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Incorporating Glass Block Outdoors

Can you use glass blocks for outdoor use? Absolutely. They offer a stylish and functional choice for exterior projects, such as adding a glass block column light to enhance both look and ambiance. As the warmer seasons roll in, more homeowners and builders are focused on creating outdoor spaces that allow natural light to shine through while still offering privacy. Whether it's a small balcony or a large backyard, adding glass blocks can elevate the space while also encouraging time spent outdoors, supporting well-being and health benefits.

Bringing Beauty and Durability to Transportation Stations

A study from the American Public Transportation Association reports that public transportation ridership has increased by 30% in recent years. Whether on a train, bus or ferry, Americans took 2.5 billion trips on public transportation in the third quarter of 2018 alone.

The Advantages of Letting the Light Shine Through in Offices

As the demands of business change, so do office building designs. Decades ago, companies virtually “corralled” their office workers into cubicles and offices with opaque walls to deter interruption and distraction.  Many have started to move away from standard cubicle designs to allow for a more open concept work environment.  Natural light and open environments have proven to be more productive environments that promote productivity and creativity in the office.  With the adaptations of glass block over through the decades, offices can create "private" offices by utilizing a contemporary glass block wall design. 

Impact Resistant Glass Block Windows Vs. Regular Windows

Windows are an essential part of any structure where people live or work. Natural light gives occupants a view of the outside while protecting them from the wind, rain, and other undesirable elements.

Protect Yourself and Others with Quality Safety Storm Shelters

The severity of hurricanes and tornadoes in North America in recent years seems to have increased. Although storms vary in number, size, and intensity, continuing construction is occupying more land surface and raising the likelihood of a direct hit on a portion of the population.

Glass Block, The Ideal Windscreen and Rainscreen

As a building material, glass block is durable, sustainable, fire-resistant, and a strong insulator. Its transparent quality supports energy efficiency by allowing light in while softening outside noise. Used as cladding for new construction, glass blocks combine beauty and performance, making them a widely adopted material in architecture around the world.

You might wonder if glass blocks can be used outdoors. Thanks to their distinct properties, they’re now applied in more than just traditional wall systems. A standout use is in glass block rainscreens, which offer protection against wind-driven rain and excess moisture. This application not only shields the structure but also adds a unique design element. With a wide selection of patterns, styles, and shapes, glass block is a versatile and customizable choice for any project.

Impact-Proof Glass for Greater Safety and Security in Schools

As the debate over safety and security in schools continues and the search for solutions continues, school officials and construction engineers are looking for answers to reconfigure access, redesign interior floorplans, and introduce measures to protect students from armed intrusion. Since the Columbine attacks in Colorado in 1999, over 275 school shootings have been reported. While some of these incidents were accidental gun discharges, events such as Sandy Hook Elementary (CT), Parkland (FL), Red Lake (MN), and so many more have left 250 students and teachers dead and many more wounded.

Basement windows are often vulnerable to vandals since their ground-level position provides easy access and makes monitoring difficult. Upgrading to high-quality glass blocks improves security and delivers other key advantages. In regions subject to harsh weather, flooding, or heavy snow, glass block windows offer significantly better durability than conventional glass. They are also more resilient to accidental impacts from outdoor sports or activities, minimizing the chances of breakage.

Glass Block is Perfect for Veterinarian Offices and Shelters

Glass block has become an increasingly popular material among architects and designers in recent years. Often used as an eye-catching cladding in award-winning buildings around the world, both glass block and glass brick offer unique functional and design benefits that traditional materials can’t match. From light diffusion and transparency to strength, durability, and sustainability, modern glass block continues to be a go-to choice for interior and exterior applications that prioritize both performance and visual appeal.

How to Prepare a Home for Hurricanes

As hurricane season approaches, homeowners in high-risk areas should start planning how to best protect their families, homes, and property. Hurricane Preparedness Week, observed from May 26 to June 1, is an ideal time to take proactive steps to reduce potential storm damage.