Exterior window of glass bricks.

DIY or professional installation

DIY installation is implied as a realistic option as it helps with cost, with places like glass blocks providing a DIY kit for their glass blocks, with extensive information, an aluminium perimeter frame, PVC separating strips to lay between the blocks, silicone to glue it all together, and grout with a waterproofing additive for the surface of the joints.

Yet, upon review, glass block windows aren’t a fit for a beginner or for your average DIY project at all. They must be carefully planned and measured out, and the blocks must be cut to size if you’re building a wall, a window in a bathroom consisting of glass bricks or even, (especially), a skylight.

The process is fairly similar to bricklaying, which is a learned skill best performed by a professional.
If the blocks are not laid and sealed properly, you’re looking at damage not only to the windows but to the rest of your house as well, thanks to potential water leakage.

It’s possible to find pre-laid sections of glass block, but they’re extremely heavy and will require at least one other person to help you lift them.

How and where can you use glass bricks?

Some people like to use them for bathroom walls and windows, as they let in light but nobody can see inside.

When built into “walls”, they are laid in a grid with steel-reinforced mortar in between each block. They are most often used for skylights and walls and they can be made to be durable against bullets and fire.

You can create a wall, but it’s not very cost effective. And what’s more, if glass bricks were an option to create privacy as an exterior wall, think again.

Many assume that the cloudy or frosted nature of a glass block is enough to block out the view for passers-by, only to find out after the costly and time-consuming installation that the neighbours have been getting a peep show.

An onlooker probably won’t be able to see every detail up close and personal, but some homeowners have complained of having to put up curtains in order to prevent others from seeing full outlines, skin coloration and other personal details they’d rather not show off.