
Foamed glass blocks are manufactured in molds, packed with crushed or granulated glass, and mixed with a chemical agent such as carbon or limestone. Other types of glass blocks include foamed blocks that are used in industrial and commercial buildings to provide thermal and sound insulation. Glass blocks used in prisons and detention centers, police departments, and other high-risk locations are often set in steel frames for added strength and security. The joints are finished with tile grout or mortar. The blocks are spaced accurately and consistently using the spacers and then bonded together with silicone. Some blocks come with assembly systems that provide wall anchors and vertical and horizontal spacers to precisely align the blocks. Glass blocks are often assembled like bricks with a grout or sealant. Decorative hollow glass blocks are designed with an opening that can be sealed with a cap, allowing a user to insert an object into the glass block and seal it closed. Some glass blocks are shaped as finishing components for the corners, tops, and ends of walls. The glass surface may be clear, etched, patterned, shaped, or colored to produce a desired aesthetic effect. Some are even used in transit applications such as subway terminals, airports, and parking garages. Hollow glass blocks are used in all kinds of applications including: The transparent blocks let in more natural light, while also providing privacy, minimizing noise, and thermally insulating the space. ApplicationsĪrchitectural glass blocks were developed in the 1900s for use in factory buildings. Some glass blocks are manufactured with special characteristics, including resistance to fire and hurricanes. Architectural glass blocks are solid or hollow glass components used in the construction of walls or features such as:

Glass blocks are typically square in shape and can have a variety of surface treatments that affect their transparency. Glass blocks or bricks are architectural products that allow light to pass through, while also providing a level of privacy or obscuration.
