Replacing Glass Blocks

recruit4meisner

I need some good suggestions about replacing a glass block "window" in a master bathroom with something more attractive. I know you guys got me covered!

mickeyco

What are the requirements; privacy, security, fire exit, airflow/venting, budget, etc? Your profile says "Delray Beach, FL", so you have high temperature, high humidity and possibly salt air if you're close to the ocean. There are many options;

Bronze: great for salt air, high temp and humidity, but expensive.

Fiberglass: great for salt air, high temp and humidity, expensive but not as much as bronze.

Wood: if painted or sealed well not bad in salt air, high temp but humidity can be a problem.

Aluminum: fine for high temp and humidity, but salt air can corrode them.

Steel: about the same as aluminum.

Vinyl: not sure, probably hold up fine with humidity and salt air but I don't how they perform in areas with high heat with lots of UV .

You could always go with a newer, more stylish glass block, cheap option. I'd check with local window distributor and see what they have and recommend.

Teetorbilt

Glass block is back. Any pics of your home? Block is the answer if you have an older home or retro-deco.

If it's in a shower stall, you may want to rethink the situation. I'm going the opposite direction in one of my baths, the window is in the stall and leaks from the inside.

Need some info on the house construction. Stick? Block? Cast? How old is the home? Every situation is different and it could be anything in Delray.

__________________
You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

Albert Einstein

recruit4meisner

Great info there Mickey, thanks man!

Teetor-Thanks to you as well. Here's some more info:
House was built in '94, CBS, mission style tile roof. I'll snap some pics tonight after work.
Basically, it's a large glass block window in front of a platform tub. Exposed to the road, so yeah, privacy is a concern. "old #2" (as you so graciously say) HATES the block. I could take it or leave it. I've seen some new Pella windows that have interchangable inserts with frosting, or designs inside. Anybody use them yet?

brownie77

Its the Pella designer series. There are mulitple types of insert for the window unit. There's a hinged panel on the interior for swaping the inserts in and out. You can also add cordless blinds between the glass to the unit. The blinds come in a varity of colors, and styles. (pleated shades, tilt raise and lower, with a bottom up or top down). These unit are very popular in bathroom applications. Because the blinds are between the glass, it eliminates the need for cleaning, dusting, etc.

tkle

Cheap fix,spray 3m adhesive to exterior.It'll give it a glazed look.

Teetorbilt

Other ways to deal with this; Plants, wall with plants inside, shutters inside, other window treatments.

If she REALLY hates THE BLOCK, there is not much that you can do other than replace it with a window, partially block up the opening or totally block the opening.

Why not ask her what SHE would like? When it's done, you're out of the woods!

The wall with plants inside was very popular here in a local DiVosta development.

Why don't you stay inside and have her go outside to see what others see? IMHO, only those into Dali or Picasso would be interested.

__________________
You can't solve you're problems with the same level of thinking that created the problems.

Albert Einstein