Glass blocks used to be such a pain.
Though they don’t absorb mortar like bricks, glass blocks used to be installed in much the same way, stacked with messy mortar. If you piled a wall too high and didn’t let the mortar dry between layers, it would squish out under the weight.
But now, thanks to innovations in the past few years, homeowners and contractors are using glass blocks to dramatic affect with far fewer headaches.
Windows, elaborate walk-in showers, partitions, even large exterior walls are shedding and spreading light throughout the modern home. And it’s thanks in no small part to Seattle Glass Block, a national developer and local installer of glass block systems.
“We have taken the difficulty out of working with glass block,” said Brian Wright, the owner and founder of the business set to showcase glass block systems at the Everett Fall Home Show this weekend.
The Woodinville-based company’s line of systems, typically combined with Pittsburgh Corning glass blocks, is extensive. Once of the most revolutionary is the do-it-yourself Stack and Grout System, in which rigid vinyl spacers and silicone adhesive take the place of mortar.
“Basically the vinyl is a preformed joint,” Wright said. “Now you’re just connecting parts. It’s kind of like Legos.”
After you finish stacking the blocks, you let the silicone adhesive cure overnight. You can then apply grout in between the blocks for the look of a traditional glass block wall.
Many of Seattle Glass Block’s systems are available nationwide at home improvement stores, but Wright hopes local homeowners and contractors will seek out his showroom’s diverse inventory, installation expertise and custom design services.
“We can help people with their needs incredibly fast,” Wright said. “We have so many systems available, but only a couple things are available at the home centers.”
Seattle Glass Block also features a line of handy products that lay the foundation for glass block installation, including shower curbs and floors, templates, prefabricated windows and kits for just about any project you could imagine.
Gordon Gregg, who owns City Builders of Lynnwood, said Wright’s vision for glass block decades ago turned the product from a retro design element into a timeless building material.
“He’s the godfather of glass block in Seattle,” Gregg said, adding that he recently used some of the Wright’s systems in his own home. In addition to glass stair treads from the company, his newly remodeled Edmonds home will feature glass block on an exterior wall next to a neighbor’s house.
He likes having daylight without sacrificing privacy. He also expects it will save a bit on the light bill, too.
“It kind of works like a skylight in the wall,” he said. “You don’t have to flip the switch.”
Reporter Sarah Jackson: 425-339-3037 or sjackson@heraldnet.com.
Resources
Seattle Glass Block 6029 238th St. SE, Suite 101, Woodinville 425-483-9977 www.seattleglassblock.com Seattle Glass Block will be at the Everett Fall Home Show Friday through Sunday at the Everett Events Center.
Learn more: See www.pittsburghcorning.com www.block-pro.com www.pacificaccent.com www.glassblockinnovations.com www.glassblockusa.com.
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