If installing within a masonry type wall (i.e., brick, concrete, etc.) and the panel is 16 square feet or less, the jambs may be mortared solid. At the top we still require an expansion material and sealant. In wood frame walls use Perimeter Channels supplied by Pittsburgh Corning. It does not make any difference as long as the remainder of the opening is framed out and made watertight . . . similar to installing a normal window.

REDI2SET windows can be made to fit any size window opening. See our BUILD section for details on how to measure.

People generally report that glass provides about 10% better performance than plastic. And there is reason to believe that under windy conditions, glass is preferred since it doesn't flap in the wind and dissipate heat from the cooker. Plastic, however, is often recommended since is much less fragile and easier to transport and works plenty well. One excellent, easily-obtained plastic film is oven cooking bags. These are for sale in grocery stores and cost less than US$1 per bag.

Since 80% of a window is glass, real heating and cooling savings come from what is known as "improved glass performance," not a high R-value on the frame. Alside uses the latest technology, known as a high performance warm edge spacer system. This spacer system helps to improve the performance and the longevity of the insulated glass unit, and is standard on all Alside windows.

Either can be done well. With block we generally recommend an insulation level of R-5 or more. Usually it is installed adjacent to the block and then a 3/4 inch air space is furred out on the inside. Make sure that the top of this airspace is blocked off from the attic. With frame walls the concern is good insulation installation and reducing air infiltration. Seal gaps, make sure insulation is cut correctly (too long and it tends to bend, too short and it misses spots).

We have done considerable modeling of homes, as well as monitoring many homes. We ran a number of lab experiments during the 1980s. The bottom line is that in Florida there are other components of the home that one should concentrate on before the walls, such as window shading and roofs (see our Priorities page). Block versus frame – the important item is that either construction can be done well. With block, we generally recommend an insulation level of R-5 or more in Florida.

Perhaps no other building material combines glass block's unique combination of timeless beauty, practicality and flexibility, as well as the added benefits of privacy and insulation.

Aerogel is made up of microscopic beads or strands connected to form a continuous network. Since the network fills space and supports itself, it is considered a solid.

We are a distributor of PC Glass Block. We have many shapes and sizes in stock. See our display in our showroom. Glass block

Auto glass is designed and manufactured for optimum safety in the event of a crash. Your windshield is made of laminated safety glass. The side and rear windows are made of tempered glass. Laminated safety glass is two pieces of glass with a layer of vinyl sandwiched between, so it will stay intact in a collision. Tempered glass has been treated to make it much stronger than other glass of the same thickness. If it breaks, it is designed to shatter into small pieces.

The film has a powerful adhesive on one side that is kept clean by a protective liner which is removed at time of installation. Professional installers completely clean and prep the glass prior to installation. Using a special mounting solution, squeegee and stainless cutting blades, they prepare, fit and secure the film to the glass.

You can choose in most cases. If you are concerned with originality then you should select the appropriate top. If cost is a factor the plastic windows are less expensive and also cost less to ship. Glass is considered maintenance free and should last as long as your top. Plastic will deteriorate and how long it will last is dependent on many factors such as where it is stored, how much sun it is in, weather, etc.

Yes. You can cover the entire window, including any vinyl or aluminum clad framework. Do not apply Glass Protection to finished or unfinished wood.

To keep from scratching the surface, use a lint-free cloth, like those used to clean camera and photo equipment, and water, if needed. If there are any dust particles on the inside glass surface, try using a wet lint-free cloth rolled on a Q-Tip to clean it. [back to top]

Ideally yes, you'll get the best possible capture. However, we have scanned dozens of images through glass with exceptional results. Framed pieces without glass are no problem except you will lose the little bit of the original that is beneath the frame.

Many glass cleaners can be used to clean our frame windows. Wash carefully with any glass cleaner. Use a soft, damp cloth, applying only light pressure. Take care to prevent any cleaning solution from seeping between the glass and the frame, which could damage the matting or the print.

Apply duct tape to both faces of the glass block and strike both faces with a rubber mallet. The tape causes most of the broken pieces of glass to adhere to it for the protection of the installer. Very carefully chip away the hardened mortar from around the opening being careful not to damage an adjoining glass block. Place the replacement glass block in the opening and push fresh mortar into all four joints from both sides of the panel until the joints are packed solid.

Monroeville Glass Block is a master distributor of all Pittsburgh Corning Glass Block products as well as our own Monsoon™ Awning Windows, and CrystaLok™ vinyl-framed window systems. Contact us today for assistance.