Glass-Block Windows: What Are the Benefits?
If you’ve ever been struck by the artistic, glacial look of glass-block windows, you’re not alone. Whether used as basement windows or as an artistic accent to prominent room in the home, glass-block windows are more than what they appear. In addition to their beauty, they’re actually some of the most energy efficient windows on the market. If you’re in the process of choosing windows for your home, here are a few reasons to consider installing glass-block windows.
They’re Unique
Starting out with the most obvious reason for choosing glass-block windows, they’re absolutely stunning. Not only do they make a great addition to any room in the home, they draw the eye to their unique design and give a different structural look to traditionally light-filled areas like bathrooms or bedrooms. Glass-block windows can be customized to cover as much or as little ground as possible, and their unique architectural properties allow them to be built at an angle or in a cube formation. The possibilities are endless.
They’re Energy-Efficient
Because glass-block windows are thick and airtight, they’re twice as efficient as any single-pane window on the market. In terms of energy efficiency, they can stand toe-to-toe with thermal windows for insulation benefits and heat induction. If you purchase low-E coated glass for your glass-blocks, your windows will be even more efficient.
They’re Extremely Safe
Because of their thickness and their unique sealant (oftentimes glass-block windows are sealed together with cement,) glass-block windows provide an incredibly sturdy surface that’s almost impossible to break into from the outside. The sturdiness provided by the sealing method paired with the glass’s impenetrable surface allows for a burglar-proof exterior. With the thickness of a wall and the translucent beauty of a window, glass-blocks truly provide the best of both worlds.
They Let More Light In
Glass-blocks are traditionally set up and stacked together without any borders in between. They can also be layered to create a giant wall of light in certain homes. For this reason, they’re able to let much more light in than traditional windows, which are separated and held together by thick frames. Installing glass-block windows in darker areas like basements or first-floor windows is a great way to allow for more natural light to filter through during the day, creating less of a need for inhabitants to depend on the artificial light in lower spaces.
They Increase Curb Appeal
In addition to being energy-efficient, burglar-proof, and full of reflected light, glass-block windows can actually elevate the value of your home simply by being installed in a front-facing area. Even if your block windows are in a less visible part of your home, having them as part of your house will make the value rise. Not only are glass-block windows beautiful to look at, they’re safer than most windows and allow for homeowners to let in light while maintaining a good amount of privacy. Glass-block windows give a home an artistic, unique appearance while offering sturdy, round-the-clock protection from intruders, bad weather, and prying eyes.
