Church windows with glass blocks with an air vent in Columbus Ohio

Storefront windows using purple colored glass blocks In Athens Ohio

Industrial factory glass block windows Cleveland Ohio

  • Reduce heating and cooling costs– Old framed windows often have single panes, are poorly caulked and rusted. Glass block windows are mortared together and reduce energy costs.

  • Improve looks and marketability

  • Low maintenance and lower life cycle costs– mortar joints between sections offer high durability and thick glass faces are difficult to break. Block replacements can be done by a maintenance department.

  • Increased light transmission and employee productivity– block windows provide high security while transmitting outside light – helping create a more productive workplace.

  • Increased wind resistance

  • Environmentally sound green building material– glass blocks are made from natural materials and have long lives.

  • High security, energy efficiency, privacy and fire and hurricane resistant block windows available

  • Professional installation service– We have commercial, industrial and architectural window installation expertise.

7 Frequently Asked Questions about Industrial, Commercial, Church and School, Factory and Security Windows

Question 1 - Where can we use these windows? - Use as an interior window (to move light through interior spaces) or outside. Common applications are windows, stairwells, transoms, corridors, and sidelights.

Outside - Commercial sidelights for security Cincinnati Ohio with multiple glass block sizes

Outside - Industrial stairwell windows for improved light Columbus Ohio

Interior - Inside window for borrowed hallway light Cleveland Ohio

Interior - Interior windows in a library in Columbus Ohio

Question 2 - How large can you make the windows? Are they structurally load bearing? - Glass block windows can be any size, however, larger openings require structural angles and channels to allow for proper expansion and contraction. The windows are not load bearing.

Inside view of larger windows in floral shop

Larger Commercial windows in an industrial factory using channels Cleveland Ohio

Jeffrey Mining Company Glass block windows Argus pattern

Question 3 - Can the windows be sized to any opening? Can I put a special pattern like a cross into the blocks?- Yes – glass blocks come in 4” x 8”, 6” x 6”, 6” x 8”, 8” x 8”, and 12” x 12” sizes and multiple patterns can be mixed together.

Church windows with a cross pattern using Iceburg pattern

School building using 4 x 8 and 8 x 8 glass block sizes for an architectural banding effect

Commercial entryway with 8 x 8 glass block sizes in Decora patterns

Question 4 - Can we get colored glass blocks for church windows and storefronts? - Yes. The blocks are stronger than stained glass or storefront window with the benefit of low maintenance costs and high durability.

Colored glass block church windows Detroit Michigan

Interior view of church windows with colored glass blocks

Storefront windows with purple Argus pattern blocks

Question 5 - How does the cost compare to commercial grade aluminum windows and storefront systems? - Block windows are comparably priced to these systems.

Question 6 - How do you incorporate the need for air flow? - Operable air vents and/or vinyl or aluminum windows are included in the block panels.

Glass block basement windows in a church with glass block air vents.

Office in an industrial building with hopper style air vent.

Question 7 - How are commercial glass block windows installed? How can you help us with this project? - We provide design, fabrication and installation services on a regional basis. Nationally we design and prefabricated stackable window sections and work with building owners and contractors on how to successfully install. Here are 3 basic steps in this process:

Step 1 - Measure the openings and call us to determine the size of the prefabricated window panels.

Step 2 - Install structural aluminum channels (for larger openings) at the top (head) and jambs (sides).

Masonry opening before channel is installed

Screwing aluminum channels into a masonry opening

Step 3 - Set panels inside openings and caulk into channels or mortar to surrounding materials (depending on size of opening).

Prefabricated glass block sections inside of channel

Setting multiple panels into place

  • Solid glass block for security and fire rated glass block – 3” solid glass blocks are graffiti resistant and difficult to break. 60 and 90 minute fire rated glass masonry units are available for close lot line conditions and improved safety.

  • Commercial glass block window accessories – Specially designed mill finished aluminum channel, glass block caulk, expansion foam, anchors and glass block panels are available to complete a successful installation.