Commercial Glass Block & Vinyl Replacement Windows
One of the biggest money wasting places in old factories is existing wood and metal framed windows. These old windows are often single panes of glass, have frames that are rusted or rotted and offer an easy point of entry for vandals. When Martindale Electric called Cleveland Glass Block they were looking for a window solution that would combine high security, reduced heating costs and operability to provide air flow for their factory workers.
The glass block process: The glass blocks were prefabricated into panels sections off-site. This allowed the sections to be constructed in the factory to improve the finished quality of the project and to reduce the installation time. These glass block sections were mortared together and then were installed inside of aluminum channels to allow for any expansion and contraction that might occur.
The vinyl replacement window process: The vinyl replacement windows were sized and ordered to fit inside the glass block assemblies. The windows were manufactured without flanges so they could be placed inside of the block sections. On top of the vinyl windows (which were placed near the bottom of the openings to make them easier for employees to open) a metal lintel to minimize the weight of the glass blocks on the vinyl windows.
The advantages of this dual product window system: Using a combination of glass blocks and vinyl replacement windows provided Martindale the benefits they were looking for – improved security, reduced heating costs and operability and air flow for their production workers.
Are you working on a commercial, industrial or factory replacement window project where you would like some input of assistance? Do you have any words of wisdom to share from a previous project?
President of Innovate Building Solutions a nationwide supplier and regional (Cleveland and Columbus) remodeling contractors. Some of our product lines include glass counters, floors, backsplashes, glass blocks and grout free shower and tub wall panels
