Al Carrell: A large wall size window helped bring the outdoors into Leslie Siedel's garden style bathroom. She liked the look, but a gate was necessary for privacy. She decided a change to glass block windows might be an improvement. Well now Leslie, what do you hope to accomplish by taking these great windows out of here?
Leslie Seidel: Well, I wanted to bring in more light into the bathroom. And kind of open it up. When the gate was shut, it was just really dark in here.
AC: The solution, remove the gate and replace the windows with glass block.
LS: I thought that that would update the bathroom and also help with privacy.
AC: Yeah, I think it's going to really look great. I'm really anxious to see this go in.
LS: I am too.
AC: Yeah, I bet. So let's get started. The process is fairly simple and you're going to be surprised at how fast it goes. In fact, Leslie largest window can be removed and replaced with a glass block in just over an hour. And, it's going to take just a handful of simple tools and materials. The first thing, of course, is to remove the existing window and this is done rather quickly with a utility knife and pry bar. Once the window is out, it's fairly effortless to insert the preassembled grid into the hole. Of course, in this case, the tree in the opening added a little challenge. The grid is a lot easier to install than gray mortar joints that have traditionally been used to install glass block. And because the grids come in a variety of colors they harmonize well with any décor.
Chris Irvin: There you go.
AC: Perfectamundo! Once it's level we simply screw the frame in place.
CI: There's holes about every seven or eight inches and we'll attach those all the way around and make sure it gives a good...
AC: Gives a good well anchor, yeah.
CI: ...well-anchored frame.
AC: Now, they might look heavy, but the individual glass blocks are actually fairly lightweight. It takes about 15 minutes to wrap each and every block with a peel-and-stick insulating foam. This makes it watertight, airtight?
CI: Yes sir. The foam tape allows it to breathe and also provides a seal during the wintertime and the summer.
AC: Well, according to my count I believe that's the last one for this big window.
CI: Sure is.
AC: Inserting the glass blocks has got to be the easiest step in the whole process. We just pop each block into place and it takes no time at all. Once all the blocks are in, a few taps with a rubber mallet insures each one is secure. And this is really going to be a good secure window. It's not going to be something that somebody could break into easily.
CI: Not easily.
AC: The only thing left to do is apply weatherproof silicon caulk. The caulk will form a seal against air and moisture. Of course, it'll also lock each block in tightly. It took us just about an hour to get this big window in, right?
CI: Yeah, it did Al.
AC: And probably you could have done it a lot quicker if I hadn't been out there helping. Well now, this really looks great. This seems to let in enough light so you really don't have to turn on the lights in here during the daytime.
CI: Exactly. Also, it provides privacy and saves electricity. Also, yeah, it's beautiful.
AC: And our homeowner agrees.
CI: Well, I am so happy with it. There's so much more light in here and it's given the bathroom a whole new look.
AC: The glass blocks come in an assortment of colors and patterns as do the preassembled grids. And if a block should ever become broken or chipped, it will only take about five minutes to cut it out and replace it. As you can see, this is a pretty easy do-it-yourself project. You just need some simple tools and the grid system and the glass blocks and you're in business. As a matter of fact, this big window right here only cost about $400.00 to replace. Now you can order your grid system from Acme Brick. They're the people that make that system.
Contacts:
ACME Brick: 800-932-2263
Episode 54 1997 - 98 Season
| Bathroom Makeover | Hail Damage | Glass Blocks | Refinance |