the blocks are in, sorta.

Quote:

Originally posted by Santiago Grouted in early October. Flush with the inside. Thought about the shelf/trim idea and will do that for sure. Maybe have a wrought iron window thing built but put it on the inside. Or one of theose rope grids for loading cargo on ships - a nautical theme thing. Rainstorm? What's that? Here's my real question: why did the mason seem so proud that he was able to do this without all the other stuff? I mean, I built a mock wall, showing just how to do it, then drew sketches, got complete (well, I thought complete) agreement/understanding, go fishing for the day, come back and, well, the blocks are in, sorta.

1. His way was easier for him to do.
2. His way took him less time.
3. He doesn't have to sleep under all that glass.
4. If you paid him by the project, faster rate of return to him for his time.
5. He never did like you & sabotaged the blocks to fall inward first strong wind.
6. He sincerely thought he was saving you materials costs.
7. He is "the mason" & resented you telling him how to do his job.

Pick one....or go for multiple choices out of the multiple choices.

I'm guessing you didn't ask him WHY he didn't do the work the way you directed him to? Obviously not, or he wouldn't have acted quite as proud for doing it his way. I won't ask if the fishing made leaving him there unsupervised worth it?

Jim,

Check your u2u, here is a photo of our guest bath as a reference.



P<*)))>{

Glass block won't absorb/bond with the grout so you only have only a mechanical connection - the ridges in the block. The end blocks have good connections on 2 sides where they attach to conc blocks, but I would worry about strong winds. Only 2 courses of Glass blocks should be laid per day.
As mentioned, I would do a test by physically pushing on the blocks.

It would be best to remove and build correctly.

You could add an inside grille , but that is almost as much work/time as doing the blocks correctly. on edit - rods are drawn too thick here.


[Edited on 12-1-2010 by willyAirstream]

Too funny!! who would have guessed - so much humor in a bathroom pic ")

The mortar/grout between he blocks and within the recessed areas acts as a kystone once properly cured and even a huricain force wind will not alow them to slide in a straight pllane (illustration on left). Becuase the blocks are 4 inch thick and all of the materials are uncompressable the mortar/grout bond would have to shear and seperate and the blocks would have to rotate and be displaced as shown on right illustration. I certainly wouldn't worry about sleeping under this.











[Edited on 12-1-2010 by durrelllrobert]

[Edited on 12-1-2010 by durrelllrobert]

[Edited on 12-1-2010 by durrelllrobert]

Quote:

Originally posted by willyAirstream Quote: Paulina: You get to leave the toilet seat up in your house? sweet. Quote: Paulina: Would that be a urine sample or a c-cktail resting on top of your glass block? Just askin'.... Too funny!! who would have guessed - so much humor in a bathroom pic ")

santiago, if the only problem you have with me is that i bold a lot, then i feel truly blessed. i envisioned you up on that ladder putting your full body weight into pushing on those blocks & you ending up inside with your blood gushing over both beds amidst a mass of broken glass blocks & your wife being so angry with you that she'd refuse to come to your aid to stop the blood gushing from your body. please forgive me for underestimating your reading aptitude & please accept my sincerest accolades for your ability of pick up important key words which would have been stressed in spoken conversation with no emphasis in writing. you are truly an asset to your gender.

Quote:

Originally posted by longlegsinlapaz santiago, if the only problem you have with me is that i bold a lot, then i feel truly blessed. i envisioned you up on that ladder putting your full body weight into pushing on those blocks & you ending up inside with your blood gushing over both beds amidst a mass of broken glass blocks & your wife being so angry with you that she'd refuse to come to your aid to stop the blood gushing from your body. please forgive me for underestimating your reading aptitude & please accept my sincerest accolades for your ability of pick up important key words which would have been stressed in spoken conversation with no emphasis in writing. you are truly an asset to your gender.