I would like to replace my tub/shower with a walk-in shower (glassblock walls). How hard are they to set? I’d also like to replace the window with a glass block wall-any caution here?
Finally, what is the “R”-value of 4" glass blocks-will I have to worry about heat loss in the winter?
I’ve never done it, but I’d love to. I saw a program on it (one of those do-it-yourself thingys). It’s not too difficult. You can get a book on it at Home Depot or one of those places. It really looked easy and was just beautiful when completed. Go YOU!
I’ve never done it either, but from what I’ve seen on HGTV, it doesn’t look too difficult. Since you’re planning to replace an existing window, might I suggest you set the blocks in a frame that you can just slip in place of the window? I saw that done and I thought it was an excellent idea - lots easier to deal with the blocks on a workbench instead of in a limited area like a window.
Of course, if it’s a huge area, that could be prohibitively heavy…
Make sure to take photos to share!
Ah-ha! Ralph, doing the whole house are we. Yes the R-Value of the glass is pretty good, but unless you make the entrance have an L walk in, be prepared for cold feet. Also if you have a good mason, I’d get the heating coil inlayed in the tile, it’s a little more expensive, but you will thank your lucky charms in the middle of a cold winter.
Setting glass is not too hard, you’ll want the clear mason’s caulk run in a trowel not from the gun. Make sure to check the seam on every application, and heed the mixing adivce, let each layer set or you’ll be in love with a lopsided wall.
We have a bathroom like this in our home in Arizona. We never really worry about the heat loss, we like it cooler there. We have the L walkin and dual shower heads. They are Cobra fountain-head design (no it doesn’t look like a cobra) it actually is stainless steel and is the size of a dinner plate. Mrs.Phlosphr picked them out…
Oh the window…FCM has the right idea there. But make sure your 4" blocks are wide enough for the framing to the outside of the house. If not, you can make a shim to put around the fixture. This will give you a lip on the inside and make it flush on the outside!
Lots of shower ideas here.
We rebuilt our entryway and have two columns of glass block on either side of the front door. Lets in a lot of light. Just remember to include the grout space between the blocks in your design. We used the silicone sealant & clear channel connectors and didn’t think it would move the bricks apart enough to change the figures. :smack: We were about an 1 short and had to redo the framing. But it looks real nice (now).