Custom glass block windows give homeowners many design options that can be tricky to choose from. Fortunately, the multitude of benefits of installing custom glass block windows into a home makes the decision-making process worth it. For instance, glass block windows provide residential buildings security, privacy, and beauty.
Plus, glass block windows can also help lower a home’s annual maintenance and energy costs!
With all the inherent advantages glass block windows provide, it’s easy to see why glass block has been a popular choice for residential and commercial builders for decades. To help you choose the right custom glass block window for your home, we’re explaining how to approach selecting a custom glass block window for your home.
Why Did you Want a Glass Block Window?
The reasoning behind choosing a custom glass block window for your home should be front of mind when selecting or designing your new window. Is it to increase privacy within your home? Or, to lower heating and cooling costs?
Or, maybe it’s because you saw a beautiful glass block window somewhere and want to emulate that look in your home. Whatever your reasoning for choosing glass block, keep it in mind as you determine which product is best for your project.
Best Glass Blocks for Privacy
When privacy is your top priority, choose a glass block for your custom window that offers medium to maximum levels of privacy. In general, look for heavily textured options or ones with a frosty/opaque finish.
A few patterns we recommend include:
- Ice from the 3″ Thinline series.
- European Samba, from the Basic Line.
- Arctic Glass, from the Basic Line
Best Glass Block for Security
Glass block is widely known for its fantastic ability to provide security and natural light. Additionally, glass block windows are a relatively affordable solution compared to the cost of a home security system. Security is a primary reason why homeowners choose to have glass block windows in their homes.
If security is your primary motive behind choosing custom glass block windows, we recommend choosing from our selection of custom glass block security windows. Security glass block windows use the same blocks as in many of our other custom window options; however, their construction style provides them with a little more stability than some other options.
Our security window section has several patterns to choose from that easily meet your privacy and security preferences. For example, those who want a window with maximum strength and discretion should select an Ice Security window.
Best Glass Blocks for Storm Protection
Protection against severe storm damage is another great reason people use glass block in their homes. Windows made with impact resistant glass block, produced by an approved manufacturer, meet the strict standards for hurricane windows set by Dade County and the Texas Department of Insurance.
The impact glass block from Quality Glass Block is available in three attractive patterns. To choose your preferred pattern and size for a hurricane glass block window, visit our hurricane window page.
Note: When using glass block to protect your home from severe weather, we recommend you use the correct installation method in addition to the right type of glass block to ensure your meet code requirements in severe weather locations.
What Room will the Window Be Installed?
Location, location, location. Where your custom glass window will be installed in your home will significantly impact what type of glass block is best for the project. Will the window be in a basement or below-grade location? Will it be in the bathroom, where steam and humidity are always present? Be sure your custom window meets the needs of the room where it will be installed.
In the Bathroom
Privacy, aesthetics, and ventilation are essential considerations for any bathroom window. Fortunately, a custom glass block window can easily handle those requirements!
For privacy, incorporate textured clear glass blocks into the design. Or, add a unique twist to the window that will ensure privacy and set the mood with one of the color choices from the Inject Color line.
Ventilation and fresh air are essential in a bathroom. When building a custom glass block window for a bath or powder room, be sure to incorporate a hopper vent to allow for air movement and humidity control.
In the Basement
If the glass block window is for a basement or below-grade location, consider a product that allows maximum light transmission and air ventilation. This will help the room stay bright and airy and avoid turning into a dark, cold, and damp space.
For maximum light transmission, we recommend choosing a clear or color option in the following three classic patterns:
And, be sure to include a hopper vent in the window design to allow for fresh air and ventilation when needed.
In the Kitchen
The kitchen is the heart of the home, and custom glass block windows can help make it shine! Brighten the space by selecting a custom window that includes one of the many clear or color options from our glass block collections.
Is Natural Daylighting Important to Your Design?
Exposure to natural light is beneficial to our health and well-being. And, with proper access to natural light inside your home, being inside won’t stop you from accessing those benefits!
Including a custom glass block window in your design can help you take advantage of natural light in two ways: letting it in and reflecting it.
For windows that let in natural light, we recommend clear or color options in the following three classic patterns:
- Crossrib
- Clarity
- Alpha
Do you want color glass block, clear, or a mixture of both?
Glass block windows can be used to strengthen your home’s aesthetic style. Custom windows created using all clear glass blocks can provide a sleek, classic look. For a fun, playful twist, consider having a window constructed using color, such as those found in the Colored Glass collection.
Or, mix it up and combine color blocks with clear ones! Many of our lines work seamlessly together and can be used in the same project. However, before getting carried away with different color palettes and design ideas, contact our experts to confirm the products you prefer are compatible and meet your needs.
Quality Glass Block & Window – You’re Best Choice for Custom Glass Block Windows!
A custom glass block window can add beauty, privacy, and natural light to any room in your home. Our team of experts can help you select the perfect design for your needs and preferences. With so many options available, a custom glass block window is sure to be perfect for your home!
Give us a follow!