Updated February 22, 2019

Another American company (Pittsburgh Corning the only domestic manufacturer of glass blocks) decides to idle a 79 year old plant in Port Alleghany Pennsylvania and permanently lay off 75 workers. As someone who has bought Pittsburgh Corning (P.C) products, likes glass blocks as a building material or is a fan of U.S. made products here’s 3 questions you’ll want the answers to:

• (Question 1) Why did Pittsburgh Corning close their United States manufacturing plant making glass blocks? Could this plant closing have been stopped?

• (Question 2) I already have a window, shower wall or commercial project made with Pittsburgh Corning glass blocks (or was planning a future project with P.C. materials). What should I do now?

• (Question 3) What is the future of the glass block industry? Can I still use this product for my home or commercial building? What do the product options look like without Pittsburgh Corning in the market? Is the future of this industry bright or bleak?

I’ll explore this decision Pittsburgh Corning made (now almost 3 years ago) and give you a feeling how the market has evolved today.

Colored and frosted glass block shower wall checkerboard design Glass block sizes and colors in a random window pattern

Glass block sizes in a random window pattern

Glass blocks stacked on top of each other – that is the single glass block design known by most people. The cool thing is this building material doesn’t only provide a means for a functional window, shower, wall or bar (with one block stacked on top of each other) – it can create a one of a kind window, shower or wall design through the use of patterning as well. Here’s 3 tips to turn an ordinary project into an extraordinary one.   

Operable Casement Style Acrylic Block Bathroom window

I’ve been asked the question over and over – should I use glass blocks or acrylic blocks for my window project. While I will tell you I admittedly have a bias (I’ve been in the glass block business for over 25 years) my companies sell both glass and acrylic products and I try to recommend what’s best for the customer. Here are my pointers on how to choose between these 2 different materials:  

Vinyl framed glass block bathroom window used in a new home

Installing a glass block bathroom window in new construction framed openings has never been easier. Follow these simple steps to get a great looking window that is sized correctly the first time.