1) Glass block walls are self supporting, but not load bearing. This external stair tower was constructed using steel box sections. The whole structure was infilled with glass block panels that could expand and contract freely. The steel box section supports the roof independently and no downward pressure is placed on the glass blocks.

2) For best integral strength, glass blocks should be installed into a four sided pre-prepared opening. This opening can be timber, brick, steel, concrete or block work.

2a) The vertical box section creates the jambs of the opening.

2b) The horizontal beams provide a head and cill for the glass block panels to be anchored to.

3. Glass blocks expand and contract with temperature change. Glass blocks should not be installed when the surrounding temperature is 5°C and falling or 30°C and rising.

4. Openings must be square and perpendicular and designed to suit glass block modules. Glass blocks cannot be cut like masonry bricks or tiles. Click here for more information on calculating opening sizes.

5) Maximum panel size without intermediate slip joint is 25m2 with no single dimension exceeding 6m in any direction.

6) Accessories for Rods and Mortar construction:

• 10mm plastic spacer pegs
• bitumen and foam expansion material
• Colmef Vetromix mortar
• 5.5mm stainless steel rods