discussion   |   photos   |   email   |   myProfile   |   home          Login Now | Sign Up


Forum Index


New As Posted | Active Subjects



Click to Post a New Message!

Discussion Boards > Active Subjects > Messages as Posted > Other Home Building Forum

Page [ 1 ] | 2 | | Next >>
Reply | Pop Up Window Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo
 02-13-2008, 22:15 Post: 151337
hardwood

TP Contributor

Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: iowa
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster
Posts: 3582

3
Filter by User
 R value of glass blocks

I'm thinking of replacing some conventional basement windows with glass blocks for possibly better insulating qualitys of the glass blocks over the regular windows. Any body have any experience good or bad doing this? Frank.






Reply to PostReply | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo




Bookmarks: Digg It | Del.icio.us |
 02-13-2008, 22:42 Post: 151339
kwschumm



View my Photos

View my Photos  Pics
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: NW Oregon
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster
Posts: 5764

2
Filter by User
 R value of glass blocks

See this link for one brand, other brands might be different. This could be spendy, you might price out some efficient fiberglass windows for comparison (probably better insulation too).

Edit: Whoops, forgot the link the first time. Here it is.






Link:   Glass block R value 

Reply to PostReply | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo




Bookmarks: Digg It | Del.icio.us |
 02-13-2008, 23:29 Post: 151341
candoarms



View my Photos

View my Photos  Pics
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: North Dakota
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster
Posts: 1930
 R value of glass blocks

Hardwood,

You'll need to be careful that you don't violate some fire code when doing this.

Basement windows must now meet certain fire codes, in size, height, and opening........to provide for an escape.

I have no idea whether or not this applies to you, or your situation. However, I hate to see you go through the trouble and expense, only to find out that what you did was a violation, and must be removed.

Joel






Reply to PostReply | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo




Bookmarks: Digg It | Del.icio.us |
 02-14-2008, 08:09 Post: 151344
kwschumm



View my Photos

View my Photos  Pics
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: NW Oregon
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster
Posts: 5764

2
Filter by User
 R value of glass blocks

Joel brings up a good point about egress requirements.

Another issue may be ventilation. Maybe during nice weather you'd like to open your basement windows to air it out a bit? Glass blocks would make that a little tough Smile






Reply to PostReply | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo




Bookmarks: Digg It | Del.icio.us |
 02-14-2008, 08:22 Post: 151345
kthompson



View my Photos

View my Photos  Pics
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: South Carolina
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster
Posts: 5139

3
Filter by User
 R value of glass blocks

Hardwood, we built again completing it in 2000. We have block window beside a tub on a West facing wall. Not something I wanted buy my wife and builder thought a great idea and was an in thing then, not sure if now here. Great engery hole in the wall or our's is. This past year we installed an insulated blind over it and that helped a ton. The western sun heated that bath room by at least 5 degrees in summer and the heat loss in the winter was maybe 3 degrees. You can not put any kind of tinting on the inside if the window due to the texture design (our's any way). It did let a lot of light in and even with the insulated bind lets enough in for noraml bath room use in daylight.

They could be improved them greatly or we may have the worst brand, but our builder was very careful on such and it is my guess at the time we built they were in the top of ratings. Could you install the self contained storm windows over your current window at lower cost and better insulation? Should also solve the other points Ken and Joel mentioned. kt

Oh, did I say, you can see more through them then you may think? An object close to them at night can be seen right well.






Reply to PostReply | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo




Bookmarks: Digg It | Del.icio.us |
 02-14-2008, 13:45 Post: 151369
hardwood

TP Contributor

Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: iowa
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster
Posts: 3582

3
Filter by User
 R value of glass blocks

Hey that's a great link on glass blocks, more information there than my wifes weekly hair salon visit. I checked the code, no egress windows are required unless you run a busniess in a basement, but I'm going to leave a couple just for that reason. We bought kind of a spec house last fall for something to keep out of the bar, it was built in 1950 when energy costs were of little concern, so this home has 13 basement windows. So far we have replaced the original first floor windows and doors with new high effeciency units. So from the replys I think we will get some better conventioan units rather than the glass blocks.. Thanks again. Frank.






Reply to PostReply | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo




Bookmarks: Digg It | Del.icio.us |
 02-14-2008, 15:04 Post: 151370
kthompson



View my Photos

View my Photos  Pics
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: South Carolina
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster
Posts: 5139

3
Filter by User
 R value of glass blocks

Hardwood, if you don't need to open the windows and want a sealed unit, talk with a local glass shop. Some can get you insulated windows pane only, that go into your own framed unit. My in laws did that on a screened in porch and worked great. kt






Reply to PostReply | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo




Bookmarks: Digg It | Del.icio.us |
 02-14-2008, 15:23 Post: 151372
Murf



View my Photos

View my Photos  Pics
Join Date: Dec 1999
Location: Toronto Area, Ontario, Canada
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster
Posts: 7054
 R value of glass blocks

Frank I missed this thread somehow along the way.

Kenneth's last comment was an excellent one. You can buy what are called "fixed unit" which are basically windows that don't open. They are a LOT cheaper than a conventional window.

IMHO, the way to do it would be to replace all but a few with 'fixed units' and the remainder with opening windows for ventilation.

However, I would add a strong recommendation to replace ALL of them with conventional opening windows. At some point you are going to sell that house, the difference in cost will come back to many times over in higher resale value.

Best of luck.






Reply to PostReply | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo




Bookmarks: Digg It | Del.icio.us |
 02-14-2008, 18:01 Post: 151377
earthwrks

TP Contributor

View my Photos

View my Photos  Pics
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Home Office in Flat Rock, Michigan
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster
Posts: 3853
 R value of glass blocks

So Kenny, I take it the charges were dropped---I mean about the fact that you know you (or the neighbors, perhaps?) can see more than one would think being close to the wind'rs 'n' all. You weren't doing some sort of "shadow hand puppet" show were you? eeewwww!






Reply to PostReply | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo




Bookmarks: Digg It | Del.icio.us |
 02-14-2008, 19:13 Post: 151379
hardwood

TP Contributor

Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: iowa
TractorPoint Premium Member -- 5 Tractors = Very Frequent Poster
Posts: 3582

3
Filter by User
 R value of glass blocks

I've forgotten the size of the first floor windows we replaced, but they were a standard size, so no special order size was needed. We priced them at Lowes and Menards, they were about 180.00 each carryout, but weren't of a quality that the local utility company classifys as "Energy Star" which would qualify for a 25 dollar per window rebate. We had the local lumber yard order them from "Hayfield Window" from, Hayfield Minnesota. They were about 300.00 each installed and qualified for the "Energy Star" rebate. We had 15 windows and two doors replaced. I was so amazed at how absolute each window fit the old opening. The rep measured every window before he ordered them, and every one reminded me of the sound of puting the lid on a foam cooler, they fit that good. So I think I've answered my own question, I'll call the same lumberyard and order the replacments from him. Thanks for all the info. Frank.






Reply to PostReply | Quote Post Reply to PostQuote Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo




Bookmarks: Digg It | Del.icio.us |
Reply | Pop Up Window Reply | Add PhotoAdd Photo


Page [ 1 ] | 2 | | Next >>

Discussion Boards > Active Subjects > Messages as Posted > Other Home Building Forum

Thread 151337 Filter by Poster:
candoarms 1 | earthwrks 1 | hardwood 3 | kthompson 3 | kwschumm 2 | Murf 1 |

 (advanced search)

Picture of the Day
Coachlarry

John Deere Gator - Input shaft spline or keyed
Input shaft spline or keyed


Unanswered Questions

Gas Generator Weather Protecti
Horse Injured Polyrope Electri
Do electric fences keep out de
Any Peruvian Paso Owners Out T
gas powered post driver
My new born foal is really sic
Trailer Axle
dump trailer blueprints


Active Subjects

Gas Generator Weather Protecti
Went to see Dennis Reis this w
Signs to look for prior to lab
leg injury
Broodmare has welts all over h
Some Christmas Humor For Horse
poles in the ground vs. concre
ever thought about moving?


Hot Topics

new app owner
Some Christmas Humor For Horse
Any Peruvian Paso Owners Out T
Heating a Garage
Gas Generator Weather Protecti
Do electric fences keep out de
gas powered post driver
Trailer Axle


Featured Suppliers

Mountain Creek Labradoodles
      MountainCreekLabradoodles.com





New Forums on Gun Sport Shooting and Hunting -- BarrelPoint.com  New Forums on Horses ManePoint.com
Talk Horses at ManePoint
Hunting + Gun Sports at BarrelPoint



Most Viewed

+ Chainsaw sharpeners
+ Master Shield Gutter Protection - Anyone have them
+ Woodburning Stoves
+ This is to Every one
+ Gutter Helmet Review
+ Gas vs Electric range for cooking
+ GM 100 000 mile warranty
+ WELL WATER
+ Is a Maytag still a Maytag
+ Best Pressure Washer for Father s Day

Most Discussion

+ Master Shield Gutter Protectio
+ Best Pressure Washer for Fathe
+ Chainsaw sharpeners
+ This is to Every one
+ Woodburning Stoves
+ GM 100 000 mile warranty
+ Is a Maytag still a Maytag
+ Any Piano Players out there
+ WELL WATER
+ Storing Pressure treated Post

Newest Topics

+ Frost Heave Asphalt Driveway Crack Repair
+ Woodpecker damages house siding
+ Basement Sump pump impact on House Sale
+ Removing Alligatored Lead Paint
+ Metal Roofing Prices
+ HVAC Clogged Condensate pan or lines
+ wet insulation
+ Loose brick on Hearth
+ Attic condensation Leak exhaust duct
+ Master Shield Gutter Protection - Anyone have them
















Turbochargers for Tractors and Industrial Machines
Cab Glass for Tractors and Industrial Machines

Alternators for Tractors and Industrial Machines
Radiators for Tractors and Industrial Machines

Driveline Components for Tractors and Industrial Machines
Starter Motors for Tractors and Industrial Machines