Today, most glass blocks are constructed with a hollow cavity or spacing between two panes of glass. They offer some benefits like a lower cost and lighter weight without losing much in the way of functional or structural strength. In some cases, the hollow construction of a glass block is not enough. Sometimes there is a need for a solid glass block.
The construction of a glass block that is made of solid glass makes for clearer visibility, more durability, and more resistant to vandals. Solid glass blocks are even more bullet resistant than the hollow glass blocks. The great thing is that these solid glass bricks can be made into many of the same shapes and sizes as their thinline hollow counterparts.
Properties of Solid Glass
There is a host of properties that make the use of solid glass for blocks very appealing to some people. For one, a solid glass block is much more noise resistant. The solid glass creates a thick barrier which can dampen or cut out the sound altogether of trains, traffic, large crowds, emergency sirens, and even heavy machinery. Many people like to use solid glass as part of an outside wall for these very properties.
A block of solid glass can also be manufactured to be resistant to bullets. These types of glass blocks are not only strong in their support strength but also strong in impact strength. These types of glass blocks can be constructed to meet up to six different levels of bullet resistance from handguns to high impact ballistics. It is incredible how strong these solid glass blocks can be.
Another great property of solid glass in the construction of glass blocks is the light transmission. Solid glass does not deflect any light whatsoever and allows all of the visible light to pass through. There is no loss of light with these types of blocks. The glass blocks will completely light up a room in an instant.
The ability to resist fire is another great quality of solid glass for blocks. Solid glass is typically thicker than any other type of glass block, which means there is more protection from direct heat. Glass can typically withstand higher temperatures than most other materials. Most are rated to withstand at least 45 minutes of direct contact with fire before the structural integrity is compromised. The solid glass block can withstand even greater levels of fire resistance.
Solid glass offers a lot of other benefits that other types of glass blocks cannot provide. The main properties are strength and safety though. This type of construction can withstand literally hundreds of pounds of force per square inch. This functional strength makes the use of solid glass great for outer wall enclosures or glass window frames.
The Quality Glass Block and Window Company has been one of the leading wholesale loose glass block suppliers. Some of the quality products include solid glass block for rooms, shower kits, entryways and more.