Framing for glass block: Rough opening size?

[Arby]

I've never worked with glass block before. I plan to install it in the bathroom of the new home I'm building for myself. It will be in a couple places.

My blocks were salvaged from a home built in the early 50s. They are 7 3/4" square.

On the one wall I already framed, there will be 4 blocks in a horizontal position. So, I framed the rough opening 8"x32". I hesitate to frame the other opening until I know I'm doing it right.

Am I on the right track? Or do I need to make the rough opening bigger?

 

[FishScreener]

You need to include space for the mortar on the end, quarter inch minimum.

Probably a video on YouTube.

 

[Mitchell-DIY-Guy]

I've never worked with glass block before. I plan to install it in the bathroom of the new home I'm building for myself. It will be in a couple places.

My blocks were salvaged from a home built in the early 50s. They are 7 3/4" square.

On the one wall I already framed, there will be 4 blocks in a horizontal position. So, I framed the rough opening 8"x32". I hesitate to frame the other opening until I know I'm doing it right.

Am I on the right track? Or do I need to make the rough opening bigger?

Where I lived in Michigan glass blocks were frequently used to replace basement windows and a number of glass block specialists competed to do this. Prices were such that they were less costly than the awning style windows they replaced. I never understood why the builders didn’t do it this way in the first place. They have caused polarization in the interior design field: some love them and some hate them!

The process was incredibly efficient. They came and measured each window, and then factory made the panels reinforced and assembled with silicone. Back on site a few weeks later, they removed the old windows (took about 5-10 minutes each), Then they installed each pre-made “panel” of block, and shimmed it in place. Using a mortar bag, they basically squirted mortar all around the panel. After they installed all the windows, the mortar was partially set, they went back to the first window and they removed the shims, filled those gaps with mortar and did a final finish on the mortar joints. The entire process was unbelievably fast. We “upgraded” two of the windows, one on either side, with little vents. You can also add other vents such as for a dryer, or exhaust from a wood shop.

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