Solid & Fire Rated Glass Blocks

Solid glass brick and glass blocks are a sound solution for both commercial buildings and residential homes alike. Fire-rated and solid glass blocks can provide bullet, vandal, fire, and graffiti-resistant solutions which save money for owners of commercial, residential, retail, and architectural buildings while providing a contemporary look. Solid glass bricks are available in colors and sizes for divider and partition walls and even glass block showers.

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Solid & Fire Rated Glass Blocks

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Increased fire resistance

If you own a cluster home in a limited lot residential community, your building codes can require windows with fire 60 or 90 minute fire ratings. Additionally, fire-rated windows are often required in non-residential construction (for example, in stairwells in schools, hospitals, parking garages, etc.). Whether you choose the solid vistabrik glass blocks or the 60 or 90 minute units, you’ll be secure knowing you have the maximum protection vs. fires in adjoining units.
Noise reduction and soundproofing

City dwellers or homeowners on busy streets will find glass block windows significantly reduce noise levels from traffic, etc., and provide a quieter space. The solid 3” thick Vistabrik has a sound transmission class (STC) rating of 53, while the 60- and 90-minute units have an STC rating of 48. (The average STC rating for a double-pane window is 28, in comparison.)
Improved security

The thicker-faced products (which are 50% to 300% thicker than standard glass blocks) provides a high level of security and makes vandalism and break-ins difficult. Additionally, these units improve security while still providing natural light in workspaces, which has been shown to improve productivity.
Stylish partition and divider walls

Whether you’re using this solid glass bricks in a retail location or residential home, the look of partition or shower walls with colored solid glass bricks demands attention.
Bullet and graffiti-resistant

The 3” thick solid glass bricks resist penetrations from high-impact weapons. The non-stick glass surface makes it easier to remove graffiti.
Increased privacy without sacrificing design

These masonry units are available in three patterns to complement your décor and two obscure glass designs to make your interior space more private.
Decreased maintenance costs

Replacing broken commercial or residential glass window sashes can be time-consuming and expensive – thick, solid block windows will greatly reduce repair costs.

Solid & Fire-Rated Glass Block Products & Uses

3″ Thick Vistabrik Solid Security Glass Blocks

These heavyweight (an 8″ x 8″ x 3″ unit weighs approximately 15 lbs.) solid glass blocks can be used in a window or wall designed for either an obscure or a clear view. They offer high-impact strength, low maintenance, good sound insulation, and flexibility to make curved walls and can be easily replaced and cleaned. These units are UL classified for use in 45-, 60-, and 90-minute fire-rated window assemblies. They’re available in 8″ x 8″ x 3″ clear, 8″ x 8″ x 3″ stippled finish, 6″ x 8″ x 3″ and 4″ x 8″ x 3″ clear sizes.

Sizes & Pattern Options:

Clear 8″ x 8″ x 3″
Clear 6″ x 8″ x 3″
Clear 4″ x 8″ x 3″
Obscure (stippled) 8″ x 8″ x 3″

vistabrik-solid
vistabrik-stippled

60- and 90-Minute Thicker-Faced Safety Glass Blocks

Thick faced fire-rated glass blocks provide all the benefits of traditional blocks, but they also offer improved UL fire ratings, higher levels of security, lower maintenance costs, sound deadening, and an improved look for an industrial, commercial, or architectural building.

Sizes & Pattern Options:

60-minute (face thickness of 3/8″)

Clear pattern- 8″ x 8″ x 4″
Wave pattern – 8″ x 8″ x 4″

Thickset 90-minute (face thickness of 3/4″)

Clear pattern, 6″ x 6″ x 4″
Wave pattern, 6″ x 6″ x 4″
Clear pattern, 8″ x 8″ x 4″
Wave pattern, 8″ x 8″ x 4″
Endura pattern, 8″ x 8″ x 4″

Solid and Colored Glass Bricks

Create eye-popping divider walls, shower walls or plant stands with this cool line of clear and colored glass bricks. They combine the traditional strength of a brick the the light-moving properties of glass for a one of a kind walls.

These colored and clear glass bricks are available in the following sizes so you can create a wall with blocks stacked on top each other or a in a traditional brick ‘running bond’ (staggered) pattern:

9 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ x 2″
4 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ x 2″

Clear and colored solid glass bricks can be installed using a mortar or structural silicone installation system. An unsupported area should be limited to 40 square feet. Maximum dimensions in height and width should be limited to 10 feet or less.

Where to Use Solid Glass Bricks and Fire Rated Glass Blocks

Gyms and recreation facilities. Gymnasiums are excellent places to use thick-faced or solid glass block because they stand up to balls bounding into the walls.
Schools, hospitals, and libraries.
Elevated walkways and parking garages. Walkways in airports and parking garages are smart places for glass blocks with fire ratings and solid Vistabrik’s glass bricks.
Stairwells, shelters, and walls in transit stations, jails, detention centers, courthouses, police stations, and embassies. Solid glass units provide security without giving up light or looks. These fire-rated and solid glass bricks have been used in stadiums, detention centers and transit shelters.
Windows in factories and manufacturing plants and buildings. These blocks provide better protection against vandals and much better insulation than the single pane windows they tend to replace.
Limited lot residential communities where homes, apartments, or condominiums are close together. Get light into bathroom, showers, kitchens, or virtually any space where privacy is an issue.

Installation

Installation of 60-minute glass blocks

60-minute units can be used in both masonry and non-masonry (wood- or steel-framed) windows and walls. The assemblies must be anchored with specially designed panel anchors and/or inside a U-shaped aluminum channel. Use a fire-retardant sealant at the top (head) and sides (jambs) of the opening.

Installation of 90-minute glass blocks

90-minute blocks are UL-rated for window openings only. They must be framed and anchored with 1/4” thick steel (not aluminum) channeling. A fire-rated sealant should be used at the head and jambs; 3/4” expansion material is required as well.

If you need design, supply, or installation assistance with a fire-rated safety or security solid glass block window or wall, call or fill out our free consultation form.