Masonry Magazine August 1998 Page. 18
Finished-edge products and blocks
for radius walls
Both Weck and Pittsburgh Corning offer an impressive array of products that make it possible to sculpt room interiors with graceful translucent curves, angles, open edges and even corners. Weck's AllBend is a smoothly curved 22-1/2 degree angle block which can be used to form curves, corners or columns with a radius as little as 12 inches. PC's 8" finishing unit called EndBlock offers a unique, smooth rounded corner that can be used to create stepped walls and windows with interesting arches.
Planned-in privacy as part of the
design process
Leading glass block manufacturers offer a variety of patterns that not only add textural interest to popular open-plan walls and dividers, but varying degrees of privacy as well. Bold-pattern blocks provide maximum privacy. Subtle patterns or frosted glass transmit more light, yet offer partial privacy. Weck's "Arctic" and PC's "Mystique" are two examples of soft patterns that offer excellent privacy.
New decorative patterns and a high-
performance product from Japan
Earlier this year, Weck introduced a new pattern called "pearl" that fills a bath's block walls with 3-dimensional "bubbles." PC offers a new "fluted" glass pattern called "Spyra," consisting of a series of concentric arcs radiating from a corner.
"Opaline" is an exciting new line of block-piled pattern glass blocks from Japanese manufacturer, Nippon Electric Glass Co. The translucent, milky-white product is for dramatic building exteriors and fills building interiors with a calm, soft, opalescent white light. As the incident light angle of light changes during the day, the light transmission quality of "Opaline" glass remains constant. One resulting effect is that, during the sun's brightest hours, interior sunlight is softened for a more pleasant atmosphere. In the late afternoon, the high-tech block admits more sunlight into the room, enhancing architectural interest through projected geometrical pattern. An additional advantage of "Opaline" glass is its ability to block 90% of the sun's ultraviolet rays, the leading cause of fabric fading and sun-damage to other furnishings.
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Glass blocks that promote safety
and comfort
Another new specialty glass block from Nippon Electric Glass Co. is called NEG Solar Reflective Glass Block. The product, ideal for sunbelt homes and businesses, represents a new generation of reflective glass block. It is designed to reduce the volume of heat and light from the sun, by reflecting it off a thin coating of metal oxide, which has been applied and baked to the inside surface of the glass. (Earlier similar products exposed the outside-coated surface to weathering, scratching, dulling and delamination.)
Real glass blocks are more secure than polycarbonate and acrylic products, thanks to their solid glass with thick, double-wall construction and masonry installation. That means better penetration resistance and protection from vandalism than with ordinary windows. Thermal performance equals plain double-pane windows, with no storm windows necessary.
And glass block offers superior fire resistance and sound transmission reduction compared with most double-glazed windows.
Framing systems for
special circumstances
BlokUp is an aluminum framing system which allows installers to put up secure glass block in hard-to-reach areas, including those far above the ground. This and similar plastic framing systems that use silicone instead of mortar are also ideal for areas requiring dust-free installation. Framed and frameless systems are available.
Curved-wall systems have hinged metal sections that can easily be bent to fit any wall radius.
Working with aluminum installation systems might prove to be an ideal experience for apprentices and less-skilled workers, thus freeing your veteran masons for more challenging projects.
Editors Note:
Warren Wind is vicepresident of Glashaus Inc., national distributor of Weck glass blocks and other specialty block products. He can be reached at 815-356-8440, Fax: 815-356-8485. Web: www.glashaus.com