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Real Glass Block vs. Plastic (Acrylic) Block You’ll See The Difference! |
Professional builders need access to a broad assortment of products of every type to find the items that fit any particular job. They consider installation requirements to match products to the overall building system.
The introduction of acrylic (plastic) block has been used to simulate real glass block and often used for architecturally stylish applications. However, it is a realization that the savings doesn't always come when you write the check. Many of our clients have labored over which product to use. They consider how much these features are worth.
- Glass blocks improve energy efficiency just as the air gap does for standard double-pane thermal window glass. When the two hollow glass block halves are fused together under heat, the air inside them contracts as it cools. This creates a partial vacuum to increase the insulation level. Acrylic block halves are not fused under heat when they are assembled, so the partial vacuum is not created.
- Glass Block is 6 1/2 times harder than plastic or acrylic block. Even routine cleaning on acrylic with a paper towel will cause surface abrasions.
- Acrylic is more easily scratched by other subcontractors during construction or the installation of windows.
- Real glass block windows and acrylic block windows may look similar at first. But over time, the differences become all too clear as acrylic block windows can become cloudy, scratched, faded, or cracked. And that's just from using ordinary household cleaners. So do you really want to risk using acrylic block in your next project?
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Safe Cleaning Products | |
| Acrylic/Plastic Block | Real Glass Block | | Window cleaner w/ammonia | NO | YES | | Lysol Tub & Tile cleaner | NO | YES | | Lysol Disinfectant spray | NO | YES | | Pinesol | NO | YES | | Dow Disinfectant Bathroom cleaner | NO | YES | Bathroom Cleansers
| NO | YES | Glass Cleansers
| NO | YES | After hower Sprays
| NO | YES |
- Real glass block and our PVC frame can be cleaned with any routine household cleaner, including those listed above without any damage
- Acrylic windows require an extra 1 3/4" rough opening, which many times on a late option request would require extra framing changes. More frame means less light!
- Unlike the alternatives, such as acrylic block, the light that radiates from real glass block gives a “diamond-like” sparkle and is more elegantly refracted into various rays of sunlight around the room.
- Repairs of our glass block window can be done without removing the window.
- Real glass block projects a higher value and a better image to the builder. Appearance characteristics are important and must always be in keeping with the prevailing style of the home and the tastes of the homeowners. Glass block promotes a higher image and value.
From making a dramatic entrance to bringing splash to bath, you can do it with glass block. Perhaps no other building material combines the unique combination of timeless beauty, practicality and flexibility, as well as the added benefits of privacy, security and insulation.
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