Building blocks: acrylic and glass blocks are attractive alternatives to standard glass units

Building Products, March-April, 2004 by Stephanie Herzfeld

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G.L. Downs Design. Made from clear acrylic, Windecor tiles, which make clear windows look like block units, come in three sizes. They adhere to the interior and/or exterior of existing windows with clear silicone sealant and can be cut or trimmed to specific dimensions. Each tile has an air pocket to help block out noise, says the maker. 800-741-0818. www.windecor.com. Circle 158.

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Seattle Glass Block. This glass block installation and distribution firm can fabricate block panels and partitions, floor systems, and more. It is developing a vinyl spacer system as well as glass-block design and estimation software in connection with Pittsburgh Corning. Many styles and designs are available for Various applications. 800-829-9419. www.seattleglass block.com. Circle 159

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Pacific Accent. Factory-assembled glass block units install like traditional windows and are available in more frame colors and shapes that any other similar product, claims the maker. The glass block can be used in applications including bath and shower windows and walls, sidelights and transoms, and kitchen cabinet trim. 888-522-4527. www.pacificaccent.com. Circle 160.

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Builders Accessories. Crystal View prefabricated glass block windows feature vinyl-clad aluminum frames and structural vinyl spacers. The 2-inch-thick glass block units come in several configurations in white, almond, and clay-color frames. They are lighter and easier to handle than thicker glass block windows, says the firm. Acrylic block products also available. 888-921-7086. www.acylicblcok.com. Circle 161.

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Acrylic Block Dos and DON'Ts

DO

* Use mild soap and water to clean after protective packaging is removed.

* Use approved cleaning products such as Fantastik, Tilex, Windex, or Clorox Clean up.

* Use furniture polish, such as Pledge, for added sparkle and to make the block even easier to clean in the future.

DON'T

* Use cleaning products containing gritty abrasives.

* Use brushes or scrub.

RELATED ARTICLE: Beyond bathrooms.

In addition to shower and window applications, acrylic and glass block products are being used to create interior walls, spruce up kitchen islands and cabinets, and add focal points in many parts of the home.

"Now we're doing floors, stairways, hallways, and stair treads with it," says Brian Wright of Seattle Glass Block. His firm recently created a deck with block accents, though he admits that's not the norm.

And for those who want the look of block but don't want acrylic or glass units, G.L. Downs Design makes acrylic stick-on tiles that look like the real deal.

"The pieces adhere to existing windows and doors to allow sunlight to come in but obsecure the view," says company president Gary Downs.

Clearly, block looks are big.--S.H.