Clean Mortar Off Of Glass Block???

Nobreus

Wonder if anyone has experience with cleaning white mortar off of glass block? I need to take apart an existing shower wall, 7 feet by 8 feet long, because the first installer used mortar instead of silicone, and i am wondering if it's cost effective to try and clean the glass blocks from very cured mortar? And also if anybody has experience with using silicone for such a large wall?
Thankful for answers, Marcus

Brickie

steel wool, putty knife/scraper, etc.,

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NJ Brickie

Might want to try this product.

http://www.prosoco.com/ProductDetail.asp?ID={CEAEC215-D360-4B2E-BB9C-74AEFF8CA350}



There are also other non etching products that might work well for you. I have used the 600 detergent on new construction glass block but diluted the detergent with more water than usual. With any of the products that need to be diluted with water I would gradually add detergent to the water and use as little as possible. Since you are taking apart the wall, do all of the cleaning outside and keep away from skin contact.

stonelayer

viniger breaks down lime. It does take time but will work and is cost effective.

Tscarborough

No matter what you use, if it takes you more than 15 minutes per block you are losing money.

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stacker

the best product to clean mortar off glass block is EG.............elbow grease.
muratic acid will help loosen the older mortar.
but i agree with tscar,if it takes you too long your pissing in the wind.

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Tscarborough

Acid will etch the glass, BTW.

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tkle

2006 IBC 2103.6 Glass unit masonryI've done a lot of showers using mortar.No problems.

NJ Brickie

I wonder what the reasoning behind not using reclaimed glass block is? As long as the block is not cracked or chipped. The only reason I could see is, if there was a call for a specialty block like bulletproof and you needed to know exactly what you are getting.

stacker

i have never had muratic acid etch glass.im not calling you a liar,but ive never had that problem.when i acidize a house i always wash the windows down to remove any mud still on them.im not using straight acid tho.

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olyteddy

Yeah, Muriatic, which is 28% Hydrochloric Acid, should be glass safe (it's commonly stored in glass). Hydroflouric acid is used to etch glass.

Nobreus

Thank you all, greatly appreciate all the experience.

CJKarl

What he said.

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Tscarborough

Well, muriatic doesn't etch glass block.

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skyhook

Sounds like the beginning of a tanglef**k.

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tkle

I did my shower with reclaimed GB. Soaked them first for about a week in a strong solution of muratic and water. No problem. I'm glad Stacker said something because I hate to question you. You're usually right.

Tscarborough

I am always wrong, just ask my wife.

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CJKarl

I was never big on the silicone block system. I've seen completed walls, but never did one.
The only drawback with used block is the nice coating of bonding agent applied at the factory (Owens-Corning anyways) and I think I used a German block once that had it. Don't use silicone, use glass block mortar and FILL your joints completely.

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Nobreus

Cjkarl, thanks for your input, the owners wanted silicone when the original installer built the shower enclosure, but he used mortar instead, and now the owners want to re-do the enclosure because it sagged and bowed, (it's a big wall), and i am looking at bidding the job. the question i have is if the mortar comes in clear? which i don't think it does, and if silicone would work as well as mortar if i use the metal support system?

taylen

Tscarboroug, are we married to the woman? My wife always says I am wrong also.