How to Use a Tridron Angled Glass Block for a Shower Wall, Partition or Decorative Column
There are many times in designing a shower or partition where a straight wall does not fit the design or desired shape of an enclosure or room. While shape can add style – it is also known to add significant cost to a project as well.
If you’re looking to create an angled glass wall or column what cost effective options do you have? One product to consider is the use of the 45 degree angled glass block wall using a Tridron shaped unit. Below you’re learn more about this block – from it’s size, patterns, advantages and disadvantage to it’s decorative options.
Definition – A Tridron block is a pie shaped glass block that can create an angled shower/partition wall or glass columns in small spaces. One of these blocks makes a 45 degree turn.
Tridron glass block sizes and patterns – Included below is the size and patterns of angled glass block units:
- 2 1/4” (on each exterior side) x 7 3/4” x 3 7/8” for the outside face & 1 1/4” x 7 ¾” x 3 7/8” inside face (Decora (wavy) & Icescapes (more private) patterns made by Pittsburgh Corning)
Advantages of using a Angled Tridron Glass Block
- Create an angled wall in a small space – Using 1 tridron glass block you can create a 45 degree angle in a space as small as 2 1/4”. This will allow you to create a walk in shower in a standard tub space (60” x 32” or 60” x 34”).
- Makes consistent grout or silicone joints in an angled glass block wall – Before the invention of the Tridron block the only way to make an angled glass block wall was to use an angled post to make the turn or to make an excessively large grout joint (which is not recommended). Since the Tridron block is angled the joints on the inside and outside of the wall are the same size and a tight 45 degree turn can be made.
- Meets tempered glass codes for use in wet areas (showers, bathroom partition full and half walls).
- Minimizes the effects of water spotting & maximizes privacy – Patterned glass blocks (Decora & Icescapes patterns) show very little spotting – a major advantage over clear glass shower walls – and provide privacy as well.
- Can be made in pre–assembled sections – Angled glass blocks can be pre-made with the rest of the glass block wall to improve the finished quality of a project, make the installation easier (using a stack, anchor and grout system) and cut field labor costs.
- Use for a wide variety of applications – Create an angled walk in shower, partition wall or even glass block decorative columns (add lighting for effect – this can make for a cool look around a landscaping post or a pool area).
Disadvantages of using a Tridron Angled glass block
- Angled blocks are more expensive than standard glass blocks – Non-shaped glass blocks are cheaper than the shaped angled units.
- Available in one size.
- Requires a mortar or silicone joint between the units – Unlike angled glass the angled block wall will have a joint (which will vary between 1/8” and ¼”) between the blocks.
Decorator options
Angled glass blocks are no longer just available in clear units. Have some fun with your shower or partition wall with these design options:
- Frosted or colored glass blocks – using over 104 different colors you can add a distinctive look to your wall project.
- Combining different sized blocks in your wall– you don’t have to use all the same sized blocks – mix it up with 2 or more different sizes to create a one of a kind design.
If you have any questions or words of wisdom about using angled blocks please comment below.
If you need any help designing an angled walk in shower, partition wall, or decorative glass column or want a quotation contact Columbus Glass Block (614-252-5888), Cleveland Glass Block (216-531-6363), or Mid America Glass Block (513-742-5900) of Dayton and Cincinnati. For a complete bathroom remodeling project contact Cleveland Design & Remodeling (216-531-6085), Columbus Design & Remodeling (614-252-7294) or Bath Doctor of Cincinnati (513-742-6674). You can also view a video about the use of shaped glass block by visiting the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/user/glassblockinfo
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