What is the R value of glass blocks?
The solid glass block R-value is 1.15. With hollow glass block and its inherent partial vacuum, a jump in R-value occurs: The R-value of thin glass block is 1.75 and the R-value of standard glass block is 1.96. The differences between the shading coefficient of glass block and flat sheet glass is significant.
ANSWER: Glass-block windows are becoming increasing popular because of their attractive appearance, high security, low cost and energy-efficiency. A standard glass-block window has an insulating value about equal to a standard double-pane thermal window.
The best way to winterize your windows is to add a sealed layer of plastic or glass over the window. And the cheapest, easiest way to do this is by installing an interior window insulation kit. Keep out those winter winds by sealing up your drafty windows.
Energy Efficiency
Most standard glass block windows are about as efficient as thermal-pane windows, twice as efficient as single-pane, and are airtight. Some glass block windows also have low-E glass properties, meaning they are able to reduce the amount of heat lost through the window.
A typical glass brick window installed with mortar looses about half the energy of a single pane of glass. It has a U value of 3.5w per square metre. It is also a good sound insulator with an insulation index Rw of 40db.
Triple-pane windows have a higher R value because they use all the performance features mentioned above, such as low-E, plus three layers of glazing instead of the typical two layers. Adding a third pane of glass improves efficiency but makes them bulky, heavy, and expensive.
The love affair with glass block frames among homeowners is historical. Over time, this trend has been considered outdated as real estate trends evolved. But due to popular demand and their sheer quality, glass block windows are back like they never left.
The reason for the intense pressure is generally that there is no expansion joint in the panel (if the glass bricks or the surrounding structure can't expand then the glass bricks tend to break because they are generally weaker than the surrounding brick, steel or concrete structures).
What Is the Best R-Value for Windows? A single-pane window will have an R-value of 1. A standard double-pane window will have an R-value of 2.
The love affair with glass block frames among homeowners is historical. Over time, this trend has been considered outdated as real estate trends evolved. But due to popular demand and their sheer quality, glass block windows are back like they never left.
Can glass bricks be used outside?
Built tough to resist penetration from high-impact ballistics, and time-tested and proven in a variety of applications, Vistabrik solid glass blocks form durable, transparent masonry panels for interior and exterior use.
When installed in the usual ways, glass block windows are not soundproof. The thick glass blocks do reduce noise. However, it takes more than thickness to soundproof windows.
What Is the Best R-Value for Windows? A single-pane window will have an R-value of 1. A standard double-pane window will have an R-value of 2.
Glass blocks are back in style in warmer climes, too. Agent David Pulley of Douglas Elliman in Miami Beach associates glass blocks with his city's unique design history. “Glass blocks are synonymous with Miami Art Deco. They are certainly making a comeback.
The reason for the intense pressure is generally that there is no expansion joint in the panel (if the glass bricks or the surrounding structure can't expand then the glass bricks tend to break because they are generally weaker than the surrounding brick, steel or concrete structures).
While lounging in the bathtub, you can get a reasonable amount of natural light filtering through an exterior glass block window, but it is impossible for anyone to look inside. Even someone who looks right up to the glass will only see vague images inside.
