Glass blocks for partitions are dangerous. Glass blocks in the bathroom. Unusual uses of glass blocks
Glass blocks in the interior of an apartment are used as decoration, but at the same time they serve useful features: divide the space into zones, allow you to close some parts of the room while maintaining lighting. Glass block construction is a partition made of glass blocks. What are its advantages and characteristics, you will learn from our article
Features of glass block partitions
Wave-shaped partition made of glass blocks
Glass blocks for partitions they look great in styles such as hi-tech, loft, urban. And in classic style and even more so in a rustic (bucolic) setting they will look awkward.
Partition made of glass blocks in high-tech style
When using glass blocks for partitions, you can independently regulate the intensity of the light flux entering the room. Typically, a partition made of glass blocks is installed in a bathroom, toilet, kitchen, or is used to zone an apartment into several rooms. Most often, rooms such as the bedroom and living room are separated.
A glass block partition (photo) will visually enlarge the room, making it more spacious, bright and fashionable. In addition, a partition in the form of glass blocks will add zest and European style to the design of your apartment.
Glass block partition visually expands the room
Glass block partitions have practical properties:
- high strength,
- fire resistance,
- excellent sound insulation,
- heat resistance,
- ease of care,
- perfectly transmits sunlight,
- is not afraid of sudden changes in temperature and humidity.
Advantages of an interior partition made of glass blocks
Bedroom zoning using glass block partitions
Partitions between rooms are the most common option and have many advantages:
1) Material made from glass blocks allows you to create screens of various sizes in a short time. 2) The upper border of the partition can be of various shapes, for example, in the form of a pyramid, crystal, lattice, wave or stepped. 3) A partition made of glass blocks can be presented as a kind of art object, and not just a zoning decorative structure. For example, you can separate the hallway from the living room with a metal screen with glass block inserts.
Partition with glass block installations
4) The bathroom is the most organic room for using interior partitions made of glass blocks - photo. They harmonize perfectly with ceramic tiles on the walls and floor. In addition, the bathroom can be divided into several zones: washbasin, shower and toilet. Read more about this in the article on our website. 5) The sizes of glass blocks for partitions vary in both thickness and height. Read more about this in the article on our website.
Interior partition made of glass blocks in the bathroom"
6) If you make a wave-shaped partition using rounded glass blocks, the room will seem not only vast, but also protected. 7) If the partition is made entirely of glass blocks or photographs are inserted, then it will be convenient for it to divide the rooms into zones, maintaining a feeling of spaciousness, elegance and celebration in the interior of the apartment. 8) You can experiment and create a bar corner from a glass block partition. 9) Glass blocks for partitions - their price is reasonable. They can be purchased by people with low incomes. Read more about this in the article on our website.Gallery partitions and other glass block structures
Stepped partition
Glass blocks as a construction and finishing material have been used since Soviet times, but having passed through the decades and undergone significant changes, glass brick in a new image has returned to perform decorative functions. IN modern construction found this material wide application thanks to their unique properties and vibrant variety.
Classification of glass blocks
Glass blocks are two glass half-blocks welded together. Hollow inside. They are distinguished by a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, which can be found in the catalog with photos. New production technologies make it possible to produce frosted and colored glass blocks, corrugated and with inserts, which will transform the interior of any room.
- Forms. Available in brick shapes, rectangular, half, hexagonal and corner. The last two are original, the first are the most popular.
- Color spectrum glass blocks in the interior:
- colorless (from 70% to 90% transparency), colored (from 50% to 70% transparency);
- matte (transparency less than 50%), transparent (transparent, light-directing, light-diffusing);
- relief surface (drop, wave, cubes) and smooth;
- with internal inserts and decorated in style stained glass(after looking at the photo, you can choose options with various decorative fillings);
- Painting technique performed in two various technologies. Color inner surface before soldering the halves or add color when melting glass. This indicator affects the ability to transmit light.
- Application area. The three main types are decorative, interior and industrial. A shower room with elements of any kind will be original and unique.
Thanks to your technical specifications glass bricks have a number of advantages that allow them to be used in a variety of directions, and a wall made of glass blocks, made by hand, as structural element will delight not only with beauty, but also with practicality.
Advantages
- They are characterized by increased fire resistance. Withstands high temperatures.
- They are durable, have excellent heat-saving, energy-saving and sound-proofing qualities.
- Moisture-resistant, therefore suitable for showers and swimming pools.
- Glass blocks in the interior do not require plastering, painting, or lining with other materials.
- They have no contraindications for use in residential premises and comply with all hygiene standards.
- Installing glass blocks is easy to do with your own hands.
Glass blocks and interior
For a long time there was an unequivocal attitude towards them - boring, unremarkable material, it emanates a chill, its place is in clinics and catering establishments. Then complete oblivion. Now they seem to have burst into our home as something new, original. Glass blocks in the interior make the room light and spacious. In construction they are widely used as finishing material for the design of individual elements, kitchens, bathrooms, and installation of partitions in residential premises. Glass blocks in the interior of the apartment create a unique atmosphere of comfort, as evidenced by numerous photos.
IN one-room apartment the original solution would be partition for zoning space from glass blocks. If we assume that there is still a sleeping area by the window, then the living room is deprived of natural light, but thanks to the partition made of glass blocks, there is enough light in the apartment, and the bedroom is hidden from prying eyes.
Glass blocks in bathroom and a shower is in demand decorative material. On the one hand, they are light-proof and at the same time transmit part of the scattering light. Thanks to glass blocks as a partition, the shower room will visually increase in size, and by covering the toilet area with such material, you will add originality to the overall style with your own hands.
Advice! Before buying blocks, check out the room design options in the photo and choose the most suitable one so as not to make bright element dissonance in the overall picture.
X fragile glass is not the material from which walls are made. But, here, a translucent partition made of glass blocks (glass blocks), made with your own hands from elements sparkling with rich colors, will decorate any interior and make it possible to zone the space.
A general idea about glass blocks can be drawn from the name itself: translucent square “bricks” were widely used in buildings during the USSR, and more and more often their modern analogues can be seen today.
How to make a partition from glass blocks, where, unlike conventional masonry, cement mortar does not stick at all. What types of glass blocks are there, how they are constructed, and what tools are needed for the job, we will tell you in this article.
Glass blocks are well suited for walls loaded only with their own weight.
What is glass block and how does it work?
Glass blocks are two square glass boxes welded together with sides. Inside there is emptiness, or rather highly rarefied dry air. In inner space dust cannot enter the block and condensation cannot fall out, so the glass walls of the block from the inside always remain transparent.
As we know, sound waves, as well as a significant proportion of heat, are transmitted by vibrations of air molecules. Accordingly, the discharged space inside the block does not transmit sound well. The absence of air also prevents the transfer of heat, giving the glass block thermal insulation properties no worse than even double-glazed windows.
True, it would not be entirely correct to say that glass blocks are transparent; their walls transmit about 70% of the light flux. But, now, it’s no longer possible to see anything behind their thick corrugated surface other than blurry silhouettes.
Glass blocks are suitable where you need to ensure good natural light, while simultaneously hiding what is happening behind the wall.
Another advantage of glass blocks is their high fire resistance. Thick glass can burst only from a sharp and strong temperature change, but is practically invulnerable to relatively uniform heating even from a strong fire.
The aesthetic qualities of modern blocks are noticeably superior to their Soviet predecessors. Today they are produced in a variety of colors and shades, decorated with various designs. Various decorations and unusual objects are placed in the internal voids of the blocks. Design options for both the glass blocks themselves and the design using them.
General principles of working with glass blocks
The main difficulty in constructing a glass block partition is the need for precise preliminary calculation and markings.
Installation of glass blocks using masonry mixture
Laying blocks on a frame, despite its simplicity, significantly increases the cost of the structure. In addition, the installation of vertical load-bearing posts requires high marking accuracy. Therefore, bonding blocks using masonry mixture is more popular.
This method requires accuracy, certain skills, and the technology is similar to the usual one.
Since glass blocks cannot be cut and sharpened, as is the case with brick, we accurately calculate the entire structure in advance in size, taking into account the width of the seams. If you cannot install an even number of blocks, you can use an insert from ordinary brick, wood or other material.
We start laying from the bottom row. The rows of blocks must lie horizontally, so the base must first be leveled. At a minimum, a stripe with a width equal to the width of the block.
Quantity mounting mixture We select it in such a way that it fills the gap between the blocks as completely as possible. To do this, you need to place it so much that it is slightly squeezed out of the seams between the blocks.
To fill a vertical seam, apply the mixture to an already installed block or the one we are laying, or better yet, both. If, however, voids have formed in the vertical seam, we fill them when laying the next row.
To increase the strength of the masonry, we lay reinforcement made of galvanized wire or perforated tape between the rows.
Until you gain experience, check each installed block with a level, as well as the entire row.
The work will be simplified by special masonry crosses. They are placed between the corners of the block, and after the masonry is completed, they are removed or sealed with mortar, filling the seam.
If the frame is made of wood, a hacksaw with a fine tooth and a screwdriver will be added to the above.
For masonry with an adhesive mixture you need a regular set of tools for masonry: trowel - trowel, string. The only bricklayer's hammer - we'll replace the pick rubber mallet. It can be used to tap and upset a glass block without fear of breaking the fragile glass.
And of course, in both cases, for marking you will need a building level, tape measure, marker, and square.
The masonry mixture is sold ready-made. But if you want, it’s easy to prepare it yourself. Quite regular one will do cement mortar based on grade 400 cement with a ratio of 1:3. But there are a couple of nuances:
- Be sure to add to cement mixture PVA emulsion, about a glass, per bucket of solution.
PVA will add plasticity, as well as some “stickiness”, without which it will be inconvenient to work.
- To get a partition good quality As a rule, it is better to use white cement. A regular grayish seam will be visible through the transparent body of the glass block, which is not always desirable.
If the masonry is made from blocks whose glass is colored in a certain tone, the masonry mixture can be given the required color by adding a coloring pigment to the mixture.
A little safety
Modern glass blocks are of good quality. But they also have flaws. There are sharp burrs and sharp edges, so immediately get used to working with gloves.
Ordinary cloth ones are uncomfortable, even those covered with “pimples”. The glass block tends to slip out, and your hands get tired quickly.
It is best to use glazier gloves. On the palm side they are covered with latex, which does not slide on the glass as easily and better protects your fingers from cuts.
When working with an angle grinder, especially if you have to sharpen the edges of the block, be sure to use safety glasses and a respirator. Glass dust is an extremely harmful and insidious thing.
With this, let me take my leave. We hope that beautiful and practical partitions made of glass blocks will make your home more convenient, more environmentally friendly, and give it a unique charm.
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Very often, when decorating a bathroom, glass is used, which resembles frozen water. It brings light into the interior of the room and expands the space. That is why the use of glass blocks is very popular when arranging a bathroom. Everyone without exception likes this material; even the most demanding clients prefer glass blocks for zoning space.
What is glass block?
A glass block is a simple product that has the shape of a brick, is made of glass and has an empty interior. The thickness of its walls ranges from 6 to 8 mm. This material is in demand when creating partitions in the bathroom due to its non-standard light distribution. The glass block has many properties that allow you to create reliable sound and thermal insulation thanks to the rarefied air located inside. It is produced exclusively from environmentally friendly pure materials. Glass brick has good fire resistance.
One of the most important properties glass block is moisture resistant, so it can be used when decorating a bathroom. This material allows you to create original shapes of partitions without limiting the designer’s imagination. With its help, you can select various effects and add luxury and charm to the room. The bathroom will become bright, stylish and comfortable.
Over the past few years, glass block has become very popular. Manufacturers offer a large assortment products. They create a variety of shapes: square, rectangle, corner, round, etc. Today you can buy glass blocks of any color or texture. At the peak of popularity today are glass blocks with decorative fillers or decorated with lighting.
Glass block is excellent choice when decorating a bathroom, because neither fungi nor bacteria can survive on its surface. In addition, glass is easy to clean and disinfect.
Dimensions
Glass blocks for decorating rooms have standard sizes– 19x19x8 cm and 24x24x8 cm. One glass block weighs from 2.5 to 4 kg. The thickness of the product ranges from 7.5 to 10 cm.
Price
Today you can purchase glass blocks at different prices. The buyer independently chooses the option that satisfies his needs. The price of glass blocks depends on many factors - size, color, shape and manufacturer. But on average, glass blocks are available to everyone. One such “brick” can cost from 110 to 310 rubles.
Diversity
Glass blocks are presented by manufacturers in different color solutions. Their surface can be corrugated, glossy or matte. The choice depends entirely on the client's preferences. For the play of light you can choose suitable option, because they are translucent, light-scattering and light-directing.
Glass blocks can be of different shapes: rectangular, square, round, oval, triangular, with rounded corners, in the form of corner parts or other irregular shapes.
Glass block partitions in bathroom design
Regular partitions
Translucent glass blocks can be used as a variety of partitions when decorating a bathroom to create multiple zones. They transmit light well and at the same time create a blurry image. Partitions made of glass blocks are often used to separate shower stalls and bathrooms. This design creates a magnificent tandem with ceramic tiles.
Shower cabin
Glass block shower stalls are often used by designers who want to create an elegant and modern interior. If you use glass blocks for the walls of the shower stall, then the room will become brighter, because they transmit approximately 85 percent of the light. Glass blocks can come in a variety of shapes, allowing the designer to be creative. Using glass blocks as the walls of a shower cabin, you can simultaneously achieve several goals: divide the space, reliably protect the entire room from splashes of water during a shower, create privacy, and also decorate the interior of the bathroom.
Window
Not every bathroom has a window, but if you do have one, you can also add a touch of originality by using glass blocks. They allow you to add unusualness, create soft lighting, and are also highly durable and come in a variety of shapes. There are a lot of advantages, but there is one small disadvantage - the lack of ventilation. Therefore, before placing glass blocks on the windows, you should take care of the ventilation of the room.
Decorative inserts
Very often, designers use glass blocks to create partitions in the bathroom. Glass stones will add originality and style to your interior. But you should know when to stop and not overload the partition with decor.
Installation
The process of installing a glass block partition is not easy, but it can be done independently, even without special skills.
You can use one of existing methods fastenings:
- special frames, modules and profiles;
- cement-sand mortar;
- adhesive composition.
With the help of special frames, even a beginner can trust the installation of glass blocks. The blocks should be placed in special module cells, using rubber gaskets for fixation. Even without a plumb line and building level you can quickly and easily build a partition. This method of installing glass blocks allows you to move the partition to another location if desired. The entire structure remains intact. If you use an adhesive composition or a cement-sand mortar, then its location cannot be changed.
Each glass block has protective film. Before installation, you should not remove it, because you can not only stain the block, but damage it.
IN construction stores you can buy special glue High Quality, which ensures quick and easy installation of glass blocks. Thanks to its transparent texture, it remains invisible and therefore does not affect the appearance
glass blocks. The cheapest way to install a glass block partition is to use cement-sand mortar. You will also need spacer crosses for
- level masonry
- . The installation process occurs in several stages: the sand for the solution must be fine, because large grains of sand can scratch the glass;;
- glass blocks have a special film that can be removed only after installation. If this film is damaged, then it will help regular tape The work should begin with markings, and it is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the room, the glass block and the seams that will be placed between them. If the bathroom is more than 15 meters, then it is worth installing a frame made of profiles. To achieve high rigidity, the frame is fixed in
- three directions
- : on the floor, ceiling and wall. If the frame is not used, then the seams can be reinforced using metal wire;
- Only three rows of glass blocks can be laid per day. The solution does not adhere well to glass, so it is necessary to give it time to securely fix; This installation method is used exclusively for low partitions. The lower rows cannot withstand huge loads, since the solution can spread due to the large weight; for structural strength it is necessary to purchase special
- metal rods
