Are glass block windows good for the basement? archived

I need new basement windows and can't decide if I should get regular of glass block. Anyone have a decision-making opinion for me? Thanks a lot.

Rarely, if ever in my opinion is glass block a good choice. Sometimes it works in modern interior spaces, but as a primary window? No. There is no ventilation, no egress in case of a fire, and depending on the style of your home, glass block is universally known as being pretty hideous. I would also think it would be expensive. Good Luck.

However, as a basement window, I hardly think it's likely to be an egress, at least from theinside. Glass block is an excellent security deterrent, as the stuff is very tough, and would secure the window pretty well.

Posted By: riverside68Rarely, if ever in my opinion is glass block a good choice

Agreed. Lack of ventilation is the primary reason I would not consider them.

Where we are now, glass block is very common for basement windows. Often the windows have small screened sections that can be opened for ventilation. They offer good security and privacy, light, and a measure of insulation. For a window that's too small to offer egress anyhow, I think glass block could be a good choice.

What do you all think about glass block in the great room of a contemporary home? I'm considering putting it by the kitchen table (probably 5' W x 4' H), and there are two other large windows, as well as sliding glass doors.

As mjc posted:

Debby,

I think that for uses other than for basement windows many people just hate them--whether as a window, dividing wall or bathroom wall. My husband is in the hate them category and would not purchase a home with one. I'd be inclined to ignor one in an inconspicuous place that might need some extra security, but wouldn't like one in my dining room.

Thanks, krnl

It's actually in the breakfast table nook of a large room - the dining room is completetely separate, but I hear your point.

We are in Florida, where glassblock is much more common. This particular window is ugly and excessively large, and even with film makes our kitchen very hot. I was wondering about the thermal insulation properties.

My sister had red glass blocks used for a long window in the kitchen. Looked very cool.

We have some of our basement windows in glass block, some in old-fashioned hopper-style vinyl. The glass block ones all have those vents pictured above.

I could not be happier with the glass block ones. They let the light in and allow for some limited airflow. Plus they really are solid - no way anyone's going to be able to break in through them. The vinyl, not so much.

For basement windows, I'd say glass block is the way to go.

(edited to add: it actually was cheaper to put in five glass-block windows than 2 of the vinyl ones. go figure)

Glass block is a good choice - assuming it is 1982

You might want to check if glass block is legit... I seem to remember my mother wanting to put them in for security reasons once (woot, yes, around 1982... ) Apparently the meter reader unlatched the window so her criminal friends could rob our house. But anyway, it turned out that you couldn't block the windows up with glass block, so she got new windows with internal security bars. The rules may also have changed more recently permitting block, but trust me, if it was legal then the house would have them.

Funnyish story... typical maplewood house, no A/C. The basement was always cool and pleasant, but she thought it was musty or whatever and would make me open the windows. I didn't want to lose the cool air. With the new windows, I took the screens out, put in the storm glass, and "opened" the windows. She thought they were open, I knew they only looked open, everyone was happy.

Aesthetically, glass block on a 1920's house has urban blight written all over it.

-John

did you get glass blocks?
should basement windows be something extra secure? I would love to be able to open mine and have screens on them. (right now its just glass panes that I can swing open. the cats then run away).

I am coming very late to this party, but I would have checked to see if glass block is OK under building codes for the area. I think it could be fine for a basement, with the ventilation options above, unless the basement has to have egress for some reason.

Debbie, any chance you could put a small bay or bow window in that space in your breakfast nook? You could even have a couple of small casements with screens you could open, if you wanted. Without seeing the room, it's hard to know how that would look, but we've had bay/bow windows in our kitchen nooks in the past and loved them.