DRAMATIC TOUCH OF GLASS
LEAD: 'GLASS blocks can change the whole feeling of an apartment,' said Bernard Gold, co-owner of New York Builders Supply Corporation. 'They open up space and let light through, while still keeping privacy.'
'GLASS blocks can change the whole feeling of an apartment,' said Bernard Gold, co-owner of New York Builders Supply Corporation. 'They open up space and let light through, while still keeping privacy.'
Mr. Gold said that in the last few years the use of glass block in renovations and new building has grown tremendously. 'Architects are using it like crazy,' he said. 'It's pretty and takes basically no maintenance.'
The company carries three basic types of glass block: Vue, which is clear and allows the most amount of light through; Decora, which has wavy lines, and Argus, which has vertical and horizontal lines running through it and is the most opaque. The more light desired, the clearer the block. Other patterns of glass can also be special ordered. Blocks start at $5.50 each.
Glass blocks come in four basic sizes: 6 inches by 6 inches; 8 inches by 8 inches; 12 inches by 12 inches, and 4 inches by 8 inches. To replace a plaster wall with glass block, measure the height and width of the existing wall and, depending on the size of block you choose, you can determine how many you need.
Glass blocks are installed with mortar cement, which comes in gray or white. Homeowners can do it themselves, but Mr. Gold recommends hiring a professional because the blocks can be tricky to install. Because glass, unlike brick or concrete block, doesn't absorb the water in the mortar cement, the blocks can shift. Spacers, or glass-block connectors, make installation easier, Mr. Gold explained. 'They keep the distance between the joints even,' he said, 'and prevent the blocks from moving because of the lack of absorption.' These small white plastic gadgets cost about 50 cents each.
New York Builders Supply does not install glass blocks, but will recommend companies that do. Mr. Gold estimates the cost of installation at between $30 and $40 a square foot, including the price of the block. New York Builders Supply will deliver the blocks and the cement needed to install them.
Walls are not the only things made with glass blocks. Mr. Gold has seen bathtubs done in glass block, as well as showers, bookshelves, even a bed frame, lighted from underneath. 'You get a lot of drama with glass block,' Mr. Gold said. 'If used right, it can be very pretty.'
He added that glass block is a good insulator, and is useful for security because it is tough to break. New York Builders Supply is at 99 Jane Street (212-255-7752). The company also sells cinder block, cement, brick, plaster and sand.
Glass block can also be purchased from Artreks Construction Company, 211 East Fifth Street (212-228-8158) and from Supro Building Products, 48-16 70th Street, in Woodside, Queens (718-429-5110).
Keer Montague Associates - 217 Rochambeau Avenue, Providence, R.I. 02906 (401-273-0389) - is a glass studio that custom makes all types of glass, including glass block. A free brochure is available.
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