How To Install Glass Block Shower Window

Updated January 27, 2022

When Jim called me he knew exactly what he wanted – which was a high privacy glass block window to supervene upon a badly worn and chipped woods framed window in his shower. The product selection decision was not tough for Jim – the business organization he had though was how to properly install this glass block shower window to accept an installation which would last. Jim asked me 4 questions which are typical for people doing this blazon of project:

1. What do I demand to remove from the existing opening (the window sashes, the frame or everything)?
ii. How do I ready the sides of the opening and secure the glass cake window?
3. How do I trim the inside of the window?
4. How practise I finish the outside?

In the article below I'll dig deeper into Jim'due south questions to make it easier for anyone to have a successful glass block shower window installation.

Question 1 – What exercise I need to remove from the existing opening (the window sashes, the frame or everything)?

My input for Jim is y'all should remove everything which is rotten, deteriorated or rusted. If the existing sashes or frames are not rotten or rusted at a minimum the sashes will demand to be removed.

Vinyl framed window in a framed home — For this window only the sashes were removed for the glass block installation

In the instance of a shower window yous also need to consider how the inside wall surrounds will be finished. In Jim's case he is building a new tile shower so the interior wood trim effectually the old window had to be removed so the new tile can be finished back to the glass block window. (see the picture in question four to see how this is done).

Question 2 – How do I set up the sides of the opening and secure the glass block window?

Since Jim is building a tile shower I recommended to use cement lath (or a waterproof extruded polystyrene wall lath) to line the opening so the drinking glass blocks can be mortared or grouted inside the space. Jim was using grout free shower wall panels I could also have recommended the window be secured into the rough wood opening with a spray foam insulation and so return the shower panels back to the glass blocks.

Question iii – How practise I trim the inside of the window?

With this tile installation the best approach is to use bullnose tiles to go from the shower wall surface back to the cake window. Where the tile meets the glass blocks a bead of clear glass block silicone should be used.

Glass block bathroom window with different patterns | Innovate Building Solutions | #GlassBlockWindows #GlassBlock #DecorativeGlassBlock #BathroomWindow — Glass block bathroom window with different patterns in a tile environment

Question 4 – How do I finish the outside?

Since this home'southward exterior is constructed with wood framing and vinyl siding I recommended to curve aluminum whorl stock and "cap" the opening on the exterior to meet the glass cake window. Once more a dewdrop of silicone is used where the coil stock meets the blocks (notation – if the outside was masonry construction I would accept brash Jim to add a more articulation around the window to secure it to the brickwork).

A frosted glass block window in a bathroom or basement provides the ultimate in privacy | Innovate Building Solutions — A frosted glass cake window in a bathroom or basement provides the ultimate in privacy

The reality is for this drinking glass block shower window (or any home improvement project) the devil – and the time to come success- of the installation is getting the details right.

If you have whatever questions or insights to offer nigh glass block shower windows feel to comment or call the number below.

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To get costless gauge on a glass block window, shower or wall project or for nationwide supply contact Introduce Building Solutions (877-668-5888). For a local installation project call Columbus Glass Block (614-252-5888), Cleveland Glass Block (216-531-6363), West Side Glass Block (216-398-1020) or Mid America Glass Block in Akron (330-633-2900).

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