How To Install Glass Block Windows: 15 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Install Glass Block Windows PDF download Download Article Co-authored by Lui Colmenares

Last Updated: February 24, 2025

PDF download Download Article
  • Sizing the Glass Block Windows
    • |
  • Removing the Old Frame
    • |
  • Installing the Block Glass Panel
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Interview
    • |
  • Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Things You'll Need
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Lui Colmenares. Lui Colmenares is a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor and Handyman for Mr. Handy NYC based in New York City, New York. Lui is trained and educated as an industrial engineer and specializes in carpentry, painting, and general handyman work such as mounting TVs, doorknob and deadbolt installation, furniture assembly, tile repair, and grouting. Mr. Handy NYC prides itself on quality work performed with speed, skill, and punctuality. This article has been viewed 135,728 times.

Installing glass block windows is the most practical way to weatherproof your basement or to create an attractive dividing wall in your bathroom. The installation procedure is relatively simple, so just about anybody can do it themselves. Follow these steps to guide you as you learn how to install glass block windows.

Steps

Part 1 Part 1 of 3:

Sizing the Glass Block Windows

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  1. Step 1 Measure your space. 1 Measure your space. Installing glass block windows requires removing the current window frame, so ensure that you measure down to the masonry and not just the current window frame.[1]
    • If you are in doubt concerning where the masonry is in relation to the current frame, take several pictures of the window and take them to the fabricator for your glass panels. They can give you a more proper estimate.[2]
    • Always measure twice. Getting the right dimensions is crucial.
  2. Step 2 Subtract 1/2” (1.27cm) from both the width and the length. 2 Subtract 1/2” (1.27cm) from both the width and the length. This space will actually be a 1/4” mortar joint on each side of the panel, but you can simply subtract 1/2” for your measurement. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Take your measurements to your vendor. 3 Take your measurements to your vendor. Whether you are purchasing from a dealer or having your panels fabricated, you will need to take your measurements down to the company where they will show you several styles to suit your needs.
    • Since fabrication won’t be a same-day process, it is recommended that you leave the current window installed until your block panels are ready.
    • If your panels aren’t being delivered directly to your home, you may want to request a band clamp around the windows. This will help you transport them with less risk of snapping any of the blocks off the larger panel.[3]
    4. Advertisement
Part 2 Part 2 of 3:

Removing the Old Frame

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  1. Step 1 Remove the old window. 1 Remove the old window. If you break the old window, be extremely careful clearing the shards. Ensure the you sweep up or clear the area with a shop vac and wear gloves. EXPERT TIP Bicycle Glass

    Bicycle Glass

    Glassblowing Experts Bicycle Glass Co. was founded in 2016 by David Royce and Michael Boyd, two professional glass experts. Bicycle Glass is primarily a lighting company, committed to quality, sustainability, and affordability. All Bicycle Glass products are made of high-quality, recycled glass and are hand-blown by a dedicated team of artisans. The studio is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by conserving energy in all of its production. Using renewable wind energy to offset all electricity usage, the studio is actively working toward the goal of carbon neutrality. Bicycle Glass believes that high-quality, handmade glass products should be within reach for everyone. Bicycle Glass Bicycle Glass Glassblowing Experts

    Always prioritize safety when working with glass. Make sure to wear proper protective gear and carefully handle the glass. This applies to all processes, including holding, cutting, or polishing. Follow safety protocols to prevent accidents and achieve successful outcomes.

  2. Step 2 Cut through the frame. 2 Cut through the frame. Use a circular saw or a hand saw to make the first cut into the current window frame.[4] This will make it easier to pry out the frame.
  3. Step 3 Rip out the old jamb. 3 Rip out the old jamb. The frame’s material will determine how difficult this process is. For many frames you may be able to use a simple pry bar to rip out the frame.[5]
    • If the jambs are set in concrete or mortar, chisel some of it away to ease removal. When dealing with metal frames cast in the concrete, it is usually best to leave these in place. Ask your glass fabricator for suggestions. [6]
  4. Step 4 Remove caulking with a utility knife. 4 Remove caulking with a utility knife. You want the space to be as clear and even as possible before installing the block panel, so remove any leftover caulking and clear the space of any debris.
    5. Advertisement
Part 3 Part 3 of 3:

Installing the Block Glass Panel

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  1. Step 1 Install cedar shims at the bottom of the frame. 1 Install cedar shims at the bottom of the frame. The shims will help hold the panel in place, and they will ensure an even placement of the panel in the space. The shims should be about 1/2” (1.27cm) wide and long enough to easily remove once the first round of mortar sets.[7]
    • Install the shims at 3” (7.62cm) intervals, moving away from the corners.
  2. Step 2 Mix small batches of mortar. 2 Mix small batches of mortar. You can mix batches about five or six trowel amounts at a time. It should ideally have a consistency close to bread dough, which will stop the panel from floating in the space as its sets.
  3. Step 3 Apply a small amount of mortar to the bottom of the frame. 3 Apply a small amount of mortar to the bottom of the frame. This should just be a thin layer between the shims to help form a base before placing the window.
  4. Step 4 Tilt or slide the panel into position over the shims. 4 Tilt or slide the panel into position over the shims. The panel will be heavy, so have assistance on hand to place the panel. Reset any shims that move while setting the panel.
  5. Step 5 Slide shims into the top of the window until it is snug. 5 Slide shims into the top of the window until it is snug. Assure the window is plumb and square before continuing.
  6. Step 6 Pack the gaps at the bottom with mortar. 6 Pack the gaps at the bottom with mortar. Use a trowel and pack the gaps around the shims at the bottom of the panel.[8]
    • Allow it to set, hard to the touch, before mortaring the sides. From inside, scrape away any clumps of mortar with your trowel.[9]
  7. Step 7 Mortar the sides of the panel. 7 Mortar the sides of the panel. Assure that the mortar is firmly set before applying pressure to the window.
    • Slide all of your shims out and finish mortaring the gaps once the mortar has set.
    • Allow the mortar to set for two hours and then smooth it out with a striking tool.
    • Clean any excess mortar off the panel with a sponge while it is still wet.
  8. Step 8 Apply caulk to seal the top of the window. 8 Apply caulk to seal the top of the window. Applying mortar at the top gap of the window can produce downward pressure as it sets that can compress and crack the glass. Let the mortar set for a full twenty-hour hours, then fill the entire gap with 100% silicone caulking.[10]
    9. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Does the lock go on top or on bottom? Community Answer Community Answer The lock to open the window goes on top. The window pivots inward from the bottom. On my window there is a chain that can hold the window at two different degrees of aperture. This enables gravity to help you open the window and sends rain in a preferable direction. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 5
  • Question How do I replace a broken single block? Community Answer Community Answer Break the remaining block into small chunks with a hammer and punch. Vacuum up the debris. Install a single block with shims and caulk it into place. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2
  • Question Can I install a block window in a metal frame? Community Answer Community Answer They can fit, but it probably won't be the best fit. You may need to do some adjusting, but I would not install a block window in a metal frame if it were my project. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 1 Helpful 0
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • When installing a ventilator, simply install it in place of one or more blocks, depending on the unit's size. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 1
  • Generally, panels are stock sizes of 14” x 32” (35.56cm x 81.28cm) or 18” x 32” (45.72cm x 81.28cm), but specific sizes can be custom ordered in a variety of styles. Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 3
  • You may want to recruit a helper to assist you in lifting glass block panels, as they weigh more than 100 pounds (44.36 kilos). Thanks Helpful 3 Not Helpful 4
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You’ll Need

  • Gloves
  • Pry bar
  • Trowel
  • Mortar
  • Shims
  • Sponge
  • Level
  • Caulking gun

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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about home maintenance and repair, check out our in-depth interview with Lui Colmenares.

References

  1. ↑ http://www.askthebuilder.com/glass-block--installation-/
  2. ↑ http://www.askthebuilder.com/glass-block--installation-/
  3. ↑ http://www.askthebuilder.com/glass-block--installation-/
  4. ↑ Ryaan Tuttle. Home Improvement Specialist. Expert Interview
  5. ↑ http://www.familyhandyman.com/basement/installing-glass-block-basement-windows/view-all
  6. ↑ http://www.askthebuilder.com/glass-block--installation-/
  7. ↑ http://www.askthebuilder.com/glass-block--installation-/
  8. ↑ http://www.askthebuilder.com/glass-block--installation-/
  9. ↑ http://www.familyhandyman.com/basement/installing-glass-block-basement-windows/view-all
More References (1)
  1. ↑ http://www.askthebuilder.com/glass-block--installation-/

About This Article

Lui Colmenares Co-authored by: Lui Colmenares Licensed Contractor This article was co-authored by Lui Colmenares. Lui Colmenares is a Licensed Home Improvement Contractor and Handyman for Mr. Handy NYC based in New York City, New York. Lui is trained and educated as an industrial engineer and specializes in carpentry, painting, and general handyman work such as mounting TVs, doorknob and deadbolt installation, furniture assembly, tile repair, and grouting. Mr. Handy NYC prides itself on quality work performed with speed, skill, and punctuality. This article has been viewed 135,728 times. 33 votes - 67% Co-authors: 8 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 135,728 Categories: Doors and Windows Article SummaryX

To install glass block windows, start by cutting through the existing window frame, and ripping out the window and frame. Then, place cedar shims along the bottom of the opening to hold the new window panel in place. Next, apply a thin layer of mortar between the shims, then slide the new panel into place over them, adding more shims at the top to keep it in place. After that, pack any gaps around the bottom shims with mortar, then let it dry before mortaring the sides. Finally, remove all the shims and caulk the top of the window. To learn how to figure out what size windows you need to replace your existing block windows, keep reading! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Lui Colmenares Co-authored by: Lui Colmenares Licensed Contractor 33 votes - 67% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 8 Updated: February 24, 2025 Views: 135,728 Monnie Sims

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