Solid Security Glass Block Windows & Walls For Commercial, Architectural and Institutional Projects

"We can't stop the thugs in this neighborhood from breaking out, shooting out, and vandalizing these expensive insulated glass windows we put in the school just last year," the maintenance supervisor said. "Do you have a solution that can stop our cycle of throwing good money after bad?" he said. Unfortunately this is not an unfamiliar concern with owners, managers, and maintenance supervisors of commercial buildings, schools, courthouses, and transit authorities.

How can you stop this cycle of spending, time loss, and frustration? Consider solid glass block window and walls. In this article you'll learn:

1. Why architects and building owners use high security glass masonry units
2. Where to use solid blocks and glass bricks.
3. Options and accessories in security blocks and bricks.

Why architects and building owners use high security glass masonry units

The cheapest way to put up a glass window or wall in a commercial, architectural, or institutional project is with a standard single pane or insulated glass system constructed generally with a vinyl or aluminum framing system. However if your business or facility is located where graffiti, vandalism, bullets, bad weather, noise, or fire are a concern the lowest initial cost window or wall system may not be the answer for achieve the best life cycle costs. The Vistabrik line of solid security glass blocks from Pittsburgh Corning may be what you're searching for. Some reasons building owners have chosen this line of blocks include:

Bullet resistant- These blocks are UL tested and made of 3" thick glass to resist penetration from high impact weapons including 9 mm and .357 magnum bullets.

Reduce vandalism and graffiti - With "non-stick" glass surfaces graffiti is easier to remove and forcible entry is difficult since 8" x 8" x 3" blocks weigh 40 lbs. per square foot mortared together.

Fire resistant - When a higher level of building safety and fire resistance are desired without having to look at ugly wires in the glass, solid glass blocks are a preferred choice. Window panels can be designed with 45, 60, and 90 minute UL approved fire ratings.

Noise reduction - Buildings near train stations, large crowds, traffic, and machinery can be hard to lease and suffer from poor employee productivity. Solid glass bricks have a Sound Transmission Class of 53 and a noise reduction coefficient of .05 resulting in quieter interior spaces.

Cut maintenance costs - Solid glass masonry units can reduce total costs of ownership if you select this durable, hard to break block at the initial stages of the building project - thereby saving ongoing maintenance costs of repair and replacing glass windows and walls.

Where to use solid blocks and glass bricks

Here are some places where solid glass blocks have been used most frequently in commercial, institutional and architectural projects:

Gymnasiums and recreation facilities - one installation is Lloyd Hall in Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

Elevated walkways and parking garages - (check out the walkway at Perry High School in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania and parking garage at Logan Airport in Boston Massachusetts).

Glass block stairwells, shelters, and walls in transit stations, jails, detention centers, courthouses, police stations, and embassies - Solid glass units provide security without giving up light and looks. Some interesting installations include Yankee Stadium Complex for the New York City Transit Authority and the Clay County Detention Center in Liberty Missouri.

Glass block windows in factories and manufacturing buildings - A building owner in Columbus Ohio is planning to use solid glass bricks to replace insulated glass aluminum framed windows that have been getting broken and shot out.

Options and Accessories in Security Blocks and Bricks

If you're looking for a clear view window or wall or need higher privacy, then the selection of solid glass blocks is for you. For a high clarity look there are 8" x 8" x 3", 4" x 8" x 3" and 3" x 8" x 3" sizes available. For higher privacy projects the 8" x 8" x 3" size can be supplied with a stippled face.

The solid blocks are generally mortared together with galvanized panel reinforcing through the horizontal mortar joints (usually every 24") and panel anchors (every 24" as well) to tie the window panels into the jambs or sides of the opening. These glass masonry units also meet tempered glass windows standards due to their strength.

Conclusion

Keeping building costs and security and safety concerns down has never been as important as it is today in our unstable world. Using solid security glass block windows and walls can be one step to provide building owners, employees, and parents with increased comfort, style, security and most importantly - peace of mind.

Mike Foti is President of Columbus Glass Block, Cleveland Glass Block, Mid America Glass Block Cincinnati, Dayton, Akron & Vice President of Eastern Glass Block New York & New Jersey - nationwide factory direct suppliers of fire rated and solid glass block for security and safety. Mike's companies also professionally supply and install glass block windows, walls, and showers.

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Fitting UPVC Windows For a Stylish and Functional Home

Whether you're building a new home or making over your exist ting home, fitting UPVC windows can transform your residence both in terms of style and functionality. These windows bring a rich array of advantages to any home - they're stylish, durable, eco-friendly, easy to clean and maintain and highly weather resistant. What's more, they can be very easy to install.

UPVC (Unplasticized Polyvinyl Chloride, also known as PVC-U) is an attractive material available in a wide range of colours and finishes. You can opt for a plain bright white or choose from a number of photo effect wood-finishes to achieve the look you want for your windows.

It's also a highly durable material that will give you a lifetime of use. UPVC windows will handle anything the elements can throw at them whether sun, rain, snow or frost; and they won't discolour, warp, crack, peel, rust, corrode or tarnish.

It's also an eco-friendly material. For one thing, it can be recycled. There's also the matter of better insulation. As it's harder than wood, UPVC is better at retaining heat which makes for buildings which are more energy efficient.

These windows are easy to take care of, too. Just wash your window frames with soap and water every now and again and they'll keep looking spanking new for years and years. There's no need for painting or sealing as with wood.

Another big plus for UPVC windows is their ease of installation. Fitting windows was long an involved process the good news is that fitting UPVC windows is a breeze if you use an adjustable steel fixing strap.

These items are compatible with all window types and can handle all cavity widths. These straps come in sizes of 100-200 mm with a few firms offering sizes of 250mm to fit wider cavities.

This approach makes fitting UPVC windows a snap. The steel strap clips and locks onto the outer window frame. There's no need for screws or other fixings. Once the window is positioned in the aperture, the strap is just screwed to the interior blockwork to secure the window in position.

One consideration when dealing with UPVC windows is that of trickle vents. These are small openings integrated into window frames that allow natural ventilation when the windows are closed. In this way, they lower the generally humidity in your home.

Excessive humidity can cause a number of problems including condensation and growth of mould. Trickle vents also reduce the need for you to keep your windows open which could result in increased energy consumption, draughts and a higher risk of break ins. Trickle vents on windows are now compulsory on all new builds and extensions but not on replacement windows.

When fitting UPVC windows, you need to also consider the matter of the cavity fire barrier. The fact is that wall cavities are at risk for fire and installing barriers is a must.

When it comes to fitting windows into apertures whether new-build or replacement, there are a number of important considerations, especially if you're carrying out the work yourself.

Handling glass is dangerous so be sure to wear appropriate safety equipment.

As UPVC Windows are not designed to be load bearing, a lintel may be required above the window.

Next, a cavity fire barrier is essential. Cavities are hidden areas with the potential for fires to spread. What's more, building Regulations require cavity barriers to be used around wall openings and junctions.

You can use cavity fire barriers to stop the spread of fire in the cavity. Made from compressible mineral wool, fire rated cavity closers are not only environmentally friendly but also afford considerable fire protection

Using an adjustable steel fixing strap allows the rapid fitting of UPVC windows and can handle all types of window and cavity widths. It's the fast, convenient way to add new windows to your new or existing dwelling.

UPVC is truly the material of choice when it comes to modern windows, doors and other house components. To find the best deals for your home, visit the web sites of online vendors and choose the right windows for your home. Then get ready to find out how easy fitting UPVC windows can be.

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