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Home & Garden Articles
Glass Block, Acrylic Block - What's Right For Me?
Wed 30 Jul 2008 - 08:17
Glass Block, Acrylic Block - What's Right For Me?
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_DePippa]Lawrence DePippa
You would think this is a question easily answered, but I have often worked with homeowners struggling with this decision. There are a number of factors that should be taken into consideration, but with a little thought about where the blocks will be used, how they will be used, and how you want to install them, you will have no problem making the right choice.
Differences
Let's first talk about the biggest difference between the two products. Understanding this may be all you need to know to decide.
Glass Blocks
In addition to prefabricated, glass block windows and panels, glass blocks are also sold individually. Just like using wooden building blocks when you were a child, you can follow your imagination to its outer limits and construct just about any design you want with glass blocks.
Acrylic Blocks
Acrylic blocks are not sold as individual blocks. They are only sold as finished products like windows, transoms, and wall panels. If you want to construct your own design, acrylic blocks are not an option. However, if you are even considering a prefab unit, please read on.
If you hold a glass block window and an acrylic block window up next to each other, you probably won't know which is which. What's that? You can't hold up the glass block window? You've just discovered the next big difference, weight. Comparing products of equal sizes you will find that glass block pieces typically weigh 4 times as much as acrylic. That can be a major factor, depending on where you plan to install it. If you are doing a large piece in an interior wall the weight of glass may be a problem. If you are doing the installation yourself, you will definitely find the lighter weight of an acrylic block window much easier to work with.
Similarities
Cost
Surprisingly, whether you are considering acrylic windows, a glass block shower or any other installation made from either glass or acrylic blocks, you will find that if they are of similar size, the price will be about the same.
Appearance
The same is true of their appearance; there have been times that the only way I could tell the difference on an installed window was to tap on it. They definitely have a different sound but I've never seen someone use that to base their purchase on.
There may be minor differences in the actual block pattern, but for the most part, glass and acrylic block windows look interchangeable:
Both are sold in 8" x 8" or 6" x 6" block sizes.
Both come in vinyl frames, though some acrylic pieces are also offered in aluminum.
Both obscure vision to some degree, depending upon the block style.
Basically you can't go wrong with either product. They are both attractive, suitable for various uses, quite strong, and very secure. Weigh the pro's and con's using our personal Pro's and Con's list below, find the right size, and enjoy the unique look that only a block window or partition can bring.
Summary of Pros and Cons
Pros of Glass Block
Easy to clean
Secure, much harder to break than standard windows
Different sizes and shapes allow for endless design options
Prefabricated windows and panels are available
Different installation methods available
3" or 4" thicknesses available
Less sound transmission than standard glass
Twice the R-value of single paned glass windows
Earthquake resistant
Availability of specialty blocks (Hurricane, Fire, & Bullet resistant)
Available shower kits with just about everything included
Cons of Glass Block
Heavy, the average block weighs in around 5lbs.
Large applications can be time consuming to install
Non-load baring
Non functioning as operable windows
Pros of Acrylic Block
Lightweight
Operable windows available as Casement, Hopper or Awning
Secure, harder to break than standard windows or glass block
Available for installation as windows, transoms, sidelights and walls
Different frame colors are available
Four color choices plus the standard clear
Availability of Arch and Octagon styles
Sealed to prevent condensation
Preassembled panels that are easy to install
As energy efficient as double paned traditional windows
Tinted Energy Star rated Solar Block windows
Cons of Acrylic Block
Available only as pre-fabricated unit
Can be scratched (though not easily)
Sensitive to harsh cleaning products
Non-load baring
Lawrence DePippa is the Internet Marketing Manager of Accent Building Products, a leading direct distributor of acrylic block and glass block products including acrylic block walls and [http://www.accentbuildingproducts.com/cgi-bin/accent/glassblocks/shower.html]glass block showers. Accent Building Products can be found online at: http://www.accentbuildingproducts.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lawrence_DePippa http://EzineArticles.com/?Glass-Block,-Acrylic-Block---Whats-Right-For-Me?&id=1296809
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