Installing glass blocks with your own hands. Methods for installing partitions from glass blocks, types of glass blocks, their advantages and disadvantages How to properly lay out a wall of glass blocks

Cement or carcass?

How to decorate your home with modern glass blocks, we wrote in the article "". This time we will talk about the features of block mounting. How to make a wall or partition out of them? Which of the installation methods is optimal in this or that case? What kind important nuances need to keep in mind when planning this job? Let's start with the planning and preparation phase. Before starting work, you need to be sure that the choice in favor of glass blocks was the right one.

What should you know when planning to use glass blocks in your home?

1. It is undesirable to build a wall with doors from glass blocks. An opening in the wall of glass blocks may be present, but the doors should not be fastened. Mount window systems in a glass-block wall is also impossible.

2. Of course, a wall made of glass blocks cannot be load-bearing.

3. Glass blocks have excellent sound insulation. Do not be afraid that the glass-block wall separating the two rooms will only serve as a decorative function.

4. Glass blocks are also a heat-saving material. They can glaze large window openings - and the room will be warm (just like with modern plastic double-glazed windows).

5. Glass blocks - unique material, which is both construction and finishing. This is the particular convenience of their use. I erected a wall and you can think of nothing else: no putty, no painting, no cladding. This will save you money, effort and energy.

6. It is undesirable to create surfaces of more than 15 square meters from glass blocks. m.

What do you need to know before starting work?

1. The surfaces to which the glass-block wall or partition will adjoin must be prepared (in the place of adjoining). Namely, to clear from old finish, wash, let dry, prime.

2. Glass blocks are sold, as a rule, covered with a protective film. It is not recommended to remove the film until the end of the installation in order to avoid damage to the surface of the blocks, the appearance of scratches, stains from glue and cement, etc.

If the blocks were sold without film, you can protect them yourself - for example, by pasting the front surfaces of the blocks with masking tape.

Methods for stacking glass blocks

There are two main methods for installing glass blocks: cement and frame. The frame method is used to create very flimsy, not very reliable structures. Therefore, this method should be adopted only for the construction of small partitions in residential premises.

If there is a need for a large partition, glazing window openings and in the creation of glass walls in wet rooms - the choice should be made in favor of the "cement" method.

Installation of glass blocks on cement

For work, use cement or tile glue. The cement must be of high quality, homogeneous, without large grains of sand (they can scratch the glass, hitting the glass block). Tile adhesive is preferred.

In addition to cement or glue, you will need special spacer crosses and metal rods (section 4-6 mm).

Spacer crosses help to leave a fixed distance between the blocks, so that the surface of the glass blocks is flat. In addition, crosses make the wall stiffer. Metal rods are needed for reinforcement, that is, to strengthen the glass-block wall.

Having laid a row of glass blocks, a new layer of glue is applied and a metal rod is laid horizontally, after which the second row of blocks is laid. The rods are also laid vertically if the area of ​​the structure is large enough. Some experts recommend reinforcing not all rows, but only every third one.

Spacer crosses are installed in the joints between glass blocks. The “hats” of the crosses remain outside. After the cement is completely dry, these protruding plates must be chipped off. The crosses themselves remain inside the wall, making it stronger.

The building level should always be nearby. With its help, you should constantly monitor the evenness of horizontal and vertical rows.

It is not recommended to lay more than three horizontal rows of glass blocks at a time. We laid out a plot of three blocks high - paused. If the installation of glass blocks is carried out with tile adhesive, work can be stopped for a couple of hours and then continued. If the glass blocks are laid on cement, you will have to wait a day. Why is a pause necessary? If you go above three rows, at some point the structure may "float" or completely collapse. Be sure to take breaks!

If the glass block structure will be adjacent to other surfaces, then the "seam" between them should be no more than one centimeter.

By the way, about the "seams" or joints. If the glass blocks were laid on cement, after its complete drying, the seams can be wiped tiled grout the desired color. But it's even easier to buy colored cement / glue and put glass blocks on it. In this case, the joints must be immediately made neat, removing excess cement, and then after drying, no additional treatments not required.

After laying all the glass blocks, the structure should dry well. It is worth taking 10-15 days for this. And only after this time has elapsed, you can start grouting the interblock joints.

Frame method for installing glass blocks

This method of installing glass blocks is suitable for creating small lungs structures - for example, semi-partitions for room zoning. Soundproofing qualities will be significantly lower than with cement method styling. Strength indicators are also not comparable.

The advantage of this method is aesthetics (the blocks seem to be framed), cleanliness of work and the possibility of replacing single blocks.

The frame is made of wood (polished boards). They make it to order - for example, in carpentry workshops. The frame is a structure with equal cells and resembles either a lattice. The cells correspond to the dimensions of the glass blocks.

Blocks are inserted into cells and reinforced. To do this, use rubber gaskets or silicone sealants... Sealants are more often used - this strengthens the structure, since the blocks are literally glued into the cells. However, there is also a drawback: if the block is installed with a rubber gasket, it can be easily removed if necessary, in order, for example, to replace a cracked block. If it is glued with a sealant, it will be more difficult to remove it so as not to damage the entire structure.

Before filling with glass blocks, the lattice frame must be fixed by attaching with dowels or anchors to the main surfaces - the floor, the supporting wall, the ceiling.

If you want to give the frame a certain color, you need to paint it in advance, before filling it with glass blocks.

The work is quite easy, but it must be done carefully, being careful, remembering that glass is a fragile material.

The installation of glass blocks into the wall is carried out in the same way. In the wall, you need to create a cell for a glass block and insert it, securing rubber seal or a sealant.

Manufacturers of glass blocks also produce ready-made modules for fixing blocks. The frame is assembled from the modules. Moreover, it is assembled simultaneously with the installation of blocks. The modules themselves are made not only of wood, but also of PVC.

Such modular systems for the installation of glass blocks, you need to ask in the same stores that sell this material. Work with ready-made modules quite simple - similar to assembling a constructor. It must be remembered that the design is very fragile: it is impossible to glaze the window with this method, but you can fence off the sofa from the bed.

Creating a rounded wall from glass blocks

Rounded walls can be made of cement. In this case, the reinforcing rods have to be bent to the shape of the future wall, which is not so easy. To facilitate the process, thinner metal rods are used than when erecting straight walls.

Spacer crosses are inserted between blocks only inside the rounding. From the outside, the seams remain the same, and their size depends on the radius of the rounding. There is a discrepancy in the size of the seams inside and outside the rounding. This cannot be avoided if one-piece glass blocks are mounted.

Reducing the dimensions of the joints in a rounded wall allows use of "half" glass blocks... And the smaller the radius of curvature, the more desirable the use of narrow blocks.

Some foreign manufacturers of glass blocks offer special systems for erecting curved walls. But it's still the same wireframe method mounting that is not suitable for creating a solid, sturdy, water-resistant wall. But you can create a light rounded partition. Ask for such systems in stores that sell glass blocks.

Glass blocks, by analogy with bricks, are laid on an ordinary mortar of sand and cement. Nevertheless, one should not forget that this material is made of glass and must be handled with care, even with care. To avoid complications when laying glass blocks, it is better to adhere to simple recommendations that have been developed by experts over decades of practical work.

Protective film on the surface of glass blocks

Initially, the glass blocks are covered with a transparent protective film.

It is necessary so that the glass surface is not damaged during transportation and installation. The film protects glass blocks from chips, small possible impacts and scratches. Particularly relevant is a protective film for glass blocks with matte surface where every defect will be visible.

Craftsmen who do not have sufficient experience often remove the protective film before laying, and thus make a mistake. Experts advise you to remove it after all the work is completely completed. Otherwise, the glass blocks can be easily damaged.

This advice should not be neglected. What is the risk of a small scratch? It would seem - it's okay. However, any scratch is already an unpleasant phenomenon in itself, and besides this, over time, dirt in the form of the smallest particles will be crammed into it, and the glass blocks will lose their "presentation" very quickly.

If a protective film is not provided on the glass blocks (and this happens quite often), you can glue their surface with ordinary tape. This will ensure that nothing unpleasant happens during the installation process.

Cement mortar for laying glass blocks

The ideal solution for laying glass blocks should not contain large grains of sand and impurities.

Again, glass blocks are very easy to scratch when laying, and a solution that contains coarse sand is, in fact, an analogue of sandpaper.

If during operation the solution gets on the front surface of the block, do not scrape it off with tools. It is also not worth waiting for it to dry. Best to wash it off warm water an ordinary soft cloth.

Metal rods for laying glass blocks

Professionals advise

always reinforce the glass block structure.

Especially if the structure is supposed to be massive. For example, a wall. The best solution- special metal rods that can be purchased at almost any building supermarket. The rods must be selected with a cross section of five millimeters. And they are installed both horizontally and vertically.

Phased construction

Any massive construction from glass blocks should be erected in stages. It is recommended to lay no more than three rows per day. Otherwise, if this rule is not followed, the wall may turn out to be uneven, and in some cases the lower blocks may even crack under the weight of the upper rows.

The fact is that, unlike, for example, bricks, glass blocks adhere worse to cement mortar... Therefore, the structure can "go" under its own weight.

Spacer crosses when laying glass blocks

Mounting crosses significantly speed up the laying of glass blocks

and provide strictly the same distance between the blocks - the wall of glass blocks will turn out to be perfectly flat and neat. They are made of plastic, are inexpensive, and you can buy them at any hardware store.

Seams in glass block construction

Immediately after the construction of the glass block structure (and most likely in advance), you need to think about the seams and joints. Ordinary gray joints made from ordinary cement-sand mortar do not look very attractive, it is best to purchase special grout for joints. The assortment of grouting for joints today is huge. There is a choice among manufacturers color scheme and for the price.

Grouts are sold in the form of dry mixes. You just need to add a certain amount of water to the mixture (see instructions on the package) and mix the contents thoroughly.

But even better is to lay glass blocks on colored cement. It can be purchased at the same building supermarkets. Such cement will cost a little more than ordinary cement, but the result is worth it. And you can buy just special pigments, with which it is easy to paint an ordinary gray solution.

Wooden modules for glass blocks

Sometimes, in order not to mess with the solution and, in principle, a rather laborious process of laying glass blocks, you can use special modules. They represent something like a wooden lattice, each of the cells of which is designed for a glass block.

The construction process is very simple. Glass blocks must be inserted into the cells and everything must be fixed with a gasket. The benefits are obvious - simplicity, convenience, ideal appearance... In addition, such a structure can be moved from place to place, if the need arises.

We build and repair ourselves

How to cut a circle out of glass
If you need to cut a complex curvilinear shape or circle from a piece of glass, you can resort to several proven tactics. But I must say right away that such work ...

Today, glass blocks are increasingly used in the design of an apartment, private office or house. They not only visually enlarge the space, but also additionally illuminate it. The ease of use of glass blocks makes ordinary people wonder how to install glass blocks on their own.

Glass blocks are building elements made like small glass units: 2 glasses with air gap... There are two main forms in the form of which glass blocks are produced: square and rectangle. At individual order it is possible to manufacture another shape.

Due to their structure, glass blocks have remarkable properties:

• They let light through thanks to the glass they are made of.
• Also, like double-glazed windows and other building elements for the construction of walls, they retain heat in the room.
• Provide excellent soundproofing of the room.
• Protect an apartment or house from excessive moisture.
• Serve as a decorative element.
• Easy to install and maintain.

The glass base of this building material has one significant drawback: it is impossible to conduct communications behind the glass blocks or close anything with them.

Since glass blocks, unlike ordinary walls, do not require further plastering, wallpapering or any other finishing works, they are easy to install by yourself.

Self-installation of glass blocks

Before the direct installation of glass blocks in the pre-designated place for them, it is necessary to carry out some preparatory work... They are as follows:

• The installation site of the wall or partitions made of glass blocks is measured in advance: this allows you to determine how many glass building elements are needed. Glass blocks cannot be cut and must be sized carefully. When calculating, one should take into account connecting seam solution: from 5 to 10 mm each.
• Together with the number of glass blocks, the amount of required adhesive solution for glass building elements. For these purposes, a mosaic or tile adhesive solution may be suitable.
• Reinforcement is being purchased - steel rods that will support the wall vertically and horizontally.
• Additional accessories - a level, crosses to establish the correct position of the blocks, as well as grout and sealant. The grout can be purchased in the color of the rest of the room.

Before installing glass blocks, one aspect must be taken into account: each glass block is protected by a special film. If you remove it before installation, there is a risk of damage to the glass block: mortar on the glass building element can damage its surface if not removed immediately. The protective film prevents such damage to the glass blocks.

Stages of work:

1. The surface for future installation must be flat. Initially, the first layer of adhesive 5 mm is applied. Glass blocks must be installed on it one by one, smearing the end side of each with a solution. The side gaps between the wall and the glass block are not filled with mortar: a plastic profile for glass blocks is placed here. It allows you to cushion temperature regime, which means expansion or contraction of the finished wall.
2. Immediately after installing each new block, crosses are placed to align both horizontally and vertically. During construction works you need to carefully monitor the even laying of blocks relative to each other.
3. If horizontal reinforcement is required, then steel rods are stacked on top of every third to fourth row. They must be connected to the wall. Vertical reinforcement is also carried out, only steel rods are attached to the ceiling and floor.
4. After every three to four rows, you need to temporarily pause the work in order, firstly, to clear the already installed glass blocks from the solution, and secondly, so that the solution grabs, and there is no deformation of the wall. The erection of a wall or partition can be continued after 8-10 hours.
5. There are two approaches to laying a wall from glass blocks: using only adhesive solution, and also using plastic profiles for each vertical row together with mortar.
6. After complete laying of the wall and its necessary drying, you need to use grout to give the glass block partition a finished look.

Installation of glass blocks is not an impossible job, but it has many nuances, without which the appearance of the wall being built can become much worse.

Thanks to a large selection of colored glass blocks, the room will "sparkle" with new bright colors, giving an apartment or house a unique look.

Video

We offer you to watch a video about quick and easy laying of a partition made of glass blocks.

If you still associate this material with unpresentable glass squares from the recent past, it's time to get to know it better. The scope of application of modern glass blocks is practically unlimited, design solutions practical, beautiful and original, and the installation of glass blocks with your own hands can be done even without special skills in construction.

Features and technical characteristics of glass blocks

Modern glass blocks are a hollow material that is formed of two glass plates 6-9 mm thick, hermetically connected by pressing. Currently, they are produced on automatic lines, which guarantees the invariability of the qualitative composition of the molten glass and the tightness of the seam. The glass block can be transparent, matte, colored or corrugated. According to their light-optical properties, they are divided into translucent, light-scattering and light-guiding. The thickness of the tiles is 7.5-10 cm, the weight is within 4.3 kg. In addition to standard square and rectangular blocks, they produce triangular, corner, round and half-pieces. There are decorative glass blocks as well. They are presented in a wide range of colors and textures, which allows them to be used in different styles interior.

Advantages and disadvantages

Like any other material, double-glazed windows have their pros and cons. This, in turn, affects the ability to use them for specific purposes.
Advantages.
Moisture resistance.
Light transmittance.
Soundproofing.
Fire safety.
Frost resistance.
Easy to care for.
Does not require additional finishing.

Disadvantages.

The wall remains intact. It is impossible to drive a nail into it or screw in a screw, as well as to conduct an electrical wiring or sewage system inside.
Glass blocks are not processed. They cannot be sawed to be used required size... All measurements must be calculated in advance.
In the room where the window opening is glazed with glass blocks, it is necessary to carry out additional ventilation systems.

Glass blocks in the interior (hallway)

Variants of using glass blocks in the interior

Not so long ago, glass blocks returned to fashion and began to be widely used in interior design. With their help, you can bring to life the most daring and original ideas, it is beneficial to play with light. Glass blocks in the interior of an apartment are photographed in the creation of walls, partitions, windows, furniture and much more.

Glass block wall

During the redevelopment of apartments, it is often necessary to remove or move some walls. It helps to plan the space and create convenient option location of rooms. Glass wall - original and interesting solution... Visually, it lightens the space. There is only one drawback in this option. The glass block itself looks cold and does not contribute to the creation of comfort. Therefore, it is often combined with other materials, for example, plasterboard, or using multi-colored elements. This combination makes the interior more interesting.
This type of decor is especially popular in corridors, lobbies and other darkened rooms, where a wall made of glass blocks will be not only a functional element, but also additional source Sveta. Glass blocks will look gorgeous if there is an opportunity to lay out a wall rounded like in the photo in the interior of the apartment.

Partitions

Partitions of varying complexity, width and height from glass blocks are often installed in the bathroom. Glass here looks the most harmonious, goes well with tiles, is not afraid of moisture, is not affected by fungus and is easy to clean. Frosted glass blocks allow not only to zone the space and organize the so-called intimate zones, but also to create practical shower cabins the right size and forms from glass blocks according to the photo. A small partition can advantageously divide the kitchen into a working and dining area, and living room to the bedroom and living room.

Window

This method of connecting external and internal space by means of glass transparent or frosted blocks the best way suitable for baths and pools. As a decorative element, a glass panel is made in the form of a window. If desired, it is decorated with light curtains. Glass blocks in this form are laid not only in the bathroom. Original windows can share a living room or kitchen with a corridor. When glass blocks are used as windows, openings usually take on the most incredible shapes.

Floors

The strength of the material allows the use of glass blocks with a rough texture as flooring... Backlighting is usually placed under such transparent areas, the effect is impressive.

Do not lay glass blocks on the floor in the bathroom or corridor, here their surface can become dangerously slippery.

Furniture

Modern glass "bricks" are comfortable and practical material for creating furniture designs... In the kitchens, islands or bar counters are built from them. In the bathroom, you can erect a console under the sink, and a narrow wall of glass blocks can smoothly transition into a small functional table. Glass furniture looks impressive and original, but rearrangement will be difficult.

Individual decor elements

When decorating the walls of rooms, glass blocks are often placed pointwise. Recessed into the wall, they do not transmit light, but reflect it very beautifully. One tile is placed on an approximate area of ​​1 m2. The options for using the material are limited only by the designer's imagination. Glass tiles draw up kitchen apron, frame door and window openings, mirrors. Risers of stairs, podiums and even false fireplaces are laid out from them. The shower cubicle made of glass blocks looks interesting as a proof.

Glass blocks in various interior styles.

When developing the design of a room, it is important to take into account that glass blocks must harmoniously fit into the style of the room and create a single composition with it. Special attention you need to pay attention to the color and texture of the building material, choose the right shape and method of constructing. The most harmoniously transparent or monotonous glass block looks in modern styles, urban, loft or high-tech. The decorativeness of the Baroque or Art Deco can emphasize colorful tiles as an addition to the main material. Stained glass will fit into the art nouveau interior in the best way, they will also be appropriate in oriental stylizations and modern classic interior... They practically do not use the material in the interior, made in country, rustic or retro style.

Installation of glass blocks

Having mastered the theory, you can safely start practice. Installation of any element of glass blocks can be done in one of two ways:
on the frame;
on glue or mortar.

Regardless of the method chosen, before proceeding with the installation, you need to take into account a number of features of working with the material.
The floor on which the glass blocks will be laid must be perfectly flat and clean.
The total wall area should not exceed 15 m2, otherwise the blocks in the lower rows may crack due to their heavy weight.
Any wall made of a decorative glass block cannot be used as a load-bearing one.
The protective film of frosted glass blocks is removed only after filling the joints.

Technique "On the frame"

This mounting technology is quite simple. It is sometimes called dry. The glass block is fixed on special modular systems. This method allows you to quickly lay out perfectly flat walls without plumb lines and level. Usually, frames are made of plastic or wood, aluminum and polyurethane are also found. Each block has its own cell, its size is selected depending on the dimensions of the glass block. The frame is fixed to the wall with screws, also fixed to the floor and ceiling. The blocks are fixed in the cells by means of special rubber gaskets. This method of installation does not require special skills, but is used only to create decorative or interior partitions, where good sound insulation is not needed.

On glue or mortar.

This technique is more complex, time consuming and requires some knowledge. The material is fixed on a special glue for glass blocks. Reinforcement is performed at the place of laying. Two stainless steel rods are laid on the floor parallel to each other. The width between them should be less than the depth of the glass block. Vertical reinforcement is performed with a step equal to the width of the block. For better sealing, an insulating tape is fixed to the base of the frame. On it, the place of joining of the blocks is marked with the help of spacer crosses. After laying each row, the structure is reinforced, two reinforcing rods are laid in parallel and sunk into the solution.

Laying glass blocks

Glass block partition – this is modern approach in the arrangement of the interior of a house or apartment.

This material, which was not distinguished by particular sophistication, was widely used in public buildings earlier.

A glass block is a block of thick glass plates fused into a single structure. Inside such a block, an airtight, air cavity is formed, which increases the sound and heat insulation parameters.

In other words, a glass block is a kind of glass brick. different shapes, from which it is possible to make masonry of various building and interior elements.

Advantages

Due to its structure, the glass block has the following advantages:

1. Natural materials in the composition ensure environmental friendliness.
2. Unique properties: high mechanical strength(including compression and impact) and wear resistance, resistance to low and high temperatures, as well as temperature extremes.
3. Increased heat and sound insulation properties that are not inferior to hollow bricks.
4. Fire safety provided by the non-combustibility of the material.
5. Ease of installation and further maintenance. The blocks can be cleaned with any detergent.
6. Absolute moisture and water resistance, which makes it possible to use as outdoor elements and in rooms with high humidity, even in water.
7. Decorativeness. The surface of glass blocks does not require additional topcoats... Modern blocks have different colors and shape, which makes it possible to create the desired, attractive design.

An important distinctive feature glass blocks is the ability to transmit scattered sunlight and provide a kind of room lighting... At the same time, the opacity of the elements protects from prying eyes.

disadvantages

Like any building material, glass blocks also have certain disadvantages that must be taken into account during construction:

1. Large weight significantly increases the weight of the entire building structure... Given this property, it is undesirable to erect walls and partitions with an area of ​​more than 16 m².
2. The increased cost of decorative glass blocks, which can reach 1500-1700 rubles / piece. At the same time, you can use ordinary blocks of economy class with a cost of 100-130 rubles / piece.
3. Problems arising when fixing shelves and fixing various items, because it is difficult to fix a screw or a nail in glass blocks. They can be solved using other typical fasteners and suction cups.

In general, glass blocks continue to be unfairly considered an exotic material. This attitude is developed due to the mistrust of the strength of glass. However, the glass block is quite difficult to destroy even with hammer blows, and their use is limited, perhaps, only by the increased cost.

What are the types of glass blocks?

Modern glass blocks do not have a legalized classification, but the following main criteria for distribution by type can be distinguished:

1. Block size. The most common are square-shaped glass blocks measuring 19x19 and 24x24 cm with a thickness of 8-10 cm, as well as rectangular elements the size of 19x9x8 and 24x11.5x8 cm. The weight of the bricks depends on the size and is in the range of 3-4.5 kg.
2. The form. In addition to the most common square and rectangular options, glass blocks are produced in triangular, round shapes, as well as in the form of a hexagon and the letter "G". Elements can have sharp, straight or rounded corners.
3. Color palette and inner filling. The color of glass blocks can be different - from unpainted glass to bright shades(red, blue, black, etc.). There is usually an air cavity inside, but some models use decorative elements that are fused inside the block and create a certain pattern.
4. Surface structure. Elements can have a smooth, glossy, corrugated, patterned surface. In addition, products with a matte surface are produced. The light transmission of the material depends on the structure.
5. Glass element thickness... This indicator is responsible for strength, specific gravity and some other characteristics of the material. Most often, blocks are made of glass with a thickness of 5.5-7 mm.
6. Mechanical strength. The standard elements have a fairly high strength, but in addition, high-strength glass blocks are offered, which are able to withstand even a bullet from a gun.
7. Optical parameters... Products for this characteristic have a wide range - from almost transparent to opaque options. Glass blocks can provide directional or diffuse luminous flux.

Finally, the glass blocks are distributed by appointment... There are such main categories - decorative, interior and building blocks... They differ in appearance, size, color, strength and other parameters.

Features of interior glass blocks

With the help of glass blocks, you can create a beautiful and original interior inside the room or form a decorating surface outside the house.

The following areas of application are especially popular:

1. Wall. By laying glass blocks, you can build even and fairly strong walls. The best option- rooms with high humidity (bathroom, sauna, bathroom), where the high water resistance of the material is useful. At the same time, glass is not susceptible to decay, the development of mold and fungi. You can lay out the entire wall from such elements or combine with other materials (for example).
2. Partitions. The construction of zoning partitions from glass blocks is one of the most demanded solutions. Most often, they are used to separate bathing areas. Glass blocks are harmoniously combined with tiles, which ensures the preservation of the chosen design style.
3. Window. A panoramic wall is laid out of glass blocks, and the transparency of the material ensures the performance of the role of a window. A room with a window-wall will be quite light and insulated.
4. Floors. The material in question can be an excellent substitute ceramic tiles On the floor. The use of corrugated elements eliminates the slipperiness of the glass, and the appearance provides an original design.
5. Furniture. Glass blocks are used in the creation of stationary furniture. The facades of them look great for the bar counter. From them you can build a table or coffee table, bedside table, wardrobe. In this case, the blocks are used both as a frame or facade, and for the formation of a table top.
6. Decorating elements. There are practically no boundaries for the use of glass blocks in the interior of a room. Their use as decorative elements ensures the fulfillment of any fantasies. Products with internal decorative inserts allows you to arrange a picture with a three-dimensional effect on the wall. Such a picture is easily cleaned of dirt and retains the paint for a long time. With the help of glass blocks, the interior can be decorated in modern style(loft, hi-tech, modern), art-style or baroque. Stained-glass windows in the Art Nouveau style with classical or oriental themes look great. Arches, niches, columns are laid out of glass bricks. Built into the wall individual elements can play the role of spotlights.

Modern trends in interior planning make it possible to give different functions to walls and partitions made of glass blocks. The most common solution is room zoning... In this case, partitions can occupy the entire space from floor to ceiling or be installed with height restrictions (for example, a bar counter).

Another interesting feature is light transmission... There is no need to insert windows in the walls made of glass blocks, the light flux penetrates the entire surface. At the same time, depending on the type of product, good illumination or semi-darkness is provided.

The functionality of glass-block walls expands the heat and sound insulation properties of the material. Such walls are able to retain heat well without requiring additional coatings and decoration. Water resistance makes it possible to equip a separate toilet, shower or bathroom.

Installation of partitions from glass blocks

Laying glass blocks with your own hands can be done different ways... It is important to structural element had support (load-bearing wall or rack). Most characteristic ways installation:

1. Traditional or classical method ... It needs frame guides made of timber or a metal profile. Fastening glass elements provided with a cement-based mortar or special glue.
2. Wireframe option. In this case, first, it is set frame structure, in which the blocks are fixed with seals and sealant.

Installation of glass blocks must be carried out after proper preparation of the site. It must be carried out in strict accordance with the previously developed laying scheme, for which a thorough marking is first provided. Detailed diagram especially important when laying decorative elements, drawings and patterns.

Traditional masonry

The classic laying of blocks with glue or mortar begins with the manufacture of the base - guide frame.

It is most often made from timber, but you can use a steel or aluminum corner.

For this, the first row of blocks is laid out with the installation of plastic dividers between them.

The dimensions of this row are precisely measured and the frame is assembled according to these dimensions. It is attached to the floor. A frame of the same width is installed strictly vertically on both walls and fixed to it with dowels.

A reinforcing mesh is used to strengthen the structure. It is formed from galvanized steel wire horizontally and vertically. Their location should coincide with the seams between the glass blocks.

To exclude direct contact between glass and wire, plastic crosses are used when installing the reinforcing mesh. Holes are drilled in the wall and bottom frame for fixing the fittings.

To fasten the glass blocks together, a special glue is used, preferably white... You can cook it yourself cement-sand mortar in a ratio of 1: 3.

The blocks are laid in the following order:

1. Layout and installation of guide frames.
2. Installation of vertical reinforcing bars.
3. A layer of glue or mortar with a thickness of up to 10 mm is applied to the surface of the frame. The solution is also applied to the side faces of the blocks and the first row is laid. To fix the reinforcement and ensure the same width of the seam, crosses are installed, which remain in the masonry and are simply rubbed with mortar.
4. The bottom row is horizontally aligned with a mallet and checked with a building level. Further, a horizontal reinforcing bar is installed on top of the blocks and fixed in the wall hole.
5. All subsequent rows are laid in the same way.

Taking into account the severity of the elements, it is recommended to erect the wall in parts of 4-5 rows with a break for the solution to freeze. This will eliminate the danger of blocks sinking. After the completion of the masonry, a neat grout is made. Silicone compound can be used for sealing.

Frame technology

The technique "on the frame" allows you to lay glass blocks without mortar, but for this you need to install special frame system.

Basically, it is a metal or wood structure in which cells are formed to accommodate glass elements.

The dimensions of the cell should not exceed the dimensions of the glass block by more than 1.5-2 mm.

For metal system commonly used aluminum profile. Wooden structure assembled from polished boards, the width of which is equal to the width of the bricks.

The entire structure is carefully calibrated horizontally and vertically using building level and a plumb line. Then the frame is painted in desired color in harmony with the blocks.

The finished frame system is securely attached to the floor, wall and ceiling using dowels. The glass blocks are carefully installed into the cells, after which they are fixed with silicone-based seals. The solidification time of such a sealant is about 9-10 hours.

Required tools

At typical installation DIY glass blocks you need such a tool:

• puncher;
• Bulgarian;
• hacksaw for metal;
• spatulas;
• notched glue spatulas;
• mallet;
• hammer;
• paint brush.

To carry out measurements and quality control, you need:

• roulette;
• metal ruler;
• square;
• building level;
• plumb line.

If there is a need to manufacture timber frame, then in addition you need to prepare a screwdriver, a hacksaw, a chisel.

The use of glass blocks in the interior of a room is gaining more and more popularity. This is facilitated by high performance characteristics, strength and durability of the material.

Modern glass blocks are produced in a wide range, which makes it possible to choose according to color, shape and other parameters. Self-assembly allows you to somewhat reduce the main drawback of the material - price.