Masonry Magazine April 1993 Page. 25
Silicone System for Glass
Block Expands Options
By adding the new silicone installation method to their trade, masons will ensure that they remain the primary installer of glass block products.
GLASS BLOCK is enjoying renewed popularity as architects, designers and consumers find exciting and innovative ways to use it. Various patterns of glass block transmit light and diffuse or reflect it, making it ideal for interior and exterior installation.
While most glass block applications continue to require the strength and permanence of mortar, a revolutionary silicone installation system has been introduced and accepted with great excitement by architects, interior designers and consumers alike. Masons can easily add the silicone installation method to their repertoire of skills.
The uniqueness of glass block versus other types of glazing is that it allows distinctive use of light, dimension and texture, which has contributed to its resurgence in commercial and residential designs. Today, glass block appears frequently in large commercial buildings and in upscale homes kitchens and bathrooms, stairwells, exterior walls and room partitions.
The silicone system utilizes rigid INSTALL the channel at the floor or sill first. Wooden shim strips may be necessary to reduce the opening and ensure that the glass block units will fit as snugly as possible into the channels.
plastic framing channels, flexible plastic spacer strips and clear silicone sealant to achieve a crystal clear, all glass look. The only traditional masonry skill required is caulking. Why then should the mason familiarize himself with the silicone installation process?
According to masons experienced with silicone installation, the most important reason is customer preference. They perceive that silicone installed panels are more attractive. In addition, as silicone installation becomes more popular, masons will need to familiarize themselves with the method in order to remain the primary installer of glass block.
The All Glass Look of Silicone
Architects, designers and consumers have long been attracted to glass block due to the dazzling design possibilities afforded by light, color and form, all working together. Mortar creates glass block panels with grid-like joints; silicone joints are nearly transparent, which helps to create glass block panels with an all glass look. The unrestricted transmission of natural or artificial light through silicone installed panels creates striking effects.
"Silicone installed panels are good for special applications where the all glass look is preferred," says Turner Smith, of Masonry and Glass Systems in Houston, Texas. "Architects, for example, want that appearance for applications like the inside of hospitals."
"There is no doubt that silicone produces better looking glass block panels," says Nick Cindrich, a Pittsburgh mason. "They have an almost seamless look."
Consumers agree. Recent independent surveys sponsored by Pittsburgh Corning Corporation showed that eighty percent of all consumers prefer silicone installed glass block panels because they consider them more attractive. The studies also indicate that a large percentage of consumers (thirty-six percent of those who are most likely to buy) would have professionals handle the silicone installation.
In addition to designer and con-
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