Although acrylic and glass block are officially classified as "building materials", they're much cooler than that. They're pretty versatile because you can use them in a variety of ways to make your home more beautiful and functional.
Acrylic block and glass block are both similar and different. You could think of them as cousins in the same sort of 'building material' family. They serve the same purpose but do it in different ways by giving their users (that's you) more flexibility in using them. If you're totally confused at this point, read on to get a closer look at how acrylic and glass block can enhance your home.
The first thing you should probably know, if you haven't already figured it out (and it's ok if you haven't), is that these building blocks are made from two different materials. Each material has it's distinct advantages and disadvantages, as well as design applications where one might be a better choice than the other.
That's why it's helpful to understand how acrylic and glass block are both alike and different so that you can made the right choice.
Glass block is obviously made from glass and is available in clear or tinted styles. You can buy it in a variety of textures such as a wavy or pebbled surface finish.
Glass block weighs about 6 times as much as an equivalently-sized acrylic block. An 8-inch square acrylic block weighs about a pound whereas the same size glass block weighs in at about 6 pounds.
This heft makes it a good solid building material but impractical for operable (opening) windows. Consider what it would take to open a window that's made with about 16 large glass blocks weighing in at over 100 pounds.
The advantages of glass block include its durability and hardness. It's harder than acrylic and won't scratch as easily. And being glass, it's won't degrade over time or discolor.
On the flip side, its main disadvantage is its weight. Using glass block in movable windows isn't practical because it would make the window too heavy, both for the framing and the poor soul trying to open and close it. Walls and shower partitions made from stacked glass block also add up to a lot of weight. You'll need to make sure the framing in your floor is sufficient to carry the load.
Acrylic block (sometimes referred to as "acrylic glass block") is a thermoplastic material. It looks very similar to glass block and like glass is available in a variety of surface textures and color tints.
The primary advantage of acrylic block is its light weight, compared to glass block. Because its much lighter it can be used in operable privacy windows. In other words, you can have your privacy window and open it too. That's always a benefit, particularly in bathrooms, where there are times when you just want to let in some fresh air. You also don't have to worry that your floor can carry the weight of an acrylic block partition or shower wall like you do with glass block.
Photo Courtesy Of Hy-Lite-A US Block Windows Co.
Another desirable feature of acrylic block is that it affords faster assembly of structures like partitions and shower enclosures. Solid glass block was traditionally mortared in place which takes time and skill. Similar architectural features can be done faster and without the motar and grout approach usually taken with glass block.
Disadvantages of acrylic block include the fact that it's softer than glass and more prone to scratching. The use of abrasive cleaners and scouring pads should not be used on acrylic block because of the tendency to scratch and dull the surface. If you do scratch acrylic it's not the end of the world however. There are products like Novus Plastic Polish that are made to remove scratches from plastic.
One final point about acrylic is that over time, plastics naturally react with exposure to ultraviolet light and have a tendency to "yellow". Makers of acrylic block typically imbue their products with technologies that minimize this effect, including that the material passes standards such as the ASTM (American Society for Testing & Materials) standard for UV stability.
If you're interested in acrylic block check the literature to see what measures the maker has taken to reduce this characteristic. Some manufacturers tout the fact that their products surpass industry standards and that any discoloration over time is imperceptible to the human eye.
Given the versatility of acrylic and glass block the limits of it uses are really only bounded by your imagination. There's also nothing standing in your way if you want to use both types of acrylic and glass block to use them in situations that take advantage of their inherent advantages. For example you might want a real glass block shower enclosure while also using acrylic block in an opening privacy window.
Here are a few ideas on how you can put acrylic and glass block to work in your house:Photo Courtesy Of Hy-Lite-A US Block Windows Company
Acrylic block windows have the advantage of being operable, allowing you to open them. Casement (hinged at the side and opening outward like a door) or awning windows (hinged at the top) are two examples of acrylic block operable windows. The benefit with this type of window is that it allows you to bring in some fresh air when you want to while still being able to close them for the privacy you want. This obviously isn't possible with fixed block windows.
Interior walls partitions are two other applications for acrylic or glass block. Walls don't necessarily have to join another wall -- you could use glass or acrylic block for a partial-width wall to close down a large opening between two rooms. Partitions and half-high walls are often used in bathrooms to separate the toilet from the rest of the bathroom and glass or acrylic offers a way of getting this privacy while avoiding a closed-in feel that might occur with opaque materials.
Photo Courtesy Of Columbus Glass Block
Photo Courtesy Of Hy-Lite-A US Block Windows Company
Sidelight windows, those narrow panels on either side of an exterior door also afford a good spot for block windows since the translucency provides light but offers privacy and security.
Photo Courtesy Of Hy-Lite-A US Block Windows Company
Photo Courtesy Of Hy-Lite-A US Block Windows Company
These kinds of "windows" need to be installed during framing (new build or during a remodel) or else you'll need to tear out some of the existing drywall and frame in the windows. Just be sure you're don't tear out a load bearing wall. Talk to an architect or contractor if you're not sure.
Photo Courtesy Of Columbus Glass Block
Keep in mind that if you use it on a real structural column there will need to be a structural member in the center of the column, but that doesn't mean you can't wrap that member in glass block.
Acrylic block window shutters are an alternative to an opening acrylic block window. The shutters are closed when you need privacy and can be opened when you want a clear view outside the window.
The point here is that there are virtually limitless applications for acrylic and glass block. You're only limited by your imagination, save for any structural implications that you might have to deal with depending on how you want to use this versatile building product.
Some of these products have special features that make them more DIY-friendly and/or less complex and time consuming to build. In other words, not all acrylic and glass block 'systems' are the same. Here are some key features to look for when considering acrylic or glass block windows and building materials:
There are even shower kits for making a glass block walk-in or standard shower. Pittsburgh Corning's Shower Systems provide an acrylic shower base that accommodates and supports the glass block walls. You can use a traditional mortar or use Pittsburgh Corning's ProVantage® system for a mortar-less assembly.
Once these scenarios are considered it comes down to finding the products that meet your needs from an aesthetic, cost and ease of construction point of view. You may prefer the look of one material over the other or, you might base your decision on the ease of assembly that one material or block 'system' offers.
Another point to keep in mind is the light/dark difference. Even though acrylic and glass block provide a measure of privacy, the degree of privacy is reduced somewhat when a lighted room is viewed from a dark outside environment. In other words, it's easier to see that someone or something is behind the window in these situations. If you have a glass block exterior window in your
Photo Courtesy Of Columbus Glass Block
This master bath suite shown at the right with glass provided by Columbus Glass Block shows how color can add a tremendous amount of visual appeal. In addition to the colored blocks are blocks of varying size.
The combination of these two design elements add visual interest and detail. The same concept can be achieved with anything made from acrylic and glass block, whether it's a shower enclosure or a window.
Acrylic and glass block is a fairly common building material and locating it shouldn't be a problem. Before you buy however your best option is to first spend some time getting familiar with the various types of glass and acrylic products and "systems" that are available. From there it's easier to decide whether you can buy locally or you'll need to order materials from a national manufacturer/distributor.
These materials are sold both locally and nationally. Depending on where you live you may have a local supplier for acrylic or glass block. You can search online using the appropriate keyword (for example "acrylic block" or "glass block") and your city, town or zip code. Otherwise there are companies and distributors that sell these products nationally and can ship them to you.
One final consideration before deciding where to buy is whether you're going to do the work yourself or hire out the work. The benefit of buying local, particularly from businesses that specialize in the installation of acrylic and glass block is simply that -- they have experience working with the product.
On the other hand if you have some DIY skills there are many acrylic and glass block products that are designed to be DIY-friendly, especially the pre-fabricated products like the acrylic shower walls and enclosures. Don't overlook the possibility of doing the work yourself if you have the time, the right tools and feel confident you can get the right guidance from whomever you buy your products.
Bath Design Ideas - What better place to put acrylic and glass block to work than the bathroom. Discover a multitude of ideas, some "must haves" and some "discretionary" for a great bathroom.