A. Reasons To Use

B. Golden Rules

C. Expansion Joints

D. Easifix Joints

D. Calculating Opening Sizes

E. General Data Sheets

F. Fitting Instructions

A. Reasons To Use Easifix System

Easy and speedy installation of straight (non fire rated) internal glass block walls

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B. Golden Rules of glass block installation using Easifix System

1) Glass block walls are self supporting, but not load bearing.

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 blockwork.
The glass block panel is secured in place by being anchored into the head, cill and both jambs (a). An independent support is required above the head to eliminate downward pressure being placed on the glass block panel.

[Right] Office partitions installed using Easifix into end posts to create two vertical jambs resulting in a four sided opening.

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. Perimeter seal acts as an expansion joint.

4. Ensure all sides of opening are square and perpendicular and made to suit glass block modules Glass blocks cannot be cut like masonry bricks or tiles.

5) A glass block panel should never be freestanding (b)
Ideally for best integral strength - fitted into 4 sides. To secure panel into opening using Easifix, stainless steel anchor brackets and horizontal Easifix spacer, every row acts as reinforcement.

6) Maximum Panel Size
Easifix is recommended for internal use only up to 9m2. (vertical dimension not to exceed 3m).

7) Accessories for Easifix construction:

a) 2.4m (nominal) Easifix spacer profile
b) 185mm Easifix spacer profile
c) Stainless steel anchor brackets
d) DC794 silicon
e) Easifix Sleeve
f) Planed timber

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C. Expansion Joints
Similarly to the rods and mortar system, the perimeter joint must be siliconed. It is critical that the perimeter edge between the glass block and the edge of the Easifix sleeve or wall is not grouted in glass block mortar. If the joint is bridged, this will not permit the natural expansion and contraction of the panel.

Expansion and contraction within an Easifix glass block screen is allowed for by the overall construction being manufactured from UPVC combined with silicone.

[Right] Highlighted area indicating perimeter expansion joint

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D. Easifix Joints
Easifix joints are 4mm and can be grouted in Colmef Vetromix glass block mortar or silicone with Dow corning to create an all glass look. Coloured silicones can also be considered.

[Right] Grouting with Colmef Vetromix glass block mortar

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E. Calculating Opening Sizes

Calculating the opening size accurately is essential be glass blocks should not be cut like masonry bricks or tiles. The diagram demonstrates the principle of how to calculate an opening size based on using 190x190x80mm glass blocks and 4mm joints. The Easifix extrusion is designed to create glass block panels with a minimum joint width. The perimeter joint will be approximately 5mm and the diagram and photographical step by step guide shows the use of easifix sleeve, which is 22mm deep.

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F. General Data Sheets - click on an image to view/download

 

 

Click to download the Rods & Mortar Brochure

Click to download the Easifix Brochure

Click to download the Precast Easifix Brochure

Click to download Adobe Acrobat Reader

 

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G. Fitting Instructions

STEP 1

Position 71 x 15mm planed timber into Easifix sleeve U channel, when mitre cutting ensure U profile sleeve is rigid as to avoid flexing. When fixing the sleeve to perimeter opening or end post fit at 600mm centres. If installing directly to stud walling or end post etc, sleeve and timber may not necessarily be required. Go directly to Step 3.
STEP 2

Lay out blocks and Easifix spacers dry to ensure modules fit. Secure Easifix sleeve and timber horizontally and vertically to perimeter opening at 600mm centres ensuring it is both square and perpendicular.

STEP 3

Cut a 2.4m long length of easifix spacer fractionally shorter than the horizontal length of opening. Take two anchor brackets and bend prongs to a right angle using pliers. Insert prongs into holes of easifix spacer at each end.

STEP 4

Silicon two 5mm beads of mastic into the under-side of the easifix spacer, fit to base of opening.
Screw fix anchor brackets in place.

Tip: As well as siliconing the base spacer, it can be screwed to the base to secure it instantly. Ensure screws are countersunk, so screw head avoids contact with blocks.
STEP 5

Take a 185mm length of spacer profile and silicon two beads of mastic on one side. Place over the anchor bracket.

Silicon two beads of mastic to the easifix spacer profile. Fit first block. Take another piece of 185mm easifix, apply silicon and fit to exposed vertical of first block. Fit next block and repeat this process until first row is complete.




STEP 6

Note : Easifix spacer must always separate blocks from Easifix sleeve or perimeter opening. (fig.1)
Remember each row has to be secured with anchor brackets at each end of the horizontal spacer.
It is advised to construct the first course and allow this to initially cure so that on returning to build consecutive courses it becomes easier building a firm bed. In ideal circumstances around 6-8 courses before the panel will wobble to much, dependent on the panel width. Back shuttering could be considered for additional support.

At this point it is advised to stop building and allow the panel to set prior to completing construction.

For loose build of glass blocks ensure enough
time is set aside to fully build.
STEP 7 - BUILDING THE PANEL

Repeat previous steps to complete the next and
following rows.

STEP 8 - FINISHING, SEALING AND WEATHERPROOFING THE
GLASS BLOCK PANEL

When the wall is complete, grout using Colmef Vetromix mortar or a wide grout joint. Alternatively, caulk the joints with silicone. Ensure that the perimeter joint is raked back, cleaned and siliconed. If grouted over it may crack.

CAUTION: Restriction can result in block cracking.

Initial Clean and After Care Maintenance
Do not clean with any acidic products, the best product for cleaning is water. Polish each block with a soft cloth using good old elbow grease. Note : Clean face of block as work proceeds.The glass block installer should have left the glass block wall in a clean, unblemished condition. Requiring only periodical cleaning to maintain an excellent appearance. However, there may be a residue of cement on the glass surface left from mortar/tiling grout identified by whiteish bloom when dry. This may be removed by use of proprietary cement stain remover. (BAL HD Tar Cleaner)

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